Capital Metro Authority Capital Metro Russell Extension Project - Preliminary Environmental Assessment
Figure 5.1 Non-Aboriginal heritage and historical archaeology site within the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project alignment
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5.2.3 Potential impacts
Aboriginal heritage
The proposed Russell Extension Project alignment has been assessed for its potential to include Aboriginal archaeological and cultural sites. The assessment found that it was unlikely for either archaeological or cultural sites to exist within or in relation to the proposed Russell Extension corridor. The proposed works would therefore not impact upon places of Aboriginal heritage values along this alignment.
There are no further requirements for assessment of Aboriginal heritage values for the proposed Russell Extension Project. Adequate environmental management measures would be developed and implemented during the construction of the Project to manage potential impacts to any unexpected Aboriginal heritage item uncovered during construction.
Non-Aboriginal heritage and historical archaeology
The Project has the potential to have an impact on listed and nominated heritage places and objects along its route. Generally, this would comprise potential impacts on the setting of heritage places and objects, rather than direct impacts on their fabric. These impacts could arise from placing new elements, such as substations, within significant settings of heritage places, or by the stops and shelters or associated infrastructure blocking important views to heritage places along London Circuit, Constitution Avenue or Russell Drive.
Overall, the approach taken to the design and development of the Russell Extension Project, based on a detailed understanding of the heritage values of the heritage places along the Project alignment, has contributed positively to an appropriate approach which minimise or avoids heritage impacts. The approach has included minimising the visual presence of the Project through the use of wire-free technology; at-grade embedded tracks within the Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit, Constitution Avenue and Russell Drive roadways; and lightweight steel-framed and glazed stops. This approach means that the light rail would not appear as an intrusion in the significant landscape of the Parliamentary Triangle, and other heritage elements such as the Australian War Memorial and Memorial Parade.
Similarly, while the Russell Terminus does not respond to the symmetrical design of the Russell Precinct Heritage Area, it has been sited outside key views to and from the precinct from Kings Avenue and designed to be recessive in scale and materials to the buildings of the precinct. Nevertheless, the terminus would have a minor impact on the urban design qualities of the Russell Precinct Heritage Area. Future development of Russell as set out in NCP Amendment 60 – Constitution Avenue would assist in further mitigating this minor impact.
The Project would require the relocation of one of the custom-designed street light poles located along Anzac Parade. In order to mitigate this impact, the opposite street light pole would also be relocated (up to three metres to the south) to retain the symmetry of these poles. Minor visual impacts from construction works and hoardings in the Australian War Memorial and Memorial Parade would be fully mitigated on completion of construction through the removal of any hoardings.
No heritage places and objects registered on or nominated to the ACT Heritage Register are likely to be subject to direct physical impacts as a result of the proposal. There would also be minimal to no visual impacts on heritage places and objects on either side of the Russell extension corridor. Additionally, with respect to potential impacts to historical archaeological values, the route is also considered to have a low likelihood for the existence of non-Aboriginal historical archaeological remains. Therefore the Russell Extension Project is considered unlikely to impact upon non-Aboriginal historical archaeological remains.
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A detailed heritage impact assessment would be undertaken as part of any future environmental assessment of the Russell Extension Project to future detail and assess the potential impacts and propose mitigation measures to existing non-Aboriginal heritage items along the Russell Extension Project alignment.
Further discussion regarding the potential impacts listed/nominated heritage places and objects is provided in Chapter 6 of the Heritage Impact Assessment (GML Heritage, 2015) attached as Appendix A of this report.
5.3 Noise and vibration
A preliminary Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment of the Russell Project was undertaken by SLR Consulting Pty Ltd (SLR) in June 2015 with the aim of identifying potential noise and vibration impacts as a result of the Russell Extension Project. A summary is provided below with the full report provided as Appendix B – Capital Metro – Russell Extension: Preliminary Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (SLR, 2015).
5.3.1 Existing environment
The Russell Extension Project would be located in urban environments of the ACT and relatively close to suburban parts of Reid and Campbell. The extension would sit primarily within established road transportation corridors, including the revised road network associated with the Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade structure plan identified in Appendix T8 of the National Capital Plan. The Russell Extension alignment would pass through, or adjacent to:
Canberra City Parkes Reid Campbell Russell.
The existing ambient noise environment surrounding the Russell Extension alignment is variable, with road traffic noise the primary influence. In addition to road traffic, the ambient noise environment within the CBD is influenced by general urban noise from mechanical plant and pedestrian activities. Existing noise levels are generally higher in the Canberra Civic centre than in the surrounding suburbs. During the evening and night- time in the suburban areas the ambient noise decreases in locations where road traffic decreases from daytime volumes.
Noise and vibrations sensitive receptors
A series of existing noise and vibrations sensitive receptors have been identified along the Russell Extension Project alignment. These include residential properties, education institutions (such as the Canberra Institute of Technology), commercial properties, places of worship (such as the Canberra City Uniting Church and St Johns the Baptist Church and Rectory) and other sites (such as the Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra Theatre Centre and the Canberra Civic Library). Initial consideration of the identified sensitive receivers has noted that residential premises and the Canberra Theatre Centre are likely to be the most sensitive receivers along the Russell Extension Project alignment.
The proposal area has been divided into two main precinct areas. These precincts reflect the land uses adjacent to the proposal and are detailed in Table 5.3, together with corresponding Noise Catchment (NCs) that have been used to represent each of the precincts. The location of the NCs is indicated on the figures provided in the Preliminary Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (SLR, 2015) attached as Appendix B.
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Table 5.3 identifies the typical minimum distances between the Russell Extension Project and the nearest sensitive receivers (residential or special receivers).
Table 5.3 Existing noise and vibration sensitive receptors
Noise Receptor Minimum horizontal distance Description Address catchment area type from alignment (m)1
NC 01.01 Novotel 65 Northbourne Avenue Hotel 25
Civic Canberra City Uniting 69 Northbourne Avenue Place of 25 Church Worship
Canberra Museum and 176 London Circuit Art Gallery 10 Gallery
Canberra Theatre Civic Square Theatre 85 Centre
Canberra Civic Library Civic Square Library 60
ACT Legislative 196 London Circuit Legislative 10 Assembly Assembly
National Convention 31 Constitution Avenue Convention 15 Centre Centre
NCA01.02 Canberra Institute of 37 Constitution Avenue Education 20 Technology institution Reid, Campbell, Parkes, Russell The Jamison 43 Constitution Avenue Mixed use 10 to 15 Apartments residential
St Johns The Baptist 45 Constitution Avenue Church and 30 to 35 Church and Rectory residence
Recently rezoned for Blocks 130 to 133, Mixed use 15 to 20 development as multi- Section 5 Campbell residential unit residential
Mixed Use Residential 65 Constitution Avenue Mixed use 20 Under Construction residential
Single Unit Residential Getting Crescent Residential 80 in southern Campbell
Note 1: Typical horizontal distance to nearest building façade. Distances are approximate and rounded to nearest 5 m, and will depend on the position of the alignment within the road corridor.
Further details regarding the existing noise and vibrations sensitive receptors that have been identified are provided in section 3.2 of the Preliminary Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (SLR, 2015) attached as Appendix B.
Noise surveys have not been undertaken as part of the Russell Extension Project preliminary assessment. If surveys were to be undertaken, currently they would be expected to be unduly affected by construction activity on Constitution Avenue and at residential developments in Campbell, thereby not providing an accurate representation of the existing environment. However, measurements made in 2010 during the design of a mixed use development in Reid (Jamison Apartments, 43 Constitution Avenue) have been considered as part of the Russell Extension Project and are summarised in Appendix B for reference.
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5.3.2 Potential impacts
Construction noise and vibration impacts
The construction of the Russell Extension Project would result in noise and vibration impacts to surrounding land uses and sensitive receivers. Activities with the potential to result in significant noise and vibration impacts include the construction of light rail stops, the demolition of existing road pavement, relocation of services and utilities, bridge construction works, and the installation of light rail tracks and associated ancillary infrastructure (e.g. overhead wires). Noise from construction traffic could also impact on sensitive receivers.
At any particular location, the potential impacts can vary greatly depending on factors such as the relative proximity of sensitive receptors, the overall duration of the construction works, the intensity of the noise and vibration levels, the time at which the construction works are undertaken and the character of the noise or vibration emissions. The extent of construction noise and vibration impacts would be dependent on the construction sequencing adopted, plant and equipment used, working hours (e.g. standard working hours or out-of-hours works) and the distance to surrounding receivers.
While the Russell Extension Project would be undertaken as a separate stage to the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project, it is possible that some stages of construction may overlap. However, given the transient nature of the proposed works for Stage 2 (and the considerable shorter duration of the Russell Extension Project that the anticipated Stage 1 construction period of three years), the duration of potential impacts to any individual receiver would be minimal.
The most noise intensive works are expected to be road excavation activities which may require use of rock breakers. These impacts are expected to last for about two weeks in total at any single receiver during the main construction works (works taking place along the length of the alignment). Receivers near to a proposed stop location would also be likely to be impacted by additional excavation activities over about one week as part of stop construction.
There is also the potential for vibration impacts to several vibration sensitive buildings along the route. The major potential sources of vibration from the proposed construction activities are during vibratory rolling, vibratory piling and when using a rock breaking attachment on an excavator. Vibratory rolling is a potential activity during stop construction and potentially elsewhere during establishment of work areas. Rock breaking has been identified as a potential activity along the alignment, if required for excavation works. These activities may result in impacts to any vibration sensitive equipment or receivers along the Russell Extension Project alignment during construction.
Restriction of construction hours
Around the City Centre (London Circuit), along Constitution Avenue and Russell Drive, the relatively high volume of pedestrians and traffic that use the areas each day mean that there are many areas where interface constraints may limit the hours upon which construction works can take place safely. Working outside of standard construction hours would allow contractors to spread the workload from peak to non- peak periods where there are less traffic and pedestrian impacts. It would allow the works to be less constrained which would reduce the impacts to businesses, residents and pedestrians.
Similar constraints apply to working in other precincts and it is likely that extended hours into the night-time would be required for some activities. Work which is undertaken out-of-hours would increase the potential for adverse noise impacts on some surrounding sensitive receivers. This approach, however, could also result in an overall reduction in the total duration of construction for some receivers.
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Compound sites
For the Russell Extension Project, two compound sites are proposed to be utilised throughout the construction period. This includes the western car park located on London Circuit (currently proposed for use as part of the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project) and a construction compound located on Russell Drive. The construction compound located on Russell Drive is in an area away from sensitive residential receivers. Therefore, this additional construction compound is not likely to trigger significant noise impact.
As part of the required environmental approvals for the Russell Extension Project, an assessment approach for the Russell Extension Project, based on a review of existing rail noise and vibration criteria and regulatory framework from other states and territories, would be developed. This would be undertaken in consultation with the EPD and the EPA. A Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan (CNVMP) would also be developed which would include construction noise and vibration mitigation measures identified as part of the environmental approvals.
Operational noise and vibration impacts
Light rail vehicles, light rail stops and interchanges, depot/maintenance areas and traffic management changes along the Russell Extension Project alignment would generate airborne noise and vibration impacts. The key parameters that would influence the level of airborne noise would include light rail vehicle speeds, wheel condition, rail condition, track features, rolling stock design and receiver distance.
Airborne noise during operation
The primary source of airborne noise from light rail would originate at the wheel-rail interface as a result of surface irregularities on the wheel and/or rail running surfaces and interaction forces. During a LRV passby, the wheel, bogies, rail and rail support system vibrate and transfer this energy to the surrounding environment as airborne noise. The key influences on airborne noise are the LRV speed, the condition of the wheel and rail, the LRV length, number of LRV passby events and the design of the LRV and track. The level of airborne noise experienced at a receptor is dependent upon the distance to the track and the presence of natural or man-made barriers between the light rail and the receptor which can impede the propagation of noise.
Based on the current road transport adjacent to the proposed route, the existing noise along the alignment is likely to be already above the light rail LAeq noise trigger levels. Whilst the Russell Extension Project would introduce a new noise source to the receptor environments, the potential noise impacts would be limited to whether the light rail noise would be audible above road traffic noise and other localised noise sources. The maximum noise levels from light rail are likely to be audible, but at a level that is similar to or less than the maximum noise levels from road traffic, particularly from heavy vehicles.
Vibration during operation
Vibration impacts are generally evaluated in terms of the potential for damage to buildings and other structures, the potential disturbance to building occupants and the potential impact upon sensitive measurement equipment (in high technology facilities). Operational vibration impacts would primarily be associated with the movement of light rail vehicles. Parameters that would influence the vibration levels at surrounding land uses would include the speed of light rail vehicles, wheel condition, rail condition, track features and receiver distance.
Currently, no facilities have been identified along the Russell Extension Project alignment that are likely to be highly sensitive and susceptible to vibration (such as, hospitals and laboratories that use equipment that is susceptible to vibration). The potential impacts would be examined in greater as part of the environmental assessment of the Project. In addition to the noise and vibration sources themselves, the extent of noise and vibration impacts on any individual receiver would depend on the transmission paths from the source to the receiver.
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Ground-borne noise during operation
Ground-borne noise results from the transmission of vibration rather than the direct transmission of noise through the air. The vibration is generated by the wheel/rail interaction and is transmitted from the track via the ground into the building structure. The vibration energy can cause the floor and walls to faintly vibrate and radiate the energy as airborne noise within the building. Ground-borne noise has a low frequency ‘rumbling’ characteristic. In comparison to conventional heavy rail or underground rail proposals, ground- borne noise is less of an issue for light rail as the LRVs generally operate at lower speeds than heavy rail systems.
The Russell Extension route would generally be on or adjacent to existing road traffic networks which, along with the airborne noise of the LRVs, would generate airborne noise which would be expected to mask ground-borne noise at many receivers.
A detailed ground-borne noise assessment has not been undertaken at this preliminary stage. Based on currently available information, there is potential for the LASmax noise trigger level to be exceeded at sensitive locations such as residential buildings, the Legislative Assembly and the National Convention Centre. The potential impacts will be examined in greater detail during the detailed design stage.
Fixed noise sources
The alignment will include at least four groups of fixed noise sources; electrical substations and stops (both distributed along the route), the stabling facility and the Russell Bus Interchange. It is expected that the EPA would require that fixed noise sources are assessed according to the zone noise limits that are identified in the ACT Environment Protection Regulation and the ACT Territory Plan and National Capital Plan.
The noise limit for each receiver will depend on the particular Land Use Zone identified for the receiving land parcel. Land parcels with residential use codes RZ1 to RZ5 and CZ4 have the most onerous noise limits, particularly after 10.00 pm at night where the noise limit is 35dB(A). The following findings were made with respect to the potential impacts of the Russell Extension Project:
stabling depot and maintenance facility – further assessment should be undertaken to determine the additional impact due to the additional stabling tracks as required to service the Russell Extension substations – due to the proximity of the substation to boundaries of existing premises, it is likely that each substation will require mitigation stops- the noise impacts from the operation of the PA systems at stops are likely to be minimal and the PA systems can be readily designed to comply with the ACT Zone Noise Standards Russell bus interchange – receivers in the vicinity of the Russell terminus are offices, rather than more sensitive receiver types. Therefore, noise from a relatively small interchange is unlikely to pose a significant project risk.
Noise and vibration impacts associated with the Russell Extension Project would be assessed as part of the environmental approvals for the Russell Extension Project, and measures would be identified to be adopted (during construction and operation) to minimise any adverse effects. Noise and vibration impacts from the Russell Extension Project are likely to be managed through detailed an operational management plan, targeting directly affected receivers.
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5.4 Traffic and transport
A Traffic and Transport Impact Assessment of the Russell Extension Project was undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff in August 2015 with the aim of identifying potential traffic and transport impacts associated by the Project. A summary of this assessment is provided below with the report provided in full as Appendix C – Russell Extension Traffic and Transport Impact Assessment (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2015a).
5.4.1 Existing environment
Traffic network
The road network encompassed within the Russell Extension Project corridor consists of arterial roads joining Civic to Russell and the associated intersections to adjoining roadways. As shown in Figure 4.1, the Project alignment includes Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit, Constitution Avenue and Russell Drive. In addition, to the aforementioned roads in the Project corridor, several roads have been considered as part of the wider network, which are used as alternate and additional routes within the local area. These roads include, Vernon Circle, Marcus Clarke Street, Edinburgh Avenue, and Parkes Way.
Further details regarding the existing road network is provided in section 2.1 of the Traffic and Transport Impact Assessment (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2015a).
Parking and property access
Currently there is limited on-street parking along the Russell Extension Project alignment with the exception of the some loading and bus zones along Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit, and Constitution Avenue and some limited (1 hour) parking spaces along Russell Drive. In addition, a number of off-street parking facilities have street access from the Russell Extension Project corridor and/or are located near the corridor, consisting of both privately operated and public facilities. Public off-street parking facilities along the Russell Extension Project corridor are estimated to provide approximately 3,000 spaces.
Given the access function of many of the roads along the Project corridor, there are numerous property accesses and driveways, in particular entrances and exits to parking facilities.
Pedestrian and cyclist usage
Along the Russell Extension Project corridor significant pedestrian infrastructure is currently provided, however compared to other sections of Canberra, cycling infrastructure is currently less established. Current cycle facilities along the corridor include:
City – cycle lanes exist in both directions along London Circuit between Northbourne Avenue and Petrie Plaza. Constitution Avenue – currently cycle lanes exist only between Anzac Parade and Blamey Crescent. However, as part of the Constitution Avenue upgrade that is being completed separate to this project, a dedicated two-way cycle path would extend the length of the project on the southern verge of Constitution Avenue. Russell – no cycle lanes currently exist.
Pedestrian access represents a significant proportion of access to the Project corridor as well as providing access to business, community or government offices within the corridor. Pedestrian footpaths are typically provided on one or both sides of the road and signalised pedestrian crossings are provided at intersections along the length of the Project.
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Public transport
Within Canberra, public transport consists solely of a bus network operating throughout the wider region. Bus journeys within the Canberra region are estimated to represent approximately eight per cent of journey to work trips (Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate, 2012b). Within the Russell Extension Project corridor, regularly timetabled bus services are operated by ACTION Buses.
The Russell Extension Project corridor, namely London Circuit and Constitution Avenue, are key components of both regular bus services and the rapid bus network. The corridor is utilised by services that link City to the key employment centre of Russell and services that link the City to the entire south-east and eastern regions of the Canberra. During peak periods, services from Gungahlin and other north-west suburbs also operate along the corridor to the employment centres of Russell and Barton.
Based on timetable data, buses typically complete the route between City and Russell within 12 to 15 minutes (depending on the number of stops) in peak periods. During peak periods, express services operate every 15 minutes with other services also operating every 20 to 30 minutes.
Further details regarding the existing road network, public transport and parking is provided in Chapter 2 of the Traffic and Transport Impact Assessment (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2015a).
5.4.2 Potential impacts
Traffic network operations
The Project would impact the traffic network operations along the Project alignment during both construction and operation. A number of road network modification are required to accommodate the Project, additionally at several locations phasing of traffic lights must also be changed.
The Project would affect traffic flow during the construction period which may impact the stakeholders along the proposed alignment. Construction is likely to be staged to reduce the impact along the route; however, construction would result in increased competition between private vehicles, construction traffic and public transport during this period. Construction traffic arrangements would be considered in more detail following finalisation of the design.
The Project alignment would generally result in light rail and dominant road traffic movements moving in parallel, minimising the impacts on existing traffic signal operations. A large amount of modification works to existing intersections are required to accommodate the Project. With respect to the main roads that would be impacted by the Project, the following key impacts would occur:
Along Northbourne, the Project would be contained within the median, therefore, negligible impacts outside the road alignment would be anticipated. However, right turn movements at Alinga Street and at London Circuit would be prohibited as part of the operation of the Project. Along London Circuit, to facilitate the Project a lane would be removed in each direction and where turns are still permitted, an auxiliary turning lane would be provided. The reduction from two lanes to one lane in each direction would have the potential to substantially reduce the existing road capacity. Constitution Avenue would change substantially from the work completed as part of the current road upgrade. To accommodate the Project, a single road traffic lane would be removed in each direction, leaving one road traffic lane remaining in each direction), along with changes to intersection layouts and phasing. From Constitution Avenue through to the Russell terminus, substantial road re-alignment of Russell Drive would be required to accommodate the Project.
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Other specific modifications required for the Project would be described in detail as part of the environmental approvals for the Project but would generally comprise:
modifications to intersection layouts modifications to traffic signal phasing installation of new traffic signals removal of some right-turns widening of the road carriageway changes to property accesses.
Modelling of traffic network impacts would be undertaken, with solutions developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders to mitigate potential impacts.
Further details regarding the potential traffic network operation impacts is provided in section 4.3 of the Traffic and Transport Impact Assessment (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2015a).
Impacts to parking and property access
Parking
As noted, there is currently limited on-street parking along the Project alignment. With the Project, a majority of existing on-street parking, both private vehicle and bus stops would be maintained with some alignment changes or relocation potentially required. Proposed on-street parking provided as part of the Constitution Avenue upgrade would be also be removed due the requirement for auxiliary lanes at the intersection of Constitution Avenue and London Circuit. Additionally, the four existing parking spaces near the northern extent of Russell Drive would become inaccessible with the Project.
Towards the Russell terminus, some off-street parking would be removed as part of the Project, where the Project alignment pass directly through the middle of the parking facility. This would result in the potential loss of up to 135 spaces.
Access
Due to the Project there would be some changes to property access, predominately because of right turn bans across the Project alignment. Hence, accesses have become left in/out only, and users would be required to re-route to access the parking from the correct approach. Several right-turns would be banned along the Project alignment, including along London Circuit and on Constitution Avenue compared to the current road alignment. However a number of these right turns are proposed to be removed as part of the Constitution Avenue Upgrade, hence their impact (and proposed mitigations) would have already occurred prior to the commencement of the Project. Some additional right turn bans, such as into the Canberra Institute of Technology (westbound) would be required which is not part of the Constitution Avenue Upgrade.
If these connections are not implemented before the Project, property access could be effected, and significant re-routing required.
Impacts to pedestrians and cyclists
With the Project, it is expected that there would be a net positive impact on both the existing pedestrian and cycling networks as existing infrastructure would be maintained and potentially enhanced by the works associated with the Project.
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The main change to both pedestrian and cycle networks would be the signalisation of intersections previously not signalised as they now cross the Project alignment. By implementing signals at these locations, pedestrian and cyclist crossings for the existing road corridor (and proposed light rail) would be improved with delay and the risk of accidents reduced.
The two-way bicycle lane proposed south of Constitution Avenue as part of the Constitution Avenue Upgrade would be maintained, hence there would be minimal impact from the Project to this infrastructure.
Integration with public transport
With the introduction of light rail between the City and Russell all buses operating to the City from the south and east, which currently travel via Constitution Avenue, would instead operate via Commonwealth Avenue. This would mean that:
a) bus passengers from the south and east continue to be provided with direct services to the City b) light rail provides the only public transport service along Constitution Avenue between Russell and the City. The Russell interchange/terminus stop would be provided as side platform arrangements to allow for interchange functionality with buses at this locations.
The re-routing of buses between Barton and the City via King George Terrace, Langton Crescent and Commonwealth Avenue would be unlikely to increase travel times for bus customers to the City. However, re-routing of services may remove the existing direct bus connections to Russell and to Constitution Avenue from the south and east. An additional consideration of re-routing buses is the impact to residents and business in the area, particularly along Walpole Crescent, King George Terrace and Langton Crescent that previously had no or only few bus routes operating in this area.
Final re-routing of the existing bus network would be undertaken by ACTION as part of the ongoing design of the Russell Extension Project.
Emergency services access
Emergency access along the proposed light rail route and adjacent to the worksites would be maintained at all times. While in some instances intersections may be closed, adjacent intersections would be maintained to limit disruptions in accessing side roads and regular consultation with emergency service providers maintained.
5.5 Urban design and visual impact
5.5.1 Existing environment
The existing urban environment along the proposed alignment is currently difficult to define due to the current and proposed redevelopment along Constitution Avenue and the proposed broader development of the NCA Russell Master Plan. For the purpose of this assessment, in addition to the current urban design along the proposed alignment, a general description of the intended urban design outcomes along the proposed alignment has also been considered as part of the ‘existing’ environment.
The Russell Extension Project corridor would cross a series of different urban environments. At the northern end of the proposed alignment, the extension would connect to the southern end of the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project, and would initially pass through the built up commercial hub of Civic along Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit. This existing visual environment of section of the alignment is generally characterised by high density commercial development (e.g. high rise buildings).
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The alignment would travel along Constitution Avenue which is currently being upgraded to provide an improved, boulevard style urban environment. Once the upgrade works are completed, the landscape of Constitution Avenue would include a large number of street tree plantings, both within the road verges and central meeting of the street. In addition, current residential and other developments are currently being undertaken along Constitution Avenue which will result in an increased number of medium to high residential and commercial developments.
The eastern section of the alignment, along Russell Drive, currently consists of a small series of commercial buildings between Russell Drive and Constitution Avenue, with a combination of grassed areas and open car parking to the south. The area around Russell is currently proposed for substantial future redevelopment, including a revised street layout (refer to Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2), increased built form (including a series of new development blocks with the potential for buildings up to 25 metres high) and improved streetscape design. The future intention of this area is expected to result in a more highly dense commercial urban environment which would more closely reflect the existing urban design characteristics of Civic.
5.5.2 Potential impacts
Construction urban design and visual impacts
The construction of the Russell Extension Project may cause temporary adverse visual amenity impacts for those who work, study, reside, visit, or access businesses/community services within the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project due to:
the establishment of construction compounds, worksites and stockpiles erection of fencing, barricades, gates and security lighting for the provision of safe and secure worksites construction vehicle movements both within construction worksites and along proposed haulage routes traffic disruptions associated with traffic management measures (road diversions/closures) and/or construction traffic the removal of existing street trees (refer to section 5.7) the parking and use of construction plant and equipment.
The impact of the Russell Extension Project on individual sensitive receivers would be dependent on the stage of construction, their location and severity of the impact. The potential impacts would generally be similar to those that are currently occurring as a result of the Constitution Avenue upgrade works between Allara Street and Anzac Parade
Visual amenity impacts during construction would be greatest where residential/sensitive receivers have unscreened views of the construction works. However, the visual amenity impacts associated with the construction of the Russell Extension Project would be temporary in nature and would be reduced in the medium to long term through the revitalisation of existing public spaces and the public domain.
Operational urban design and visual impacts
Operation of the Russell Extension Project would be expected to result in some landscape and visual impacts as a result of the introduction of new infrastructure within the corridor. Visual amenity impacts associated with the operational phase of the Russell Extension Project would primarily be associated with:
the establishment of new light rail stops, tracks and associated infrastructure (e.g. lighting, shelters, signage, seating, etc.) the establishment of new electrical substations for the operational power supply the movement of light rail vehicles along the proposed alignment.
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Visual impacts would be expected where vegetation and street tree removal (which would occur during construction) are required to accommodate the placement of such elements as the rail line, new stops, substations and the LRVs along the proposed corridor.
The proposed inclusion of light rail within the centre of Constitution Avenue (and the proposed street network of Russell, including the current alignment of Russell Drive) would assist in completing the original vision for Constitution Avenue, which was a critical part of Sir Walter Burley Griffin’s intended transport network of ‘rapid transit’ (trams along the third arm of the Parliamentary Triangle).
A set of urban design and landscaping principles would be developed during the definition design phase which would be consistent with the principles established for the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project and the urban design principles of the Constitution Avenue upgrade Project. Where possible, light rail infrastructure (e.g. stops, electrical substations, and associated support structures) would be located and designed so as to minimise intrusive visual impacts to surrounding sensitive receivers, where possible.
Any potentially significant visual impacts would be assessed as part of the environmental approvals process for the Russell Extension Project, and measures would be identified to minimise any adverse visual or landscape effects.
5.6 Ecology
A preliminary ecological assessment of the Russell Extension Project was undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff in August 2015 with the aim of identifying potential impacts to threatened species, populations and ecological communities (threatened biodiversity). A summary of this assessment is provided below with the report provided in full as Appendix D – Russell Extension Biodiversity Assessment Report (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2015b).
5.6.1 Methodology
A desktop background research and literature review was undertaken with the aim of identifying threatened flora and fauna species, populations and ecological communities; Commonwealth listed Migratory species; or critical habitat recorded previously or predicted to occur in the vicinity of the study area. The information gathered was also used to determine the likely vegetation and habitats on site to identify biodiversity constraints within the study area.
The known habitat characteristics of threatened biodiversity were then compared with those of the study area to determinate the likelihood of occurrence of each species or population. These results inform the field survey scope to ensure that it is focussed on the groups most likely to be present.
This desktop assessment included a review of the following databases and information sources:
ACT Government Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate website on Threatened Species (ACT Government 2015a) ACTMAPi Significant Plants and Animals and Registered Trees Mapping web site http://www.actmapi.act.gov.au/home.html on threatened species and community mapping within the study area (ACT Government - Environment and Sustainable Development 2015b) ACT Fisheries Act 2000, list of protected fish species relevant database searches for Threatened Species such as the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (Department of the Environment, 2015) topographic maps and aerial photographs
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initial concept alignments for the extension vegetation mapping of the local area including The Native Vegetation of the Southern Forests: South- east Highlands, Australian Alps, South-west Slopes, and SE Corner bioregions (Gellie 2005) other relevant studies and conservation strategies such as: Box Gum Woodland in the ACT (Maguire and Mulvaney 2011) Lowland native grasslands in the ACT and surrounding region: A review and research strategy for a recover plan (Sharp S 1994) Plant communities of the upper Murrumbidgee catchment in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (Armstrong, Turner et al. 2013) Action Plans of the ACT Government including the Woodlands for Wildlife: ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy (Action Plan No. 27) (ACT Government 2004b).
The study area was inspected by an ecologist (Paul Rossington, BSc, MWldMgt) during the daylight hours on 18 July 2014. An additional inspection was conducted by two ecologists (Mark Stables BSc. (Hons) and Troy Jennings B.Bio.Cons.) on 26 August 2015. The surveys sought primarily to assess and ground truth the extent and condition of vegetation and fauna habitat, particularly for threatened species. A visual inspection of the entire length of the proposed alignment was undertaken as part of each site visit, with inspections undertaken in areas of previously mapped vegetation and habitat. This included specific investigation of the proposed Russell construction compound site (Russell Drive).
5.6.2 Existing environment
Vegetation communities
The desktop assessment and field survey identified that the vegetation within the study area has been greatly disturbed as a result of urban development. The ecological assessment identified that the vegetation within the study area comprised three native vegetation types and areas of highly disturbed, predominantly exotic vegetation, the distribution of which was specifically related to geological, topographical, and geomorphological characteristics and current land uses (refer Appendix D and Table 5.4).
The vegetation in the Russell Extension Project study area consisted of:
Natural Temperate Grassland Possible Lowland Woodland (not verified) Planted Native Woodland Planted Non-indigenous Vegetation.
Additional details regarding each of the identified vegetation communities is provided in section 4.1 of the Russell Extension Biodiversity Assessment Report (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2015b), attached as Appendix D.
Figure 5.2 shows the location and extent of the identified native vegetation within the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project.
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Table 5.4 Identified vegetation communities
Vegetation NC Act Name Vegetation Located within the EPBC Act 1999 Name (Status) community (Status) condition Project footprint?
Natural Natural Natural Temperate Grassland of Poor - No Temperate Temperate the Southern Tablelands of NSW Moderate Grassland Grassland and the Australian Capital (Endangered) Territory (Endangered) Subject to condition, see note 1.
Possible Lowland - See note 2. See note 2. Poor - No Woodland Moderate (not verified)
Planted Native - - Poor Yes Woodland
Planted Non- - - Poor Yes indigenous Vegetation
Key: V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered Notes: 1. The Natural Temperate Grassland community recorded within the study area is disturbed and may not meet the EPBC Act 1999 listed community. Further floristic field investigations would be required to verify. 2. It is possible that some of the patches of Unidentified Lowland Woodland in the study area, distant from the alignment option may correspond to Yellow Box – Blakeley’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland community listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 (NC Act) and/or the EPBC Act 1999. Further floristic field investigations would be required to verify.
Fauna habitat
The habitat assessment identified that the study area contained three broad habitat types as summarised in Table 5.5.
Table 5.5 Identified vegetation communities within the Russell Extension Project study area
Corresponding vegetation Habitat Located within the Habitat type communities condition Project footprint?
Natural grassland Natural Temperate Grassland Low Moderate No
Disturbed native woodland Possible Lowland Woodland (not Moderate No verified)
Planted native woodland Planted native woodland Low Yes
Planted non-indigenous vegetation - Low Yes
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Figure 5.2 Native vegetation and threatened species of fauna within the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project
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Threatened species of plant
Ten species of threatened plant listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 (NC Act) and/or the EPBC Act 1999 are known to occur or predicted to occur within a five kilometre radius of the study area based on the database searches (refer Appendix D for details). No threatened species of plant were recorded during the field inspection. However, as a result of the possible presence of suitable habitat, five species are considered to have a moderate likelihood of occurrence in the study area and are shown in Table 5.6.
The remaining species are considered to have a low likelihood of occurrence based on the availability of habitat within the study area and previous records (refer Appendix D for details).
Table 5.6 Threatened species of plant with potential to occur in the Russell Extension study area
Likelihood of occurrence NC EPBC Species name Current Project Act* Act* Study area impact footprint
Caladenia actensis E E Moderate. Species has been recorded in Mt Low. Vegetation within Majura Nature Reserve. Marginal habitat may be the project footprint is (Canberra Spider present in woodland patches east of Russell substantially modified Orchid) Drive. Suitable habitat is unlikely to occur and unlikely to provide elsewhere in the study area. habitat for this species.
Lepidium E V Moderate. Species has been previously Low. Vegetation within ginninderrense recorded in close proximity. Marginal habitat the project footprint is occurs in Natural Temperate Grassland patches substantially modified (Ginninderra within the study area. and unlikely to provide peppercress) habitat for this species.
Leucochrysum - E Moderate. Species has been recorded in Mt Low. Vegetation within albicans var. tricolor Majura Nature Reserve and in other (now the project footprint is developed) locations in the study area. Marginal substantially modified (Grassland Paper- habitat may be present in woodland patches and unlikely to provide daisy) east of Russell Drive and in Natural Temperate habitat for this species. Grassland patches. Suitable habitat is unlikely to occur elsewhere in the study area.
Rutidosis E E Moderate. Species has been previously Low. Vegetation within leptorhynchoides recorded in close proximity. Marginal habitat the project footprint is occurs in Natural Temperate Grassland patches substantially modified (Button within the study area. and unlikely to provide Wrinklewort) habitat for this species.
Swainsona recta E E Moderate. Species has been previously Low. Vegetation within recorded in broader locality. Marginal habitat the project footprint is (Small Purple Pea) may be present in woodland patches east of substantially modified Russell Drive and in Natural Temperate and unlikely to provide Grassland patches. Suitable habitat is unlikely to habitat for this species. occur elsewhere in the study area.
* Key: E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable
These threatened species of plants have a moderate likelihood of occurrence in the Russell Extension Project study area in the Natural Temperate Grassland patches and/or the Lowland Woodland patches to the east of Russell and are unlikely to occur elsewhere in the study area.
The currently proposed Russell Extension Project impact footprint is unlikely to be occupied by these species and they are unlikely to be impacted by the Russell Extension Project.
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Threatened species of animal
Twenty-six threatened species of animal listed under the NC Act, EPBC Act 1999 and/or the ACT Fisheries Act 2000 have been recorded or are predicted to occur within five kilometres of the Russell Extension Project study area. No threatened species of animal were recorded during the recent field inspection. However, based on the likely presence of suitable habitat fourteen species are considered to have a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence in the study area as shown in Table 5.7.
The remaining species are considered to have a low likelihood of occurrence based on the availability of habitat within the study area and the number, age and distribution of previous records (refer Appendix D for details).
Table 5.7 Threatened species of animal with potential to occur in the study area
Likelihood of occurrence NC EPBC Species name Act * Act * Study area Within Project impact footprint
Insects
Perunga Grasshopper - V Low to Moderate Low
Golden Sun Moth - E Low to Moderate Low
Reptiles
Striped Legless Lizard V V Low to Moderate Low
Grassland Earless E E Low to Moderate Low Dragon
Birds
Regent Honeyeater E E Moderate Low moderate
Glossy-black Cockatoo V - Moderate Low
Little Eagle V - Moderate Low
Swift Parrot V E Moderate Low moderate
Superb Parrot V V Moderate Low moderate
White-winged Triller V - Moderate to High Low
Varied Sittella V - Moderate Low
Painted Honeyeater V E Moderate Low
Hooded Robin V E Moderate to High Low
Mammals High – known seasonal Grey-headed Flying-fox V Moderate High visitor to study area. * Key: V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered
Figure 5.2 shows the location and extent of the identified threatened species of fauna within the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project.
As noted in the Table 5.5 above, the only identified species with a moderate to high likelihood of occurrence within the Russell Extension Project impact footprint is the Grey-headed Flying-fox. Since 2005 there has been a regular summer camp of several thousand Grey-headed Flying-foxes at Commonwealth Park, approximately 500 metres from the alignment (Law, Wales et al. 2011).
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The currently proposed Project impact footprint is likely to affect potential foraging habitat for the Grey- headed Flying-fox in the form of planted native eucalypt woodland and street-planted eucalypts. Given that less than one hectare of habitat is likely to be affected and that this habitat is unlikely to be considered important for the conservation of the species, a significant impact on the Grey-headed Flying-fox is not anticipated. However, this species will require further impact significance assessment.
The Russell Extension Project impact footprint is unlikely to be occupied or utilised by any other threatened species.
Additional details regarding the likelihood of occurrence of each of the identified threatened species of animals is provided in section 4.4 of the Russell Extension Biodiversity Assessment Report (Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2015b), attached as Appendix D.
Migratory species
Based on EPBC Protected Matters area search and other desk-top database searches, eleven Migratory, non-threatened species have been recorded within the wider locality of the study area (refer to Appendix D). Of these, five listed Migratory species may occur occasionally within the broader Russell Extension Project study area including the following:
White-throated Needletail Rainbow Bee-eater Black-faced Monarch Satin Flycatcher Rufous Fantail.
Potential habitat within the study area is unlikely be classed as an ‘important habitat’ for any migratory species as defined under the EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines (Department of the Environment 2013). As such, the risk that the Russell Extension Project would significantly affect migratory species is low.
5.6.3 Potential impacts
The impacts to biodiversity resulting from the construction and operation phases of the proposed activities within the preliminary Russell Extension Project impact footprint are summarised in Table 5.8.
Table 5.8 Potential impacts associated with the Project
Potential phase of the project Potential impact Construction Operation
Loss of vegetation and associated fauna habitat
Direct loss of individuals of non-threatened native animals
Habitat fragmentation, isolation and barrier effects
Potential environmental impact of noise on wildlife
Weed and pest invasion
Erosion and sedimentation
Changed hydrology
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Construction for the Russell Extension Project may require the removal of less than one hectare of native vegetation comprising planted eucalypt woodland. This vegetation does not constitute a threatened ecological community listed under the NC Act and/or EPBC Act 1999. Habitat affected is generally in low condition, providing habitat only for common and disturbance-tolerant species. It does however constitute foraging habitat for four threatened species listed under the EPBC Act 1999, the Grey-headed Flying-fox, Regent Honey-eater, Swift Parrot and Superb Parrot.
A detailed ecological study would be undertaken as part of any future environmental assessment of the Russell Extension Project to determine the potential ecological impacts of the Russell Extension Project and propose appropriate mitigation measures including pre-clearing and clearing protocols, construction protocols and the implementation of flora and fauna control measures.
5.7 Planted trees
5.7.1 Existing environment
A number of street trees are located along the alignment of the proposed Russell Extension Project. Along London Circuit and Russell Drive, these are generally confined to the roadside verges of these streets. Currently, a number of street trees are currently planted in the verges along the length of Constitution Avenue.
An arborist assessment of the existing trees along Constitution Avenue was undertaken in November 2011 by Geoff Butler & Associates. This assessment included a review of the five rows of trees verging on Constitution Avenue. The assessment identified that the existing trees are primarily English Oak (Quercus robur), but also include occasional trees of Roman Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) and Desert Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia syn. F. oxycarpa).
The aborist’s report noted the following with respect to the condition of the existing trees:
the trees of the late 1920’s plantings (False Acacia- Robinia pseudoacacia; Roman Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens and Lombardy Poplar – Populus nigra ‘Italica’) have generally disappeared the remaining False Acacia are of poor form and while they may live for some time, will continue to deteriorate. Their location close to the avenue will mean an increase in the danger they pose as they decline the remaining Roman Cypress are still in excellent condition, and their useful life expectancy is long the Lombardy Poplar are no longer present at the present time, most of the existing Oak trees are in good condition.
A revised preliminary tree impact assessment was also undertaken in June 2015 by Stuart Pittendrigh. This assessment included an identification of the existing trees along the alignment, tree species and an appraisal of the trees condition, health and structure. This assessment concluded the following with regards to the existing street trees along the proposed Russell Extension Project alignment.
a total of 120 trees were assessed with none of the identified individual tree species considered to be rare or endangered the majority of street trees assessed were found to be healthy, well maintained, in good condition and free from structural defects and faults.
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Regardless of the above studies, extensive works are currently being undertaken along Constitution Avenue which proposed to change the currently streetscape along Constitution Avenue between Anzac Parade and London Circuit. This work is being undertaken as part of the redevelopment of Constitution Avenue under Amendment 60 – Constitution Avenue of the National Capital Plan. The proposed arrangement of Constitution Avenue, once the current (and future proposed works to the east of Anzac Parade) works are fully realised, will provide for a row of trees along a central median along Constitution Avenue. Additional and/or replacement trees will also be planted in the road verges where required.
The main tree species to be used for the program are English and Pin Oaks to enhance the existing landscape for the avenue and a row of crepe myrtle will be planted along the southern verge. It is noted that a range of other landscaping treatments are also proposed as part of the avenue's final design. These include ornamental species in designated planter beds, native grasses in informal areas beneath Oaks as well as opportunities for seasonal plantings associated with events such as Floriade – similar to what is displayed at the Dickson end of Northbourne Avenue and on City Hill (TAMS website, June 2015).
An artist's impression of a section of the proposed outcome of the upgraded Constitution Avenue, showing the proposed tree planting is shown in Figure 5.3 below.
Source: TAMS website, Constitution Avenue Upgrade. June 2015 Figure 5.3 Artist's impression of the upgraded Constitution Avenue (currently under construction), showing the proposed tree planting
For the purpose of the Russell Extension Project, the existing environment for which potential impacts have been determined from has been the completed Constitution Avenue upgrade works between Anzac Parade and London Circuit.
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5.7.2 Potential impacts
The Russell Extension Project would likely adversely impact (require removal of) planted non-registered trees. The Russell Extension Project footprint would confirm the exact number and location however trees along the verges of London Circuit and Constitution Avenue (generally between Allara Street and Russell Drive) would require removal in order to accommodate the alignment and retain existing vehicle traffic lane(s).
Some of these trees are currently being replaced as part of the Constitution Avenue upgrade works that are currently being undertaken between Vernon Circle and Anzac Parade. The proposed alignment envisages retention of the new median (including a majority of the proposed-to-be-planted trees) currently under construction between London Circuit and Anzac Parade. A matching design would be adopted for the section of Constitution Avenue between Anzac Parade and Creswell Street.
The final Russell Extension Project impact boundary is would be used to confirm the exact number and location of potentially impacted planted trees. Any potentially tree impacts would be assessed as part of the environmental approvals for the Russell Extension Project, and measures would be identified to be adopted (during construction and operation) to minimise any adverse effects.
5.8 Property and land use
5.8.1 Existing environment
Land uses along the Russell Extension Project corridor generally range from high density commercial development within Civic to low to medium residential development within the surrounding suburbs of Reid and Campbell. Recreation (such as Kings Park to the south), and education-related land uses (such as the Canberra Institute of Technology) are located towards the central part of the proposed alignment along Constitution Avenue. Future land uses also include the proposed substantial redevelopment of Russell, including a revised street layout (refer to Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2), increased built form (including a series of new development blocks with the potential for buildings up to 25 metres high) and improved streetscape design as part of the Russell master plan being developed by the NCA.
Sensitive land uses located along the route include residential dwellings, commercial premises (e.g. cafes, restaurants and commercial buildings generally within the Civic), educational facilities, places of worship, recreational facilities. Anzac Parade also presents a sensitive land use from a historical and heritage perspective.
A more detailed analysis of the land use characteristics and potential impacts to property along the Russell Extension Project alignment would be further investigated and refined during future planning approval phases.
5.8.2 Potential impacts
Potential property and land use issues associated with the Russell Extension Project would generally comprise:
direct adverse impacts on public property including footpaths and open spaces along the potential alignment as a result of construction of the proposal direct adverse impacts due to the use or acquisition of publically owned land for the establishment of light rail infrastructure, stops, substation or the temporary use of land for construction compounds potential for temporary reduction in property amenity and value due to construction impacts
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impacts associated with the loss and/or modifications to existing public open space and associated social impacts impacts on land use amenity during construction (e.g. noise, construction traffic and air quality) and possible land use amenity impacts in some areas during operation (e.g. where street trees removed). possible direct and indirect impacts (positive and/or negative) on the future development potential of some sites along the alignment indirect positive impacts associated with the creation of opportunities for urban renewal along the light rail route (particularly in relation to proposed light rail stops) (operational phase) potential for increase in property amenity and value due to new light rail infrastructure.
Management strategies would be developed to address the land use impacts associated with the Russell Extension Project during detailed design and ongoing consultation with the community. In addition, depending on the final alignment and design of the proposed Russell Extension Project (including project elements such as substation locations and utility impacts), it is likely that there would be some impacts on the proposed land uses associated with the Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade master plan (National Capital Plan, Appendix T:8). Amendment to the layout and proposed land uses associated with this master plan would likely be required to allow for the currently proposed alignment. This would require consultation with the NCA (refer to Chapter 2).
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6. Preliminary environmental assessment – other issues
6.1 Social impacts
The Russell Extension Project has the potential to result in a range of positive and negative social impacts, which would vary in magnitude and duration along the route. Social impacts and benefits would be expected for those community members who work, reside, or access businesses and community infrastructure or services (such as the National Convention Centre or Canberra Institute of Technology) within the vicinity of the proposed alignment.
The area of influence is likely to be variable along the Russell Extension Project alignment due to:
the length of the Project corridor the diversity of land uses located along the route (some of which generate significant levels of community activity, such as the National Convention Centre or Canberra Institute of Technology).
Generally, most of the social impacts arising during the construction phase are likely to be adverse. However, a number of social benefits would be expected during the operational phase, as summarised below.
Potential construction impacts
Social impacts associated with the construction phase of the Russell Extension Project would potentially include:
temporary reduction in local amenity due to increased noise and vibration, air quality impacts, traffic, and some reduced visual amenity temporary loss of, or disruption to, access to private property, community facilities, employment/businesses, education, open space and recreational areas temporary impacts to social cohesion, relating to perceived connectivity issues / disconnect due to perceived crossing limitations potential cumulative impacts (construction fatigue) associated with the construction period associated with the Constitution Avenue upgrade works, and concurrent construction of Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic works and the proposed Russell Extension Project.
Management strategies would be developed to address the social impacts associated with the Russell Extension Project as part of the environmental approvals phase of the project. This would include the preparation and implementation of a community and stakeholder strategy for the construction phase to actively communicate impacts/disruptions with stakeholders.
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Potential operational impacts
Potential social impacts associated with the operational phase of the Russell Extension Project may include:
minor changes to the accessibility of some private properties or community facilities. However, the current Constitution upgrade works would potentially result in a similar form of barrier as that proposed for the Russell Extension Project through the creation of a dedicated, tree lined median, thereby limiting further changes to access by the light rail community concern and anxiety associated with real and/or perceived impacts during the operation of the Project impacts to social cohesion, relating to connectivity. The negative impacts relating to this however would be quite limited as the Russell Extension Project would be included into an existing transport corridor which already divides adjacent communities and land uses. In addition, the current Constitution upgrade works would result in a similar form of barrier through the creation of a dedicated, tree lined median.
The operation of the Russell Extension Project would also be expected to result in a number of social benefits, which may include:
improved accessibility to key business, community facilities and leisure/entertainment land uses such as the National Convention Centre, Canberra Olympic Pool, Canberra Institute of Technology and Kings Park potential to stimulate urban renewal along sections of the corridor and create new public open spaces/ revitalise existing public spaces and bringing more people to the corridor.
The social impacts of the Russell Extension Project would be managed through consultation with the local community and key stakeholders and further development of the design to incorporate mitigation measures.
6.2 ACT Registered Trees
Trees of exceptional value are protected and identified under the ACT Tree Protection Act 2005 (TP Act). The trees protected by the TP Act are provided for in the ACT Tree Register. A search of this register was undertaken to identify potential protected trees that may be impacted by the Project. The search of protected trees identified the following:
stands of protected trees are located within the centre laneways of the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings (reference numbers RT0256A and B) the group of trees planted within the Vernon Circle road reserve are also protected (reference number PTR032) all of the trees within Glebe Park, to the east of the alignment, are protected (reference number PTR039-Group) a number of other areas of registered trees (groups and individual protected trees) are located to the north-east of the Russell Extension Project study area within Braddon and Reid.
Figure 6.1 provides an indication of the location of the ACT registered trees within the broader study area and vicinity of the Russell Extension Project.
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Figure 6.1 ACT registered trees
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6.2.1 Potential impacts
None of the currently identified registered trees within the study area are likely to be impacted by the Russell Extension Project. A final review of the potential impact on protected trees would be undertaken as part of the environmental approvals for the Russell Extension Project. This would include a review of the final Russell Extension Project impact boundary to confirm potential impacts, including if required minimising the Russell Extension Project impact boundary. If protected trees are identified to be impacted by the Project, a replacement strategy for the affected areas would be devised.
6.3 Surface water
6.3.1 Existing environment
Lake Burley Griffin is located to the south of the study area which forms the main surface water body within the wider vicinity of the Russell Extension Project. No major watercourses have been identified which would cross the potential alignment of the Russell Extension Project.
A review of existing flood mapping data on ACTMapI has indicated that the 1 in 100 year flood level is not located within the identified Russell Extension Project study area. The Infrastructure Capacity Review Study (ACT Government, ESDD, 2014) identifies some areas along Constitution Avenue (such as within the vicinity of Coranderrk Street) have identified low points that are subject to potential overland flow and localised flooding issues. Areas of potential local flooding have also been identified within the vicinity of Constitution Avenue and Creswell Street.
6.3.2 Potential impacts
Surface water impacts from the Russell Extension Project would be associated with increases in non- permeable surfaces, changes to existing flow regimes and any run-off of any pollutant spills entering existing waterways. These impacts would be manageable through the application of standard environmental management measures.
Construction and operational hydrology impacts associated would be manageable through the ongoing development of the project design and the application of standard environmental management measures. Overall, hydrology impacts are not considered to be a key issue for the Russell Extension Project.
6.4 Groundwater
6.4.1 Existing environment
Eight water abstraction bores have been identified within the broader region of the Russell Extension Project study area. Of the eight identified bores, one water abstraction bore has been identified within the wide Russell Extension Project study area (bore number WU916). This bore is privately managed for groundwater abstraction under the Water Resources Act 2007. The depth of this bore is approximately 47 metres, with a static water level of four metres.
The groundwater baring strata and localised groundwater depths across the broader area of the Russell Extension Project are not currently known.
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6.4.2 Potential impacts
Groundwater levels across the Russell Extension Project alignment are likely to be variable. In areas where the water table is identified to be high, groundwater may be encountered during excavation. Groundwater impacts from the Russell Extension Project would be associated with any deep excavations and any pollutant spills entering the aquifer (subject to ongoing, detailed design).
Construction and operational groundwater impacts associated would be manageable through design measures and the application of standard environmental management measures. Overall, groundwater impacts are not considered to be a key issue for the Russell Extension Project.
6.5 Contamination, soils and geology
6.5.1 Existing environment
Regional geology
A review of the geological sheet (reference: Canberra 1:100,000 Geological Series, Sheet 8727, 1992) indicates the portion of the route along Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit and Constitution Avenue to Anzac Parade is indicated by the referenced plan to be underlain by Canberra Formation, comprising mudstone, siltstone, minor sandstone, limestone, and volcanic sediments. The portion of the route east of Anzac Parade is indicated by the referenced plan to be underlain by Mount Ainslie Volcanics, comprising dacitic ignimbrite, minor ashstone, agglomerate and shale.
Acid sulfate soils
Acid sulfate soils are acidic soil horizons or layers resulting from the aeration of soil materials that are rich in iron sulfides, primarily pyrite (FeS2). They are generally likely to be present in:
marine and estuarine sediments of the recent (Holocene) geological age soils usually not more than five metres above mean sea level marine or estuarine settings.
Based on the Australian Soil Resource Information System (http://www.asris.csiro.au/index_ie.html#) the route is identified as a ‘Class C4 Extremely low probability/very low acid sulfate soil area’. Acid sulfate soils identified in Class 4 areas are considered probable to be found beyond two metre below the natural ground surface.
Contamination
A Phase 1 desktop contamination assessment was undertaken to provide baseline data with which to evaluate the potential for contamination to have an impact on the Russell Extension Project. The desktop assessment was based on:
a site inspection to observe for areas of potential or actual (visible) contamination and surrounding land uses, including their potential to impact the site a review of the physical site setting including regional and local geology, hydrology and hydrogeology ACT Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) contaminated land information, including contaminated land record and public register for licenses, applications and notices, audit or pollution studies and reduction programs, where available
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a review of historic aerial photographs and other information relevant to the history of the site to identify past and present land uses database search of the ACT EPA environment protection licences, applications, notices, audit or pollution studies and reduction programs a limited desktop review of information relevant to the history of the route to identify past and present land uses.
The following land uses are generally noted as potential contamination sources which may be impacted by the Russell Extension Project:
open public and private land which is found at the multiple locations – potential contamination sources include pesticides from maintenance activities carried through runoff into groundwater or surface water around the route car parks along the alignment which pose a contamination risk to the route at various locations – potential sources of contamination include oil and petroleum hydrocarbon runoff road surfaces – all road surfaces along the route which have the potential to produce contamination in the form of fuel and oil leaks from vehicles and stormwater runoff from the road surfaces construction compounds – the numerous construction site areas located along Constitution Avenue have the potential to produce contamination in the form of fuel, oil leaks, run-off from potentially contaminated exposed fill in excavations. Potential contaminants of concern include metals, hydrocarbons, PAHs and asbestos uncontrolled fill – historical filling of land at or in the vicinity of the route may present a contamination source. No evidence of extensive fill placement was identified, although localised filling or dumping may have been undertaken. Potential contamination may include metals, hydrocarbons and asbestos.
Due to the confidential nature of the EPA contaminated sites data, specific details are not able to be presented publicly. However, the Phase 1 assessment notes that approximately 26 sites were identified to contain contamination (hydrocarbon contamination and/or landfill contamination) within the broader study area. Of these, approximately 10 sites have been identified which border the proposed Russell Extension alignment.
Based on the Phase 1 assessment, the contaminants of potential concern are considered to be:
petroleum hydrocarbons, potentially associated with the storage of fuel in underground storage tanks, bitumen and road base, the storage and distribution of petrol and diesel at caryards, repair shop and waste facilities benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX), potentially associated with the storage of fuel in underground storage tanks, bitumen and the storage and distribution of petrol and diesel at caryards, repair shop and waste facilities polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), potentially associated with the storage and distribution of fuel in underground storage tanks, bitumen and buried fill materials phenols, potentially associated with the storage of oil in underground storage tanks and the storage and distribution of petroleum and diesel products at the service stations, repair shop and caryards organochlorine pesticides and organophosphate pesticides from the use of pesticides in maintaining open space public and private land and historical landfill sites heavy metals associated with historical landfill sites, buried fill materials and road base asbestos associated with uncontrolled filling and historical landfill sites.
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6.5.2 Potential impacts
Construction impacts
Impacts on land stability, soils and geological
Potential impacts on the soils, topography and geology of the Russell Extension Project would primarily occur during construction. Construction works would primarily be associated with the erosion of exposed soils (from activities such as vegetation removal) and stockpiles (at compound sites), as well as the exposure of potential ASS.
Construction activities for the Russell Extension Project would potentially result in considerable disturbance to soils, which have the potential to impact water quality unless appropriately managed through erosion and sediment control measures (which would be detailed as part of any future environmental assessment of the Russell Extension Project).
Contamination impacts during construction
Potential contamination impacts during construction would include:
disturbance of fill material which may include hazardous materials which could pose a risk to construction workers and the surrounding local community construction activities associated with spills and leaks of potentially contaminating materials could contaminate soil and or water in the local environment increased traffic flow (from construction vehicles), would result in a potential increase to the risk of potential spills or leaks from these vehicles leaking into the local environment.
These impacts would be managed through both the development of the detailed design and appropriate construction management (which would be detailed as part of any future environmental assessment of the Russell Extension Project).
Acid sulphate soils
The exposure of ASS would have the potential to result in environmental impacts to the surrounding environment, including acidification of waterways Lake Burley Griffin), geotechnical instability and corrosion of concrete and steel structures which are constructed along the extension alignment.
Operational impacts
Contamination impacts
Operational impacts would be restricted to those arising from accidental spills or leakage, primarily from stabling and maintenance activities or potential from LRVs travelling along the alignment. Unless carefully managed, the soils in these areas could become contaminated with hazardous materials (such as fuels, lubricants and hydraulic oils), resulting in the development of a contamination plume over time. Although unlikely, should this occur, migration of contaminants to groundwater might also result. Potential operational impacts would largely be avoided and/or managed through the application of adequate hazardous material procedures which would be detailed as part of any future environmental assessment of the Russell Extension Project.
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6.6 Air quality
Ambient air quality within the study area is affected by a number of factors including topography, prevailing meteorological conditions and local and regional air pollution sources.
During construction, local air quality within the study area may be temporarily affected by particulate (dust) and exhaust emissions. The main sensitive receivers during construction would include residences along the route, road users, commercial properties and pedestrians. The main potential impacts would be associated with the generation of dust, particularly during earthworks and demolition works which would affect potentially sensitive receivers along the alignment of the Russell Extension Project such as local residents, various parks or local recreational areas, schools, childcare centres, or local businesses and hotels that rely on outdoor areas (such as dining and cafes).
Dust generated during construction could result in reduced local air quality and dust deposition at the nearest potential affected receivers (without the implementation of adequate management measures), due to the small offset distance between these receivers and the worksites. Gaseous emissions associated with the combustion of fuel in construction plant and machinery are expected to be manageable through the effective implementation of appropriate environmental management measures.
During operation, the Russell Extension Project would use electric-powered light rail vehicles. Considering this, would benefit local air quality as there would be no direct ‘tailpipe’ emissions. The Project is also anticipated to generate a mode shift from private vehicles to public transport due to the creation of fast and reliable transport links.
The Russell Extension Project is not likely to have a significant impact on local air quality. Construction and operational air quality impacts associated with the Project would be manageable through the application of standard environmental management measures. Overall, air quality is not considered to be a key issue for the Russell Extension Project.
6.7 Utilities
A number of utilities are located along the Russell Extension Project alignment. The light rail Infrastructure would impact upon numerous existing services along this alignment. These services include gas, electrical, water supply mains, sewer, stormwater, street lighting and telecommunications.
A Dial-Before-You-Dig (DBYD) enquiry and desktop survey would be undertaken as part of the ongoing design of the Russel Extension Project to determine the location of the utility services within the corridor. Given that only preliminary desktop survey information is currently available (additional information is anticipated to become available following proposed underground utilities surveys) and that the depth of excavation has not yet been confirmed, it is not possible to make an accurate distinction between services that may be avoided or those that would be impacted by the Project.
Overall, the Russell Extension Project would likely require the relocation or adjustment/protection to a number of services during construction. Potential environmental impacts associated with the relocation and protection of services and utilities would be considered in the environmental impact assessment. Ongoing consultation would continue to be undertaken with the relevant asset owners prior to the commencement of any external works.
It is noted that some of the utilities diversion works associated with the Russell Extension Project would be simplified by the current project upgrading Constitution Avenue as some utilities are currently being diverted as part of this project.
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6.8 Waste and resource use
Waste produced during the construction and operation of the Russell Extension Project would include:
spoil from excavation and trenching works (construction phase) spoil and groundwater that is potentially contaminated (construction phase) surplus construction materials (construction phase) general domestic waste from construction and maintenance personnel (construction and operational phases) waste from portable on-site toilets at construction compounds (construction phase) wastewater from dewatering activities, such as groundwater (if groundwater is encountered during construction works), maintenance of the light rail vehicle fleet, and stormwater runoff from the construction site and permanent works (construction and operational phases) general domestic waste generated by commuters (operational phase).
The disposal of waste generated during the construction and operation of the Project is not expected to result in significant adverse environmental impacts. The Russell Extension Project would be guided by the ACT Waste Management Strategy to reduce waste from the project and maximise resource recovery. Waste Management Plans would be developed for the Russell Extension Project during detail design stages, also considering disassembly and adaptability of infrastructure and equipment.
Resources used during the construction and operation of the Russell Extension Project would be similar to those identified for the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project and would include:
electricity (construction and operational phases) fuel (construction phase) concrete (primarily construction phase) steel (primarily construction phase) water (construction and operational phase) paving materials (such as asphalt) (primarily construction phase).
Whilst the Russell Extension Project would result in some increased demand on local and regional resources, it is unlikely that the Russell Extension Project alone would result in any resource becoming scarce or in short supply. Some minor cumulative effect on local resources may occur if the Russell Extension Project and the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project are constructed simultaneously or concurrently, however this impact would be minimal.
Environmental management measures would be developed to reduce the Russell Extension Project’s demand on resources. The production of waste and the consumption of resources are, therefore, not considered to be key issues.
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6.9 Hazards and risks
Hazards and risks associated with the construction of the Russell Extension Project would generally be similar to those identified for the Stage 1 – Gungahlin to Civic Project.
Hazards and risks associated with the operation of the Russell Extension Project would primarily be associated with:
the movement of light rail vehicles through highly pedestrianised areas (as identified above) – this has the potential for collisions/accidents. This has been managed in particular in parts of Melbourne as well as many major European cities such as Strasbourg, France and Linz, Austria, through widespread and targeted educational programs and detailed design considerations of the vehicles and stops collisions between road and light rail vehicles – which can be managed through driver education programs disruption to emergency access natural events (including flooding and extreme weather events) utility failure (power or communication system failure) accidental interactions with the overhead wiring external events (events occurring at adjacent facilities) impacts of climate change (changed frequency of natural events).
Construction hazards and risks associated with the Russell Extension Project would be identified through hazard identification and management processes which would be developed by the construction contractor (Project Co) prior to construction. This process would be undertaken as part of the preparation of an overall Project Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
Potential environmental hazards and risks associated with construction activities would be identified prior to construction. Management measures and contingency plans would be developed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards, occupational health and safety legislation and other relevant guidelines for the management of hazards and risk (such as waste, traffic control and other guideline). These measures would be implemented during construction through the Project CEMP.
Operational hazards and risks are considered to be manageable through design and the application of community education programs, the development of contingency protocols (such as incident/emergency response plans) and other mitigation measures such as the design of stops and access paths with a high degree of visibility and provision of appropriate warning signs (both of which would be considered during the detailed design of the Russell Extension Project).
Overall, hazards and risks are not considered to be key issues for the Russell Extension Project.
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6.10 Bushfire
A Bushfire Prone Area for the ACT was declared through the Building Regulations and came into effect on 1 September 2004. Under the declaration, all parts of the ACT outside the defined urban area have been designated bushfire prone. A review of the ACT Land Information Centre Bushfire Prone Area map (December 2004), has identified that part of the route for the proposed light rail would occur adjacent to declared bushfire prone land.
This land would primarily consist of land adjoining Constitution Avenue, generally east of Coranderrk Street, at the intersection of Constitution Avenue. The land in this area is generally undeveloped open space and grasslands. Despite the categorisation as declared bushfire prone land, a majority of the existing land between Coranderrk Street and Russell Drive is generally developed urban land with limited potential for bushfire risk.
Bushfire risk would be considered as part of the development of the EIS to determine the potential risk to the existing and proposed infrastructure. The assessment of bushfire risk would be undertaken with consideration of the ACT Government Planning for bushfire risk mitigation guideline (ACT Government, 2006). The risk assessment would also examines if there should be any bushfire protection measures applied to the Project to mitigate the potential bushfire risks. Overall, bushfire impacts are not considered to be a key issue for the Project.
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7. Preliminary risk assessment
7.1 Overview
Determining the significance of impacts due to the Project has been conducted using a preliminary risk assessment (PRA). The objective of the PRA was to determine the significance level of potential impacts from the Project to assist the scoping of future environmental impact assessment activities. The methodology for conducting the PRA complies with AS/NZS ISO 13000:2009 (risk management and AS/NZS ISO 14004:2004 (Environmental Management Systems) as stipulated in the resource document Preparation of an application for a scoping and Preparation of an application for an Environmental Significance Opinion Guide (ACTPLA, 2011).
The environmental risk assessment process allowed for the prioritising of impacts according to their associated risk level. The identification of impacts and assessment has been conducted for the construction and operational stages of the Project based on a largely unmitigated Project.
7.2 Assessment of risk
A risk is defined as: ‘the chance of something happening that will have an impact upon objectives’. It is measured in terms of consequence and likelihood (AS 4360: 2004 Risk Management). Aspects of the Project which may have an impact and present harm to the environment have been identified. The assessment of impacts considers whether the impact is positive (beneficial) or negative (adverse). Actual as well as potential impacts have been identified. The risks associated with impacts have then been assessed by allocating a significance level using the following steps:
evaluate likelihood evaluate consequence cross-reference risk consequence and likelihood to determine risk level and impact significance.
7.3 Evaluating likelihood
The likelihood of an impact occurring is assessed in terms of probability. Risk likelihood refers to the probability and frequency of the event occurring and has been evaluated according to principle 15 of the Rio Declaration which states ‘where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation’.
Risk likelihood is selected from the following categories shown in Table 7.1.
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Table 7.1 Evaluation of likelihood
Likelihood Description Probability Community Attitude
Remote May occur in exceptional circumstances <1% Few people interested
Unlikely Not expected to occur in most circumstances 1-20% Some people affected
Possible May occur 21-49% Many people affected
Likely Probably will occur 50-85% Most people affected
Almost certain Expected to occur >85% Almost everyone affected
7.4 Evaluating consequence
Risk consequence refers to the outcome of an event or situation expressed in terms of potential or actual impact and may be positive or negative. Risk consequence is selected from the categories shown in Table 7.2.
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Table 7.2 Evaluation of consequence
Consequence Positive Minimal Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic
Magnitude
Spatial - A single pool A reach of river or part Multiple reaches or Multiple catchments Whole of basin of a catchment whole catchment
Intensity - Low level behavioural, Acute impacts on some Moderate impacts on Lethal impacts on some Lethal for individuals or lifespan or condition species growth, recruitment or species communities effect survival rates
Temporal
Duration - Single incident or Short term impact, Medium term Long term, multiple Permanent transient event single generation generations
Timing - Occurs outside Occasional interruption Interrupts one life cycle Regularly interrupts life Permanent interruption of breeding times of feeding or breeding cycle life cycle
Resources
Consumption - Capacity of current Capacity of current Capacity of current Capacity of current energy Capacity of current energy and water energy and water energy and water and water supplies not energy and water supplies more than supplies sufficient supplies just sufficient sufficient and increased supplies not sufficient sufficient water storage and/or and substantial increase energy source required. in water storage and/or energy source required.
Waste - Access to waste Access to waste Access to waste Access to waste recycling No access to waste recycling – <50% waste recycling – <60% waste recycling – <70% waste – <85% waste to landfill – recycling – all waste to to landfill – high to landfill – good to landfill – some limited capacity at landfill landfill – no capacity at capacity at landfill capacity at landfill capacity at landfill landfill
Ecological
Values - Previously disturbed Previously disturbed Nature conservation Conservation area, listed Wilderness, nationally areas areas /Parkland area species or other threatened species or conservation feature of other conservation ACT significance feature of national significance
Sensitivity - Will recover completely Will recover with some Moderate change to Significant change to Will not recover changes ecosystem functioning ecosystem functioning
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Consequence Positive Minimal Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic
Social
Number of Improvements in Some people indirectly Some people directly Several people directly Large number of people Loss of life people access to social impacted impacted or several impacted or many directly impacted infrastructure indirectly indirectly
Heritage Impact on item of Impact on item of Impact on multiple Impact on significant Impact on multiple Major impact on minimal minimal significance items of low item significant items protected item significance significance
Political Single negative Single negative press Multiple negative press Significant public Leads to an inquiry Change of government press article article articles interest
Economic Creation of new Minimal losses Several thousand Half million dollars in One million dollars in lost Several million dollars in employment dollars lost revenue or lost revenue or revenue or remediation lost revenue or opportunities and remediation costs remediation costs costs remediation costs provision of income More affordable housing Increase in revenue to Government
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7.5 Impact significance level
The significance level is determined by cross-referencing the pre-control likelihood and consequence. Risk significance level is determined from Table 7.3 below.
Table 7.3 Qualitative risk assessment matrix – significance level
Consequence
Likelihood Positive Minimal Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic
Remote Beneficial Negligible Negligible Very Low Low Medium
Unlikely Beneficial Negligible Very Low Low Medium High
Possible Beneficial Very Low Low Medium High Very High
Likely Beneficial Low Medium High Very High Significant
Almost certain Beneficial Medium High Very High Significant Significant
7.6 Risk register
Subsequent to the environmental risk assessment workshop the draft register was reviewed and updated based on additional assessments works being completed and the potential impacts based on the progressed design. The updated risk register is included as Table 7.4. The register identifies the largely unmitigated impact likelihood, consequence and significance.
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Table 7.4 Environmental risks register
Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Biodiversity
Impact to threatened native vegetation Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project communities within the Project study area: along the corridor, e.g. the Light Rail along the transport corridor, all stops, substations and associated infrastructure through Natural Temperate Grassland (NC Act – liaison with design team. Impact on Endangered, possible EPBC Act 1999 threatened native Endangered category – further assessment Identify construction compound locations and overall A.1 Construction Unlikely - - - Moderate - Low vegetation required to confirm). Russell Extension Project impact footprint. communities Possible lowland woodland (currently If required undertake additional assessment to gather further unverified – possible NC Act and EPBC Act detail through field surveys. 1999 communities) Yellow Box – Blakely's Liaise with design team to provide information on potential Red Gum Grassy Woodland. constraints and areas which may need to be avoided.
No threatened species of animal were As per A.1. recorded during the recent field inspection. Engage arborist and ensure investigation includes identification However, based on the likely presence of of tree hollows as part of their assessment. suitable habitat 13 species are considered to have a moderate or higher likelihood of occurrence in the study area. Impact to Impact on threatened fauna species located along the threatened fauna A.2 Construction project corridor including: Possible - - - Moderate - Medium (including fauna habitat clearing) Golden Sun Moth Perunga Grasshopper Striped Legless Lizard Grassland Earless Dragon 10 species of birds.
Impact to threatened flora species located As per actions for Item A.1. along the project corridor. Five species have a moderate likelihood of occurring in the area. Impact on These threatened species of plants have a A.3 threatened flora Construction moderate of occurrence in the ecology study Possible - - - Moderate - Medium species area in the Natural Temperate Grassland patches and/or the Lowland Woodland patches to the west of Russell and are unlikely to occur elsewhere in the study area.
Clearing of potential habitat for migratory As per actions for Item A.2. species identified within the wider locality of the proposal. Five listed Migratory species may occur occasionally within the study area: Impact to migratory White-throated Needletail A.4 Construction Unlikely Minor - - Minor - Very Low species Rainbow Bee-eater Black-faced Monarch Satin Flycatcher Rufous Fantail.
General impacts to Implement pre-clearing protocols (e.g. check for fauna before fauna during For example impacts such as from clearing begins) as part of initial construction activities. A.5 Construction Possible Minor - - Minor - Low construction – construction machinery, excavation works etc. direct impact
Fauna death or Consider risk minimisation as part of the ongoing design process. Fauna death or injury during operation of the A.6 injury during Operation Unlikely Minor - - Minor - Very low project due to vehicle strike. operation
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Non-Indigenous and Indigenous Heritage
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project along the corridor, e.g. the Light Rail along the transport corridor, Potential to result in direct impacts to existing all stops, substations and associated infrastructure through heritage buildings and/or curtilages as a result liaison with design team. of establishing light rail infrastructure in the Design team to consider potential impacts of the vicinity of heritage items. Russell Extension Project in line with existing National and Includes consideration of the potential impact Commonwealth Heritage Listed heritage items and nominated Direct impacts on on National Heritage Listed and National and Commonwealth items. existing and Commonwealth Heritage Listed places within nominated heritage Undertake ongoing consultation with Heritage Council to ensure the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project places and/or Almost project design is compatible with existing heritage values and B.1 Construction alignment, in particular along Constitution Minor Minor - - Moderate Very High objects (such as certain items in order to minimise any impacts. Avenue. physical, visual and Undertake further investigation of the Civic Square CMP to potential vibration General alignment items include – Canberra ensure that relevant conservation policies are followed in the impacts) NHL nominations, Reid Railway Embankment design. (however the Canberra Institute of Technology is in between Constitution Avenue and the Design team to investigate opportunities for wire-free technology heritage site), Parliament House Vista, across Anzac Parade (and either side) to minimise impacts on Civic Square, Anzac Parade (Australian War the Parliament House vista and the Australian War Memorial and Memorial Parade). Memorial/Memorial Parade heritage areas). Prepare a detailed Heritage Impact Assessment to consider the potential impacts of the Russell Extension Project.
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor and the potential impact areas of these components through liaison with design team. Confirmation of design and identification of potential impacts on known items such the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, Olympic Swimming Pool, Reid Railway Embankment, the Potential to result in indirect impacts to St John’s Church, Russell Precinct Heritage Area and Parliament existing heritage places and/or curtilages as a House Vista – Portal Buildings. result of changes to the heritage and landscape character of the area and significant Incorporate urban design and architectural design measures into the design of the Russell Extension Project to minimise impacts Indirect impacts on views, particularly along Constitution Avenue. through discussion with design team. existing heritage Almost B.2 Construction General alignment items include – Sydney and Minor Minor - - Moderate Very High places and/or Melbourne Buildings, Olympic Swimming Pool, certain Further investigate proposed stop location to identify different objects St John the Baptist Church and Churchyard impacts on Sydney and Melbourne buildings. (Reid), Australian-American Memorial and Investigate potential heritage impact of sun-moth when located Sir Thomas Blamey Square, and the within heritage properties (e.g. St Johns Church). Russell Precinct Heritage Area, and Parliament House Vista – Portal Buildings. Design team to further investigate the size and layout of the terminus to determine whether its impact on the Russell Precinct Heritage Area can be minimised in the proposed Russell Drive location. Undertake further investigation of the Russell Precinct HMP to ensure that relevant conservation policies are followed in the design.
Loss or damage to Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project Aboriginal corridor and the potential impact areas of these components archaeological through liaison with design team. potential or places Potential to result in impacts to Indigenous Undertake further investigation of potential heritage sites through B.3 with Aboriginal Construction heritage artefacts and/or sites as a result of Unlikely Minor - - - Moderate Low preparation of a predictive model and an archaeological cultural values, in land clearing and or excavation works. assessment. particular within the northern portion of Commence consultation with Aboriginal groups. the study area
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor and the potential impact areas of these components through liaison with design team. Impact to burial Discovery of historic/European and/or Undertake further investigation of potential heritage sites through B.4 sites during Construction Unlikely Minor - - - Moderate Low Aboriginal burials. preparation of a predictive model and an archaeological construction assessment. Recognise and apply unanticipated discovery protocols in Heritage Act
Undertake preliminary research into identified historical archaeology sites within the study area Impact on historical B.5 Construction Potential for impacts on historical archaeology. Unlikely Minor - - - Moderate Low Undertake archaeological assessment and historical research as archaeology part of future environmental assessment processes for the Russell Extension Project. The archaeological assessment would recommend any further mitigation measures.
Noise and vibration
Develop mitigation measures including preparation and Increased noise and vibration from implementation of a construction noise and vibration construction plant, equipment, trucks and management plan (or similar). vehicles. Increase in noise Almost Assess noise impacts and consultation, including a review of the C.1 Construction Minor Minor - - Minor High and vibration General alignment receivers: Residential certain proposed construction methodology, in particular any noisy or receivers, hotels, commercial premises, out-of-hours works that may be required (or identify areas where Convention centre, Canberra Institute of out-of-hour works may be beneficial), possibly the use of lunch- Technology, Churches. time respite periods and the use of construction hoarding/project signboards as temporary noise barriers.
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project along the corridor, e.g. the Light Rail along the transport corridor, Construction vibration that exceeds adopted all stops, substations and associated infrastructure through Vibration – criteria for human comfort and adopted criteria liaison with design team. Exceeding criteria for cosmetic damage to buildings. for human comfort Undertake vibration assessment to determine potential impacts C.2 Construction Possible Moderate Minor - - Minor Medium and cosmetic General alignment receivers: Hotels, and identify potential mitigation measures. commercial premises, Convention centre, damage to Identify safe working distances for vibration impacts to ensure Canberra Theatre, Canberra Institute of buildings levels remain below cosmetic damage criterion for buildings. Technology, residential receivers, Churches. Building condition surveys to be undertaken before and after works at potentially affected properties.
Define the extent of the Russell Extension Project including elements such as bus and light rail integration. Consideration of track form type and design with aim of reducing potential noise impacts (e.g. ballast track or other noise reducing Increased noise due to operation of light rail forms). Discussion of preferred/best for project outcome within vehicles (including elements such as warning the Russell Extension Project team. bells) on sensitive receivers such as the Identify potential project elements that may result in areas closer nearby residences and hotels, Convention to sensitive receivers which may require specific mitigation Centre, Canberra Theatre, St John’s Church, measures (e.g. substations). child care centres etc. Consider citing of substation(s) to meet relevant noise criteria at C.3 Increase in noise Operation Noise from fixed project elements such as Likely Minor Minor - - Minor Medium receivers, and/or consider sound insulating enclosure design electrical substations or a bus interchange at where required. Russell. Identify the frequency of LRV movements and duration of noise General alignment receivers: Residential exposure (e.g. LRV length) as a means of identifying potential receivers, hotels, the Convention centre, impacts to sensitive receivers (conservative estimate). Canberra Institute of Technology, Churches etc. Engage EPA as part of ongoing discussions early in the design process. Detailed design to consider potential ground-borne noise during operation, including consideration of engineering design solutions such as floating slab in high risk areas.
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
As per actions for Item C.3. Potential vibration/ Potential for increased levels of vibration due C.4 ground borne noise Operation Possible Moderate Minor - - Minor Medium Consideration of vibration attenuating track forms in high risk to operation of light rail vehicles. impacts areas, and design with aim of reducing potential vibration impacts as part of the ongoing Russell Extension Project design.
Identify potential vibration sensitive receivers and their proximity to the Russell Extension Project corridor based on a final Russell Extension Project impact footprint (it is noted that no such receivers have been identified to date). Operational If required in high risk areas, consider vibration attenuating track vibration affecting Operational vibration affecting vibration forms and design with aim of reducing potential vibration impacts C.5 Operation Unlikely Minor Moderate - - Minor Low vibration sensitive sensitive equipment as part of the ongoing Russell Extension Project design. More equipment detailed analysis and monitoring of mitigation proposed during detailed design for particularly sensitive locations. If required, consultation with equipment/facility operators and undertake detailed analysis of mitigation proposed during detailed design for particularly sensitive locations.
Trees
Undertake assessment of trees including review of existing survey information where available. Development of urban design and landscaping strategies to minimise/mitigate impacts such as incorporation of infrastructure elements such as OHW poles. Consider the integration of Project elements such as stop Removal of existing trees along the alignment shelters and existing trees as part of the design development of of the Russell Extension Project that make a the Russell Extension Project. significant contribution to the visual character/amenity of the receiving Consideration of tree species which are compatible with light rail Impact to existing D.1 Construction environment. Likely Minor Minor - Minor Minor Medium operations as part of the development of urban design and trees landscaping strategies. For example, the removal of the trees from either side of Constitution Avenue and Community engagement strategy development to engage introduction of the rail infrastructure would community early. provide a significant visual change. Engage with NCA and other stakeholders with respect to the development of the urban design strategy. Consider staged tree removal/replacement where feasible to avoid clear felling along the entire alignment. Design team to identify potential substation locations which avoid known areas of registered trees.
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor, e.g. the light rail along the transport corridor, all stops, Direct impacts to Direct impacts to significant trees listed/ D.2 Construction Unlikely Minor - - Moderate Minor Low substations and associated infrastructure. significant trees registered under the Tree Protection Act. Identify known significant trees within the Russell Extension Project corridor that may be impacted by the project.
Landscape and visual
Implement standard mitigation measures during construction. Design team to identify opportunities for existing vegetation around the perimeter of construction sites to be retained where Visual impacts are expected to include feasible and reasonable to act as a visual screen during Visual impact vegetation clearing and construction activities Almost E.1 Construction Minor Minor - Minor Minor High construction. during construction including the placement and movement of certain plant and other equipment during construction. Undertake regular maintenance of site hoardings and perimeter site areas during construction. Investigate opportunities for inclusion of public art etc. on hoardings to minimise visual impacts.
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Ensure design solution is generally suitable/compatible with the existing environment. Develop detailed urban design mitigation measures, including those for specific elements such as substations to minimise their impacts on the existing environment. Ensure design complies with Australia Standard AS4282 – Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting. Addition of new The placement of such elements as the rail Almost Early community and stakeholder engagement and interaction, E.2 infrastructure in the Operation line, new stops, lighting, substations and the Minor - - Minor Minor High certain including the NCA. visual landscape light rail vehicles in the corridor. Development of tools to assist with community consultation such as visualisations, photomontages, etc. Implemented visual mitigation measures as soon as feasible and reasonable to minimise duration of visual impact and allow the community to adjust to changes over time as the construction of the Project progresses. Design team to investigate potential wire-free technology.
Develop detailed urban design mitigation measures (as part of The provision of the light rail alignment may future design phases), including those for specific elements such Relocation of require the relocation of existing public art, in Almost E.3 Operation - - - - Minimal Medium as relocation of existing street artwork. existing public art particular existing artworks/sculptures located certain on Northbourne Avenue. Undertake consultation with ArtsACT and relevant stakeholders as part of any potential relocation of artworks.
Traffic and transport
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor, e.g. the Light Rail along the transport corridor, all stops, substations and associated infrastructure. Identify current uses of existing parking including special events (where relevant). Loss of some parking along the alignment Potential removal Consider project elements such as potential park-and-ride limiting accessibility to surrounding Almost F.1 of parking spaces Operation Minor Minor - - Minor High location(s) and access to these facilities, including need for these businesses, or entertainment venues such as certain along the alignment element(s). the National Convention Centre. Identify and consider external projects such as the development along Constitution Avenue (NC Plan Section 1.5) that may impact on potential parking and future requirements. Undertake consultation with local businesses and relevant stakeholders to identify parking needs and potential constraints.
Consider/develop construction traffic management measures in Reduced road network performance and consultation with design team as part of the environmental Reduced road carrying capacity and increased travel times Almost Minor Minor - - Minor High assessment process. F.2 network Construction due to construction vehicle movements and certain performance lane/road closures (i.e. Northbourne Avenue Consider staggering road construction to minimise impacts. and London Circuit) Undertake consultation with stakeholders (e.g. TAMS).
Undertake ongoing consultation with emergency services to advise of all planned changes to traffic arrangements prior to applying the changes. Disruptions to Disruptions to emergency access due to F.3 emergency access Construction potential changes to road/lane Unlikely Minor Minor - - Major Medium Access for emergency vehicles to be maintained across the during construction changes/closures during construction. Russell Extension Project alignment. Preparation and approval of Temporary Traffic Management Plan for works.
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Develop a network management plan to identify key management measures that would be required to be Reduced road network performance due to Reduced road implemented to ensure journey times are maintained at potential for provision of priority or changes to F.4 network Operation Likely Moderate Moderate - - Minor High acceptable levels. existing phasing for traffic signals or additional performance traffic signals. Consider development of targeted traffic management upgrades which could be undertaken to improve general traffic circulation in the vicinity of the Russell Extension Project.
Site specific pedestrian management to be developed to manage proposed changes to existing pedestrian movements. Existing cycle routes to be maintained where the Disruption to Disruption to pedestrian/cyclist facilities due to Russell Extension Project footprint allows for this. Alternative F.5 Operation Possible Minor Minor - - Minor Low pedestrians/cyclists construction works. routes to be identified where required as part of the design of the project. Preparation and approval of Temporary Traffic Management Plan for works.
Identify design solutions/options regarding access to properties affected in consultation with the design team. Changes to existing accesses along the Undertake traffic surveys to identify frequency/quality of existing Changes to existing uses. Russell Extension Project alignment, in Almost F.6 Operation Minor - - - Minor High accesses along the particular along Constitution Avenue which certain Undertake early community engagement with affected property alignment may include the need to rationalise some owners and ongoing education process with community existing accesses at certain points. members who access affected sites. Preparation and approval of Temporary Traffic Management Plan for works.
Changes to bus Changes to existing access to City Bus Station Develop network management plan to look at the possibility of access to City Bus on Mort Street from London Circuit as turn bus network changes or intersection upgrades. F.6 Operation Likely Minor Minor Minor Medium Station on Mort bays may have to be removed/routes Undertake consultation with stakeholders (e.g. TAMS, ACTION). Street redirected.
Air quality and greenhouse gases
Develop standard mitigation measures to minimise impacts Increase in air Increased GHG emissions and other pollution including dust and air quality management plans to be G.1 pollution during Construction due to construction plant, machinery, Likely Minor Minor - - - Medium implemented during the construction of the Russell Extension construction equipment, trucks and vehicles. Project.
Impact of the generation of air quality impacts Refer to actions identified in Item G.1. Impact of (such as dust and/or other air pollution) on construction G.2 Construction sensitive receivers along the alignment such Likely Minor Minor - - - Medium activities on as residences, businesses, childcares, sensitive receivers pedestrians etc.
Generation of Generation of greenhouse gas emissions Develop standard mitigation measures to minimise impacts which G.3 greenhouse gas Construction during construction contributing to climate Likely Minor Minor - - - Medium could be implemented during the construction of the Russell emissions change. Extension Project.
Generation of Potential reduction of greenhouse gas No mitigation/action required/proposed. G.4 greenhouse gas Operation emissions during operation, due to reduced Possible Positive Positive - Positive Positive Beneficial emissions private vehicle traffic.
Reduction in ambient air quality during Investigate opportunities for incorporation of mitigation strategies Increase in air operations due to particulate (dust) emissions such as street sweeping of the alignment to remove excessive G.5 pollution during Operation Possible Minor Minor - - - Low from entrainment of surface particles, wheel build-up of materials which may occur during operation. operation and rail wear, and traction sanding.
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Water and hydrology
Design team to advise of the requirement for deep excavations. All groundwater encountered during the construction of the proposal would be managed in accordance with relevant Potential for impacts to groundwater from any guidelines. Impact to H.1 Construction deep excavations and pollutant spills entering Unlikely Moderate Minor - Minor - Low groundwater Hazardous material procedures (including procedures for aquifer(s). managing spills, and the refuelling and maintenance of vehicles/equipment) would be developed and implemented prior to commencement of construction to minimise impacts from pollutant spills entering aquifer(s).
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor and the potential impact areas of these components through liaison with design team. Bores located within the construction footprint Impact to existing H.2 Construction of the alignment may be destroyed during Possible Minor Minor - - - Low Undertake a field survey to confirm the existence, usage and bores construction. condition of any bore located within the construction footprint of the Russell Extension Project, or potentially affected by the project (e.g. those located in the vicinity of proposed excavations).
Obtain flood modelling to understand the existing situation. Potential risk of Potential risk of flooding affecting operation of H.3 Operation Possible Moderate Minor - Minor Minor Medium flooding the light rail. Design of the Russell Extension Project to ensure that there is no worsening of the existing situation.
Exacerbation of Potential for the proposal to result in Obtain flood modelling to understand the existing situation. H.4 existing localised Operation exacerbation of existing localised stormwater Possible Moderate Minor - Minor Minor Medium Design of the Russell Extension Project to ensure that there is no stormwater flooding flooding events during operation. worsening of the existing situation.
Increase in non- Increased surface runoff which could carry Design Russell Extension Project elements to minimise non- permeable areas contaminants. permeable footprint(s). H.5 where rainwater Operation Changes to surface drainage which could Possible Moderate Minor - Minor - Medium Design to incorporate surface water management measures to cannot infiltrate the increase velocity of water runoff and cause control quantity and quality. soil flooding.
Potential for flooding/stormwater overflows Obtain flood modelling to understand the existing situation. Impact to operation to impact on/inundate light rail operations H.6 of the light rail due Operation Likely Minor Minor - - Minor Medium Design to meet desired ARI events. and/or light rail stops, resulting in disruption to flooding to services. Develop contingency measures.
Contamination and soils
Erosion and Develop mitigation measures to minimise impacts which would sedimentation be implemented during the construction of the Russell Extension Removal of vegetation can cause erosion and I.1 causing pollution of Construction Possible Minor Minor - Minor - Low Project. sediment runoff to waterways. waterways during construction
Potential to encounter geotechnical constraints Targeted investigation to determine existing geotechnical Geotechnical I.2 Construction during construction (e.g. unsuitable substrates, Possible Minor Minor - - - Low constraints within the proposal alignment. constraints acid sulfate soils).
Potential for encountering contaminated land Undertake a Phase 2 contamination assessment to investigate Encountering I.3 Construction along the potential alignment from previous Possible Moderate Minor - Minor - Medium contamination remediation action plan (if required). contaminated land land uses.
Potential Develop mitigation measures to minimise impacts which would Contamination of groundwater aquifers due to contamination risks be implemented during the construction of the Russell Extension accidental chemical spills or leakage from I.4 to groundwater Construction Possible Moderate - - Moderate - Medium Project. construction and maintenance plant, vehicles, aquifers/local equipment and storage areas. waterways
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Risks associated Develop mitigation measures to minimise impacts which would with the be implemented during the construction of the Russell Extension encountering and Environmental issues associated with the Project. I.5 disposal of Construction disposal of groundwater during construction Possible Minor - - Minor - Low potentially phase of the proposal. contaminated groundwater
Encountering Mobilisation of existing known or unknown Targeted investigation to determine presence and extent of any I.6 Operation Unlikely Moderate - - Moderate - Low contaminated land contamination in the environment. existing sources of contamination within the proposal alignment.
Social and economic
Undertake early community and stakeholder consultation and engagement with local businesses along the alignment. Ensure construction planning addressed maintaining access to Impacts to the operation of local businesses Economic impacts businesses and pedestrian thoroughfares and pedestrian J.1 Construction due to perceived adverse amenity and access Possible Minor Minor - - Major Medium to businesses signage to provide way finding to existing business. constraints leading to reduced passing trade. Design team to advise the extent of the Russell Extension Project footprint – impacted businesses to then be identified – how (duration, type of impact, mitigation measures).
Impact on local communities during These issues are considered to be manageable with the effective J.2 Impacts to amenity Construction construction, including reduction in amenity Likely Minor Minor - - Minor Medium, implementation of standard construction environmental (such as noise, dust and visual impacts). management measures.
Development of No mitigation/action required/proposed. transport Creates the potential for local access to Almost J.3 Operation - - - - Positive Beneficial infrastructure – residential, business community facilities along certain increasing the alignment. accessibility
Potential Consultation plan to include a strategy regarding the potential perception of Potential for the community to perceive that impacts. severance to the the light rail infrastructure would create a J.4 Operation Possible Minor - - - Minor Low community due to barrier between the (generally) north and the Russell south sides of the alignment. Extension Project
Utilities and services
Design team to undertake search(es) to identify existing utilities. Design team to take into account existing service locations as part of the design of the project to avoid where possible. Disruption to Disruption to asset owner access to services K.1 Construction Likely Minor Minor - - Minor Medium existing services and utilities. Services or utilities that may be impacted by the Russell Extension Project should be protected and/or relocated using an identified hierarchy including design away from services; protection; and relocation.
Damage to Damage to services and utilities during Design team to undertake search(es) to identify existing utilities. services and construction of the proposal (including K.2 Construction Possible Minor Minor - - Minor Low Construction contractor(s) to check the locations of existing utilities (or finding associated safety risks, such as earth potential underground utilities and services prior to commencing additional services) rise). construction works.
Buried cables and Electrolysis corrosion risks caused by potential Electrolysis corrosion risks caused by potential stray leakage stray leakage stray leakage currents from the running rails currents from the running rails into surrounding earth to be K.3 currents from the Construction into surrounding earth causing cause Possible Minor - - - Minor Low managed through the design of the track bed cable duct running rails into electrolysis corrosion of nearby buried insulation by the design team. surrounding earth metalwork.
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Waste, energy and resources
Increased waste from construction of All waste assessed, classified, managed and disposed of in Increased waste to infrastructure and ancillary structures (such as accordance with relevant guidelines. stabling facility buildings). land fill during Almost Consider the requirements of the sustainability strategy. L.1 Construction - - Minimal - - Medium construction of the Environmental hazards associated with certain Russell Extension disposal of construction waste, including Project potentially hazardous/contaminated materials (e.g. asbestos, contaminated spoil).
Increased demand on resources Mitigation measures to be developed by the construction Demand on (e.g. electricity, fuel, concrete, water) resulting Almost contractor(s) to reduce demand on resources. L.2 Construction - - Minimal - - Medium resources certain in reduced availability of resources for the Consider the requirements of the sustainability strategy. local community.
Consider energy consumption in specifications for building materials. Consider the requirements of the sustainability strategy. Increased energy Increase in energy consumption associated Almost The construction operations issues are considered to be L.3 usage during Construction with manufacturing building materials and - - Minimal - - Medium certain manageable with the effective implementation of standard construction infrastructure and during construction. construction management measures (such as energy efficient office practices for lighting and electrical equipment usage, implementing practices for switching off construction equipment when not in use/limiting unnecessary idling).
Design team to optimise the location of required substations to minimise energy loss resulting from the Russell Extension Increased energy Project. Increase in energy consumption associated L.4 usage during Operation Likely Minor Minor Minor - - Medium with operation of light rail infrastructure. Consider the requirements of the sustainability strategy. operation Consider the implementation of energy efficiency technology during detailed design.
Land use
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor and the potential impact areas of these components. Proposal construction footprint to be minimised as far as possible throughout the construction period. Impacts on public Impacts on public property including footpaths Construction methods would minimise impacts to footpath widths Almost M.1 property during Construction and open spaces along the potential alignment Minor Minor - - Minor High and crossing facilities to ensure sufficient pedestrian capacity is certain construction as a result of construction of the proposal. provided in a safe environment. Consultation with relevant stakeholders would be undertaken to identify and review specific mitigation measures to reduce impacts on existing land uses, public property and open space areas and to identify appropriate post-construction configuration and facilities for open space land.
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor that may impact on private property, e.g. the Light Rail Impacts on private Potential for temporary reduction in property tracks, all stops, substations and associated infrastructure. M.2 property along the Construction amenity and value due to construction Possible - - - - Minor Low Minimise the construction footprint as far as possible throughout alignment impacts. the construction period. Early consultation with affected property owners.
Consider potential alternate public open space(s) which could be Loss of public open Loss of public open space and associated M.3 Operation Unlikely - - - Minor Minor Very Low developed during detailed design in consultation with the design space (e.g. parks) social impacts. team.
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Impacts on No mitigation/action required/proposed. Potential for increase in property amenity and M.4 property along the Operation Possible - - - - Positive Beneficial value due to new light rail infrastructure. alignment
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor that may impact on private property, e.g. the Light Rail along the transport corridor, all stops, substations and associated Acquisition of Acquisition of private land for infrastructure infrastructure. M.5 Operation Possible - - - - Minor Low private land elements including alignment, or substations. Minimise the construction footprint as far as possible throughout the construction period. Early consultation with affected property owners.
Define all relevant components of the Russell Extension Project corridor that may impact on proposed structure of the Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade master plan (e.g. the Impact to identified land uses identified as part Impacts to Light Rail along the transport corridor, all stops, substations and M.6 Operation of the Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade Likely - - - - Minor Medium proposed land uses associated infrastructure). master plan within the National Capital Plan. Undertake early consultation with the National Capital Authority to identify the process for amending the existing plan to take into account the Russell Extension Project.
Climate change
Potential impacts to the proposal resulting Identify potential climate change risks to the Russell Extension from climate change impacts such as: Project. predicted increased frequency, severity and Consider possible design responses to address climate change Adaptation to N.1 Operation duration of extreme temperature (days Possible Moderate Minor - Moderate Moderate Medium risks during project design in consultation with the design team. climate change exceeding 35°C) predicted increased frequency and severity of extreme wind events.
Hazard and risk
Identify potential sensitive receivers as part of the land use studies undertaken for the Russell Extension Project and Potential impacts of EMF resulting from the communicate this to the design team. Electromagnetic operation of the light rail, including potential O.1 Force (EMF) Operation Possible Minor Minor - - Minimal Low Design team to consider as part of the overall development of the impact to sensitive equipment along the impacts Russell Extension Project. alignment. Undertake consultation with potentially affected receivers to identify any specific requirements/potential impacts.
Consider safety design elements during design of the Russell Extension Project. Identify mitigation strategies through design development of the Injury or fatality due Injury or fatality due to collisions between Russell Extension Project in consultation with the design team. O.2 to collisions – Operation LRVs and pedestrians within highly Unlikely - - - - Catastrophic High pedestrians pedestrianised areas. Develop and implement appropriate signage during detailed design. Develop and implement appropriate community education as part of the initial operation of the Russell Extension Project.
Consider safety design elements during design of the Russell Extension Project. Injury or fatality due to collisions between road Injury or fatality due and LRVs at signalised crossings and Community engagement strategy development to engage O.3 to collisions – Operation Unlikely -s - - - Catastrophic High locations where road traffic would be community early. vehicles maintained adjacent to the proposal. Implement appropriate community education as part of the initial operation of the Russell Extension Project.
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Project Unmitigated Consequence Risk level/ ID Potential impact Description Actions/Studies to be conducted/Mitigation phase likelihood Magnitude Temporal Resource Ecological Social significance
Bushfire
A bushfire risk assessment would be undertaken as part of the development of the EIS to determine the potential risk to the Bushfires impacts Potential impact of bushfires from areas existing and future land uses surrounding the Russell Extension on the operation of P.1 Operation adjacent to the alignment impacting on the Unlikely Minor Minimal - - Minimal Very low Project. the Russell operation of the Russell Extension Project. Extension Project The bushfire risk assessment would be undertaken in accordance with the ACT Government Planning for bushfire risk mitigation guideline (ACT Government, 2006).
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8. Conclusions
This preliminary environmental assessment has been undertaken to identify the appropriate approvals pathway(s) for the Russell Extension Project and also to support a referral to the Department of Environment to confirm the Project is considered to be a controlled action under the EPBC Act 1999.
This preliminary environmental assessment has identified a number of potential environmental impacts during the construction and operational phases that would require further detailed investigation as part of planning approval for the Russell Extension Project. These potential environmental impacts have been determined through the preliminary risk assessment and including the following key issues:
Non-Aboriginal heritage – including potential to result in impacts to the Parliamentary Triangle, Australian War Memorial and Memorial Parade, Russell Precinct Heritage Area and the proposed ‘Canberra the Planned National Capital’ National Heritage Listed area and the setting of other heritage items along the Project corridor. Noise and vibration – including increased noise and vibration from construction plant, equipment, trucks and vehicles and potential for increased noise for sensitive receivers during operation. Traffic and transport – including potential reduction in the existing road network performance and carrying capacity, increased travel times due to construction, loss of some parking along the alignment and other specific traffic and access impacts (such as modifications to intersection layouts, modifications to traffic signal phasing, removal of some right-turns, etc.) which may occur as part of the operation of the Project. Urban design and visual – including from construction activities and through the placement of such elements as the rail line, new stops, lighting, substations and the light rail vehicles in the corridor as part of the operation of the Project. Visual impacts would also be minimised due to the proposed wire-free nature of the Project. Planted trees – including removal of existing trees along the alignment of the Project that make a significant contribution to the existing visual character/amenity of the Project alignment, including the proposed landscaping associated with the current Constitution Avenue upgrade. Property and land use – including potential direct adverse impacts on public property including footpaths and open spaces along the Project alignment, potential for temporary reduction in property amenity and value due to construction impacts, and possible direct and indirect impacts (positive and/or negative) on the future development potential of some sites along the alignment, in particular associated with the Russell Master Plan.
In addition, a number of relatively minor impacts associated with the project have been identified that could be effectively managed and/or adequately mitigated through the design process and application of standard and/or tailored mitigation measures.
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9. References
National Capital Authority 2015, Authority website accessed 6 January 2015: http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2690&Itemid=261. ACT Government 2004a, The Griffin Legacy. ACT Government 2004b, Woodlands for Wildlife: ACT Lowland Woodland Conservation Strategy. Canberra. ACT Government 2006, Planning for bushfire risk mitigation guideline. ACT Government 2008, The Canberra Plan. ACT Government 2013, National Capital Plan. ACT Government 2014a, City Plan. ACT Government 2014b, Territory Plan. ACT Government 2014c, Light Rail Master Plan – Project Update, December 2014. ACT Land Information Centre 2004, Bushfire Prone Area map. Armstrong, R. C., K. D. Turner, et al. 2013, Plant Communities of the upper Murrumbidgee catchment in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Cunninghamia 13(1): 125-266. Atlas of Living Australia 2015, Atlas of Living Australia website, from http://www.ala.org.au/. Department of the Environment 2015, EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool, Retrieved 1 March, 2015, from http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/. Economic Development Directorate, ACT Government 2013, Infrastructure Plan, 2013 Update. Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD), ACT Government 2012a, ACT Planning Strategy 2011. Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD), ACT Government 2012b, Transport for Canberra – Transport for a sustainable city 2012–2031. Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD), ACT Government 2015a Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate – Species and Ecological Communities webpage 2015, from http://www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation_and_ecological_communities. Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD), ACT Government 2015b. ‘ACTMAPi Version 4.’ Retrieved 4 March, 2014, from http://www.actmapi.act.gov.au/home.html. Gellie, N. J. H. 2005, Native vegetation of the Southern Forests: South-east Highlands, Australian Alps, South-west Slopes, and SE Corner bioregions, Cunninghamia 9(2): 219-253. Geoff Butler & Associates 2011, Arboricultural Review – Constitution Avenue, City , ACT. Law, B., R. Z. S. N. S. Wales, et al. 2011, The Biology and Conservation of Australasian Bats, Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. Maguire, O. and M. Mulvaney (2011). Box-Gum Woodland in the ACT. Canberra, Conservation Planning and Research Policy Division. Pittendrigh, Stuart 2015, Preliminary Tree Assessment, Capital Metro, Civic to Russell. Sharp S 1994, Lowland native grasslands in the ACT and surrounding region: a review and research strategy for a recovery plan, ACT Parks and Conservation Service.
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Appendix A Heritage Impact Assessment
Report Register
The following report register documents the development and issue of the report entitled Capital Metro, ACT Light Rail Russell Extension Heritage Impact Assessment, undertaken by GML Heritage Pty Ltd in accordance with its quality management system.
Quality Assurance
GML Heritage Pty Ltd operates under a quality management system which has been certified as complying with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for quality management systems AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008.
The report has been reviewed and approved for issue in accordance with the GML quality assurance policy and procedures.
Copyright
Historical sources and reference material used in the preparation of this report are acknowledged and referenced at the end of each section and/or in figure captions. Reasonable effort has been made to identify, contact, acknowledge and obtain permission to use material from the relevant copyright owners. owners of any pre-existing historic source or reference material.
Moral Rights
GML asserts its Moral Rights in this work, unless otherwise acknowledged, in accordance with the authorship, the right not to have the work falsely attributed and the right to integrity of authorship.
Right to Use
-free right to reproduce or use the material from this report, except where such use infringes the copyright and/or Moral Rights of GML or third parties.
Cover Image: Aerial view of Parkes Way and Constitution Ave, c1970, photographed by Richard Clough. (Source: National Library of Australia, nla.pic-an14324452-128-v)
Contents Page
1.0 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Project Description ...... 1 1.3 Site Location...... 1 1.4 Methodology and Terminology ...... 1 1.4.1 Methodology ...... 1 1.4.2 Terminology ...... 2 1.4.3 Previous Reports ...... 2 1.5 Consultation ...... 3 1.6 Limitations ...... 3 1.7 Authors and Acknowledgements ...... 4 1.8 Endnotes ...... 4
2.0 Statutory Heritage Context ...... 7 2.1 Introduction ...... 7 2.2 Land Ownership and Planning Controls for Heritage Places ...... 7 2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) ...... 8 2.3.1 EPBC Act Referrals ...... 9 2.4 Heritage Act 2004 (ACT) ...... 11 2.5 Endnotes ...... 12
3.0 Aboriginal Heritage ...... 13 3.1 ACT Heritage Data ...... 13 3.2 Previous Studies ...... 13 3.3 Aboriginal Community Consultation ...... 14 3.4 Endnotes ...... 16
4.0 Non-Aboriginal Heritage Values ...... 17 4.1 Preamble ...... 17 4.2 Historical Archaeology ...... 17 4.2.1 Recorded Sites...... 17 4.2.2 Summary ...... 18 4.3 Heritage Places and Objects along the Route ...... 18 4.3.1 NHL and CHL Places ...... 18 4.3.2 ACT Heritage Register Places and Objects...... 19 4.3.3 Heritage Places on Non-Statutory Heritage Registers...... 19 4.4 National Heritage Places ...... 22 4.4.1 Australian War Memorial and Memorial Parade ...... 22 4.4.2 Potential National Heritage Values ...... 24 4.5 Commonwealth Heritage Places ...... 30 4.5.1 Parliament House Vista ...... 30 4.5.2 Parliament House Vista Extension Portal Buildings ...... 35 4.5.3 Russell Precinct Heritage Area ...... 35 4.6 Endnotes ...... 41
5.0 The Proposed Action ...... 43 5.1 Documents Reviewed...... 43 5.2 Project Description ...... 43 5.3 Installation of the Light Rail Line and Roadworks ...... 44 5.4 Stops and Terminus ...... 45
6.0 Heritage Impact Assessment ...... 49 6.1 Introduction ...... 49 6.2 Assessing the Heritage Impact ...... 49 6.2.1 Methodology for Assessing the Heritage Impact ...... 49 6.2.2 Relative Levels of Heritage Impact ...... 49 6.3 Heritage Impact Assessment Matters of National Environmental Significance...... 50 6.3.1 Impact assessment on the Australian War Memorial and Memorial Parade ...... 51 6.3.2 Canberra, the Planned National Capital ...... 53 6.4 Heritage Impact Assessment Commonwealth Heritage Places ...... 55 6.4.1 Russell Precinct Heritage Area ...... 55 6.4.2 Parliament House Vista ...... 58 6.4.3 Parliament House Vista Extension Portal Buildings ...... 59 6.5 ACT Heritage Places ...... 61 6.5.1 Sydney and Melbourne Buildings ...... 61 6.5.2 Ainslie Avenue and Civic Square ...... 61 6.5.3 Other Heritage Places ...... 61 6.6 Summary of Heritage Impacts ...... 62 6.7 Endnotes ...... 63
7.0 Mitigation Measures ...... 64 7.1 Recommendations ...... 64 7.2 Non-Aboriginal Heritage ...... 64 7.3 Historical Archaeology ...... 65 7.4 Aboriginal Heritage ...... 65
1.0
1.1 Background
GML Heritage Pty Ltd (GML) has been commissioned by Parsons Brinckerhoff on behalf of the Capital Metro Agency (CMA) to prepare a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the Russell Extension of Stage 1 of the Capital Metro, Canberra light rail project to support a referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act). This HIA addresses Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage.
The Russell Extension Project is a potential future stage of the proposed Capital Metro Light Rail Project between Gungahlin and Civic. The extension, hereafter referred to as the Russell Extension Project, would involve extension of the existing Stage 1 Civic to Gungahlin Project by approximately 3 kilometres. Between Civic and Russell, the alignment would follow Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit, Constitution Avenue and Russell Drive.
The Russell Extension Project is a priority transport project for the ACT Government and would represent continued development of a major implementation action identified in the Transport for Canberra policy. As the second stage of the proposed future light rail master plan network the Russell Extension Project would aim to deliver high quality, reliable public transport, aiming to further increase the mode share of public transport and reduce car dependence through its linkage with the Stage 1 Gungahlin to Civic Project.
The Russell Extension Project outlined in this section is indicative and based on the current design of the Project. This design is continuing to develop as more engineering and assessment work is completed. Some aspects of the design may change as the design progresses and more detail becomes available. 1.2 Project Description 1.3 Site Location
The Russell Extension Project would comprise the construction and operation of a light rail service between the currently proposed Civic terminus stop at Alinga Street and Russell.
The proposed Russell Extension starts at Northbourne Avenue, City, travels along London Circuit to its junction with Constitution Avenue, and then east along Constitution Avenue. It then turns south onto (the currently decommissioned) Russell Drive (northwest of the new Ben Chifley Building), generally following the proposed road network associated with the Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade structure plan identified in Appendix T8 of the National Capital Plan (NCP). The extension terminates at a stop on Russell Drive, south of the junction with Kings Avenue.
The proposed route is shown in Figures 1.1 and 1.2. 1.4 Methodology and Terminology
1.4.1 Methodology
The purpose of this HIA is to provide an assessment of the impacts of the Russell Extension on Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage values.
This HIA provides:
details of the consultation undertaken to date regarding heritage values and potential issues;
an overview of the statutory context relating to heritage values and potential issues relevant to the project;
identification of known and recorded Aboriginal heritage sites;
a predictive model for Aboriginal heritage, which includes the results of the consultation with ACT Representative Aboriginal Organisations (RAOs);
identification of known non-Aboriginal heritage places and objects within the study area;
identification and assessment of heritage impacts of the proposal on Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal heritage;
an assessment of the project against the significant impact criteria for Matters of National Environmental Significance and Commonwealth Heritage places as set out in:
Matters of National Environmental Significance Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; and
Actions on, or impacting upon Commonwealth land, and actions by Commonwealth Agencies Significant impact guidelines 1.2 Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; and
recommendations for mitigating any heritage impacts.
1.4.2 Terminology
The terminology used in this report is consistent with The Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter, 2013 (the Burra Charter), the Heritage Act 2004 (ACT) (ACT Heritage Act), and the EPBC Act and its regulations and relevant guidelines.
1.4.3 Previous Reports
In preparing this Preliminary HA, GML reviewed the following heritage reports:
Duncan Marshall et al, Commonwealth Heritage Assessment for Certain Roads on National Land in Central Canberra, prepared for the National Capital Authority, 2014 (National Land Roads HA).
Duncan Marshall et al, Anzac Parade Canberra Heritage Management Plan, prepared for the National Capital Authority, August 2013 (Anzac Parade HMP).
Cultural Heritage Management Australia, Constitution Avenue Upgrade Heritage Impact Assessment, unpublished report prepared for SMEC, November 2012 (2012 HIA).
Navin Officer, The ACT Major Bus Stop Program Cultural Heritage Assessment, prepared for Cardno, March 2012.
Duncan Marshall et al, Commonwealth Heritage Assessment for Constitution Avenue, Canberra, prepared for AECOM on behalf of Roads ACT, 2012 (2012 CH Assessment). Duncan Marshall et al, Parliament House Vista Area Heritage Management Plan, prepared for the National Capital Authority, 2010 (Parliament House Vista HMP).
Woodhead Pty Ltd, Russell Offices Precinct, Russell, ACT, Heritage Management Plan, prepared for Department of Defence, 2009 (Russell Offices Precinct HMP).
Godden Mackay Logan, Lake Burley Griffin Heritage Assessment, prepared for the National Capital Authority, 2009.
Peter Freeman, Kings Park, Canberra Plan of Management, prepared for the National Capital Authority, 2006.
Peter Freeman Pty Ltd, The Civic Square Precinct Conservation Management Plan, Draft Final, prepared for ACT Procurement Solutions, June 2006.
1.5 Consultation
To assess the Aboriginal heritage values of the route, consultation was undertaken with the four recognised RAOs in the ACT to afford them an opportunity to participate in the assessment and management of their own cultural heritage.
Given that land in the ACT is potentially subject both ACT and Commonwealth legislation, Aboriginal community consultation is generally undertaken with reference to both regulatory systems. Consultation for the Russell Extension Project was undertaken in accordance with Ask First: a guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values, prepared by the Australian Heritage Commission, 2002.
These guidelines generally require that the relevant Traditional Owners and any other Aboriginal people with rights and interests in the area be identified. Identifying them is a matter of contacting land councils, local councils, state authorities (such as ACT Heritage) and any other known group or authority who may provide the relevant information. It is not a specifically prescriptive process. Fortunately, the process has been addressed in the ACT through the issuing of an official RAO list by ACT Heritage.
The four RAOs that have been recognised in the ACT are:
Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation;
erly known as the Consultative Body Aboriginal Corporation on Indigenous Land and Artefacts in the Ngunnawal Area);
Little Gudgenby River Tribal Council; and
Ngarigu Currawong Clan.
Further discussion of the consultation is provided in Section 3.2. 1.6 Limitations
This HIA is relies on existing listing information and does not contain any new assessments of heritage places and objects along the proposed route of the Russell Extension Project. Assessment of natural heritage values was outside the scope of this report.
Aboriginal community consultation undertaken for this report was based on the practice in the ACT of contacting the four recognised RAOs for the purposes of undertaking heritage based assessments. Every reasonable attempt was made to ensure that the RAOs had the opportunity to engage with the project at this early stage. 1.7 Authors and Acknowledgements
This HIA has been prepared by Julia Dowling and Martin Rowney, Associates of GML. Peter Romey, GML Partner and Rachel Jackson, GML Senior Associate, reviewed this report.
GML gratefully acknowledges the assistance and advice provided by Alex McDonald, Jarryd Barton and Emma Taylor of Parsons Brinckerhoff during the project. 1.8 Endnotes