Appendix B Consultation Material

Appendix B Consultation material

Appendix B Public notices

Appendix B Project update – Winter 2015

PROJECT UPDATE WINTER 2015

Dear Stakeholder, The Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater Limited, as proponents for the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project, are pleased to advise that the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) has been released for public and agency review and comment. You are invited to make a submission on the draft EIS including the project’s potential environmental impacts and/or the effectiveness of the measures proposed to manage those impacts.

Where can I get a copy?  The draft EIS is available online at http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/lower-fitzroy EIS process  Order a free electronic copy or purchase a printed COMMONWEALTH STATE copy by telephoning 1800 423 213 or emailing [email protected]  View a copy between 20 July 2015 and 31 August Referral Project declared 2015 at these venues: EPBC 2009/5173 ‘coordinated’ Emerald Library, 44 Borilla Street, Emerald, QLD Gogango State School, 10 Wills Street Bilateral assessment process Gogango, QLD National Library of Australia, Parkes Place Re-issued draft terms of reference (August 2014) Canberra, ACT Re-issued final terms of reference 3 September 2014 Rockhampton Regional Library (Southside), 230 Bolsover Street, Rockhampton, QLD Draft EIS prepared by Proponents State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane, QLD Draft EIS technical advisory and adequacy reviews Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, 112 Munns Q4 2014 Drive, Woorabinda, QLD Yeppoon Library, John Street, Yeppoon, QLD Draft EIS released for comment 20 July 2015 - 31 August 2015

How do I make a submission? Coordinator-General’s report on EIS For information about making a ‘properly made’ submission, please refer to the enclosed fact sheet Have your say on environmental impact statement and Commonwealth Minister’s assessment decision accompanying submission form (also available online at https://haveyoursay.dsd.qld.gov.au/).

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE AT 5 PM ON 31 AUGUST 2015

SEND YOUR SUBMISSION USING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS

Online: http://haveyoursay.dsd.qld.gov.au/ coordinatorgeneral/lower-fitzroy Email: [email protected] Post: Project manager—Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure project Coordinated Project Delivery Office of the Coordinator-General PO Box 15517 City East Qld 4002 Australia

Fax: +61 7 3452 7486

How can I find out more?

Community information sessions will be held in August 2015 where community members can view information and maps or ask questions of the project team. Drop in at any time to find out more about the project.

Community Information Session 1 Rockhampton Regional Library (Southside) (Fitzroy Room) 230 Bolsover Street, South Rockhampton Between 4 pm and 7 pm on Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Community Information Session 2 Gogango Hall Wills Street, Gogango Between 4 pm and 7 pm on Thursday, 6 August 2015

Community Information Session 3 Yeppoon Community Centre (Rooms A and B) 80 John Street, Yeppoon Between 4 pm and 7 pm on Friday, 7 August 2015

Community Information Session 4 North Rockhampton State High School Berserker Street, North Rockhampton Hospitality Trade Training Centre (entrance off Simpson Street) Between 10 am and 12 pm on Saturday, 8 August 2015

The Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater Limited remain committed to the project and thank you for your continued interest.

Yours faithfully The Project Team

Contact us Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au

Appendix B Project website

Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project Page 1 of 1

Home About the Project Environment Community Input Resources Contact

The Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater Limited are joint proponents undertaking technical, environmental, social, cultural and economic investigations for the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project. The project involves the raising of the existing Eden Bann Weir and construction of a new weir at Rookwood on the Fitzroy River, Central Queensland. The purpose of the project is to help meet future demand for water from urban populations, industry and potentially agriculture in Rockhampton, Gladstone and the Capricorn Coast regions.

The Coordinator-General has determined that the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) satisfactorily addresses the terms of reference for the project. The draft EIS has been released for public and agency review and comment.

You are invited to make a submission on the draft EIS including the project’s potential environmental impacts and/or the effectiveness of measures proposed to manage those impacts. The Coordinator-General will consider your submission as part of the evaluation.

Last updated 20 July 2015

NlttOur newsletters provide up to date MClick here to view a selection of maps. information on the proposed project. Find out more...

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Background

In December 2004 the Queensland Government, in partnership with local government, committed to developing the Central Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy, a long term water supply strategy for the region. The strategy identified that further infrastructure on the Lower Fitzroy River is required in order to provide the appropriate reliability of supply to meet the needs of urban populations, industry and agriculture. The project was identified as appropriate infrastructure to satisfy short, medium and long term supply requirements.

The Project

The Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project involves the raising of the existing Eden Bann Weir and construction of a new weir at Rookwood on the Fitzroy River, Central Queensland.

Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater are the proponents of this project with technical assistance from multi- disciplinary consultants, GHD.

The project’s key features are:

• Raising of the existing Eden Bann Weir and construction of a new weir near the Rookwood Crossing • Potential upgrades to state, local and private roads, bridges and crossings to enable the continuation of existing access arrangements following inundation of the weirs Our newsletters provide up to date • Fish and turtle passage structures on the weirs. information on the proposed project. Find out more... Project Schedule

The Project is likely to be staged, with sequencing and timing dependant on a number of demand triggers including existing and new consumers, drought conditions and security of supply requirements. Click here to view a selection of maps. A staged approach to development will enable proponents to respond to potentially smaller demands in the short-term and progressively respond to increasing and/or larger demand requirements over time through intermediate infrastructure builds until full development is reached.

Project Location

Eden Bann Weir is located approximately 62 kilometres north-west of Rockhampton. Impoundment associated with the raised Eden Bann Weir extends along the Fitzroy River.

The Rookwood Weir site is approximately 15 kilometres north of Gogango adjacent to Thirsty Creek Road. Gogango is approximately 66 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton along the Capricorn Highway. Impoundment associated with Rookwood Weir extends up the Fitzroy, Mackenzie and Dawson rivers.

Click here to view the map

Last updated 20 July 2015

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Environmental impact assessment

Environmental assessment has been undertaken for the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project. The purpose of the assessment has been to explore the potential environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts likely to be associated with the Project and to identify opportunities to avoid, mitigate and/or manage these potential impacts.

The Project was determined to be a 'controlled action' by the Commonwealth Environment Minister on 7 January 2010, under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (EPBC Referral 2009/5173).

Controlling provisions under the EPBC Act are:

• World Heritage properties (sections 12 and 15(a)) • National Heritage places (sections 15B and 15(c)) • Listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18(a)) • Listed migratory species (sections 20 and 20(a))

In June 2010, the Commonwealth Department of the Environment issued Guidelines for an environmental impact statement (EIS) in relation to matters of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act.

In May 2011, the Coordinator-General declared the project a 'coordinated project' for which an EIS is required pursuant to section 26(1)(a) of the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971. Terms of reference for the EIS were finalised by the Coordinator-General in April 2012.

As at January 2014, the Project transitioned to assessment through the bilateral assessment process executed between State and Commonwealth governments. To facilitate this process, draft ToR addressing both State and Commonwealth requirements were re-issued and finalised in September 2014.

As a result, the single draft EIS addresses State and Commonwealth matters for consideration under the bilateral agreement.

Last updated 20 July 2015

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Release of the draft environmental impact statement

The draft EIS is available from http://haveyoursay.dsd.qld.gov.au.

Order a free electronic copy or purchase a printed copy by telephoning 1800 423 213 or emailing [email protected].

The draft EIS will be available to view between 20 July 2015 and 5 pm on 31 August 2015 at:

• Emerald Library, 44 Borilla Street, Emerald, QLD • Gogango State School, 10 Wills Street, Gogango, QLD • National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra, ACT • Rockhampton Regional Library (Southside), 230 Bolsover Street, Rockhampton, QLD • State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane, QLD • Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, 112 Munns Drive, Woorabinda, QLD

• Yeppoon Library, John Street, Yeppoon, QLD. Our newsletters provide up to date information on the proposed Community information sessions project. Find out more...

Community Information Session 1 Rockhampton Regional Library (Southside) (Fitzroy Room) 230 Bolsover Street, South Rockhampton Between 4 pm and 7 pm on Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Community Information Session 2 Gogango Hall Wills Street, Gogango Between 4 pm and 7 pm on Thursday, 6 August 2015

Community Information Session 3 Yeppoon Community Centre (Rooms A and B) 80 John Street, Yeppoon Between 4 pm and 7 pm on Friday, 7 August 2015

How to make a submission

For information about making a 'properly made' submission, refer to the Queensland Government's fact sheet Have your say on an environmental impact statement and accompanying submission form, available online and at the public display locations.

Send your submission using one of the following methods:

Online: http://haveyoursay.dsd.qld.gov.au/coordinatorgeneral/lower-fitzroy

Email: [email protected]

Post: Project manager - Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure project Coordinated Project Delivery Office of the Coordinator-General PO Box 15517 City East Qld 4002 Australia

Fax: +61 7 3452 7486

Submissions close at 5 pm on 31 August 2015

Last updated 20 July 2015

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This page provides information on the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project including the newsletters, project updates and media releases. It also contains links to Environmental Impact Assessment documents, relevant government publications and State and Commonwealth legislation.

Newsletters

Project Newsletter Spring 2009 (759KB)

Project Update 1 - Summer 2009 (291KB)

Project Update 2 - Autumn 2010 (100KB)

Project Update 3 - Summer 2010 (195KB)

Project Update 4 - Summer 2011 (100KB)

Project Update 5 – Autumn 2013 (109KB)

Publications Central Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources and Water), 2006 Legislation Commonwealth

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Updated version of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (prepared on 10 May 2011)

State

State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 Updated version of State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (reprinted as in force February 2011).

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Updated version of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003

Water Act 2000 Updated version of the Water Act 2000

Water Resource (Fitzroy Basin) Plan 2011 Updated version of Water Resource (Fitzroy Basin) Plan 2011

State Planning Policy 2/02 Planning and managing Development involving Acid Sulfate Soils Updated link to State Planning Policy 2/02

Sustainable Planning Act 2009 Sustainable Planning Act 2009 | Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 | Sustainable Planning Act Explanatory Notes

Environmental Protection Act 1994

Last updated 03 May 2013

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For further information about the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project or to join the project mailing list for updates, contact the Project Team by:

Phone: 1800 423 213* (8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday) Email: [email protected] Write to: Attention: Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project, Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001

*Free call from fixed lines in Australia, charges apply for mobile phones.

•

Last updated 03 May 2013

http://www.fitzroyweirs.com.au/contact.html 25/01/2016

Appendix B Posters

i n

t TOWNSVILLE e Byfield r B C r u r e c MACKAY e e Road k H ig h w

a Farnb Queensland ROCKHAMPTON y 150 170 orou !( B !( 160 r u gh Road 180 !( c !( Eden Bann Weir e A H l 140 li #* ig g BRISBANE !( h a w t a or C y re 120 ek 130 !( 190 !( !( !( YEPPOON Glenroy Road 110

390 Glenroy crossing B nm r !( u c Tanby e 100 H !( i 200 g

h Road !( w ad S a o c . R e y n n 380 o i Ridgelands Road o c

y o r 210 z t !( i F Paper Size A1 R d i a 370 dg Ro el k 024681 !( 220 an r ds a !( R 70 P K Kilometres o u ep a !( m pe d d E l Roa D S a ds u n a 60 r 0 in !(!( g #0 a S - o A ta p n 50 i 230 w ROCKHAMPTON s e !( !( l 350 C l r - e !( W

d. Unauthorised use of this document in any way is prohibited.is any document wayd.ofin Unauthorised this use e k a 240 r R o y o !( u a a la w d h R ig (5 o H 1 a n 40 0 d or 1 Hanrahan crossing ric !( pr ) nm ap S ington 340 !( C Cr !( 250 eek 260 30 20 10 330 !( ay B !( y !( !( w r nm h u !( ig a Rookwood H c 320 n w e kj #* r h o H M !( 270 c ig Foleyvale crossing ri i a !( p H g 0 c Riverslea crossing a t h t w !( k C rne e Bu a n nm y z !(300 i e

i 280 v e 290 !( r 3100 !( !( 90 oad !( !( Alma R an Creek jool - Port Ba n Road Ragl ergree !( R Ev MOUNT MORGAN80 a g l ek GOGANGO a e 70 n Cr C Bon e !( B C 10 ruc r apric e H e orn !( igh e High L w way ay k e DUARINGA i c h y h a a y 60 w r a !( h d ig w H t rn h 20 o H ric g !( ap i i C g H h w tt Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Natural BResourcesr and Mines) 2015. a e u

This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produce it which purposedocument forThe of the property GHD. be used only may for remain document the and shall is This c y n In consideration of the State permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the Statee r gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts u H earl Cree no liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (includingig consequential P k B 50 hw !( damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach ofa ythe privacy laws. Copyright: G:\41\20736\GIS\Projects\MXD\1200_Posters_Public_Display\41_20736_1202_ProjectLocality_rev_a.mxd

!( AMTD (km) Highway Fitzroy Basin Rookwood Weir Shoalwater and GBRMPA (Zoning) Conservation Park Stage 2 impoundment nm River Crossing Corio Bay Area Weir Major Road Urbanised Area General Use Marine National Park Project Locality Map #* Eden Bann Weir Great Barrier Reef Location Streets (Local) Rookwood Weir Access Road Stage 2 impoundment Marine Park Boundary Habitat Protection Preservation Stage 1 impoundment #0 Access Road Fitzroy Barrage Eden Bann Weir Great Barrier Reef Stage 3 impoundment kj Saddle dams World Heritage Area

© 2015. While GHD has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD, DNRM, SUNWATER, GBRMPA and GA make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD, DNRM, SUNWATER, GBRMPA and GA cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. Data Source: © Copyright Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia): Places, Waterways (2007); Sunwater: Waterways, Weir Locations - 2008; DNRM: Railways, Roads, RAMSAR Wetlands, World Heritage Area - 2010; © Copyright Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA) Zoning, Boundary - 2011. LOWER FITZROY RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Eden Bann Weir Rookwood Weir • Located approximately 62 km • Located approximately 66 km south west of Rockhampton north west of Rockhampton on the RQWKH)LW]UR\5LYHU )LW]UR\5LYHU • 5RRNZRRG:HLU 6WDJH QHZZHLUWR)6/P$+' • ([LVWLQJ(GHQ%DQQ:HLU 6WDJH IXOOVXSSO\OHYHO )6/ P$+'' • 5RRNZRRG:HLU 6WDJH DGGLWLRQRIPKLJKÀDSJDWHV WRDFKLHYH)6/P$+' • (GHQ%DQQ:HLU 6WDJH UDLVHWRR )6/P$+' • Impoundment extends along the Fitzroy, Mackenzie and 'DZVRQULYHUV • (GHQ%DQQ:HLU 6WDJH DGGLWLRQRQ RIPKLJKÀDSJDWHVWRDFKLHYH FSL 20.2 m AHD • Impoundment extends along the )LW]UR\5LYHU

The exi

st ing Ed en Bann Weir

Project timing tream

The Project is expected to be staged, with sequencing and timing dependant on a number of ir site ups demand triggers including: We od • Existing and new consumers Rookwo • Drought conditions • Security of supply requirements 7KH3URMHFWZLOOEHLPSOHPHQWHGE\ZD\RIDÀH[LEOHVWUDWHJ\WRDOORZWKHUDSLGGHOLYHU\RIZDWHU WRPHHWDQWLFLSDWHGIXWXUHGHPDQGVZKHQWULJJHUHG$VWDJHGDSSURDFKWRGHYHORSPHQWHQDEOHV SURSRQHQWVWRUHVSRQGWRSRWHQWLDOO\VPDOOHUGHPDQGVLQWKHVKRUWWHUPDQGSURJUHVVLYHO\UHVSRQG WRLQFUHDVLQJDQGRUODUJHUGHPDQGUHTXLUHPHQWVRYHUWLPHWKURXJKLQWHUPHGLDWHLQIUDVWUXFWXUH EXLOGVXQWLOIXOOGHYHORSPHQWLVUHDFKHG Dam • ,QYDOOH\VWUXFWXUH • 8WLOLVHVERWKWKHULYHUDQGVXUURXQGLQJ (GHQ%DQQ:HLURYHUWRSSLQJ((GHQWeir%DQQ:HLURYHUWRSSLQJ YDOOH\ • ,QULYHUVWUXFWXUH • +LJKHVWOHYHORIWKHGDPZLOOLQWHUVHFW Barrage adjacent hills • ,QULYHUVWUXFWXUH • +LJKHVWOHYHORIWKHZHLULVHTXDOWRRU OHVVWKDQWKHKLJKEDQNRIWKHULYHU • Generally impounds greater area of land • Similar to a weir • 'HVLJQHGWREHRYHUWRSSHG GURZQHG • 6SLOOZD\GHVLJQHGWRSDVVÀRRGÀRZV • /RFDWHGZLWKLQWKHWLGDO]RQHRIDULYHU RXW E\ÀRZVWKDWH[FHHGULYHUFDSDFLW\ • 0D\EHGHVLJQHGWRPLWLJDWHÀRRGV • Results in separation of fresh and marine • 1RÀRRGPLWLJDWLRQ water

Fitzroy

e dam

Barrage xampl E

ng ppi Ed Yerto en Bann Weir o LOWER FITZROY RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

OTHER PROJECT INFRASTRUCTURE

Access • Eden Bann Weir Gauging stations • Eden Bann Weir: SunWater’s existing • Existing left (northern)EDQN Livingstone Shire gauging station downstream at Councillocal road access retained from the State-- Wattlebank is retained controlledBruce Highway • Eden Bann Weir: recalibration of • A new private permanent right (southern) bank T hirsty SunWater’s exiting gauge at The Gap access road off Rockhampton Regional Council’s immediately upstream local Ridgelands Road Creek • Rookwood Weir: new gauging

• Rookwood Weir R oa station installed on a rock bar directly • Upgrades to Rockhampton Regional Council’s d downstream Thirsty Creek Road from the State-controlled • Rookwood Weir: recalibration of the Capricorn Highway at Gogango Department of Natural Resources • Capricorn Highway/Third Street intersection and Mines existing gauging station at upgrade at Gogango Riverslea

Fish locks • (GHQ%DQQ:HLU¿VKSDVVDJH infrastructure Turtle passage • $QXSJUDGHG¿VKORFNRQWKHOHIW • A turtle ramp is proposed (northern) bank for the right (northern) bank • $QHZ¿VKORFNORFDWHGRQWKHULJKW at Eden Bann Weir and (southern) bank the right (western) bank at Rookwood Weir • Caters for high and low reservoir OHYHOVÀRZVIURP]HURWRP3V • Turtle ramp comprises a purpose built and • 5RRNZRRG:HLU¿VKSDVVDJH appropriately graded infrastructure concrete lined channel with • $ULJKW HDVWHUQ EDQNILVKORFN resting pools and attraction • Caters for high and low reservoir ÀRZV OHYHOVÀRZVIURP]HURWRP3/s

Fish lock schematic

River crossings River crossing upgrades aim to maintain the connectivity and function of the existing road QHWZRUNDQGSURYLGHLPSURYHGÀRRGLPPXQLW\ As part of the project Council and State- controlled river crossings will be upgraded from low level causeways to bridges, improving the K\GUDXOLFLPPXQLW\

Foleyvale crossing • Eden Bann Weir Stage 2 and/or Stage 3: Glenroy crossing Glenroy Crossing; single lane bridge • Rookwood Weir Stage 1 and/or Stage 2: Riverslea Crossing; single lane bridge • Rookwood Weir Stage 2: Foleyvale Crossing; double lane bridge Hanrahan Crossing is proposed to be upgraded to accommodate operational releases GRZQVWUHDPRI5RRNZRRG:HLU ÀRZVXSWR 50 m3V

Hanrahan crossing Riverslea crossing /2:(5),7=52<5,9(5 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND NEED

Background In December 2004 the Queensland Government, in partnership with local government, committed to developing Regulatory framework and the Central Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy, a long term water supply strategy for the region. environmental assessment process • The Project is a ‘controlled action’ requiring assessment and 7KHVWUDWHJ\LGHQWL¿HGWKDWIXUWKHULQIUDVWUXFWXUHRQWKH/RZHU approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Fitzroy River is required in order to provide the appropriate Conservation Act 1999 reliability of supply to meet the needs of urban populations, • The Coordinator-General declared the Project to be a industry and agriculture. ‘coordinated project’ for which an environmental impact statement (,6 LVUHTXLUHGXQGHUWKHState Development and Public Works 7KH3URMHFWZDVLGHQWL¿HGDVDSSURSULDWHLQIUDVWUXFWXUHWR Organisation Act 1971 satisfy short, medium and long term supply requirements. • $VLQJOH(,6DGGUHVVHVERWK6WDWHDQG&RPPRQZHDOWK requirements Project demands Future demand for water resources is predicted due to the continued growth of industrial and urban expansion in the (QYLURQPHQWDODVVHVVPHQWKDV /RZHU)LW]UR\DQG*ODGVWRQHDUHDVDQGSRWHQWLDOO\VRPH been undertaken to include: agricultural development within the Fitzroy Agricultural • Scenic amenity and lighting Corridor. In addition to direct increases in demand there is also a potential requirement to improve the level of reliability • Topography, geology and soils of the existing water supplies locally and regionally. • Contaminated land Key potential water demand triggers: • /DQGXVHDQGWHQXUH • Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB): water supply • Flora to Gladstone via GAWB’s proposed Gladstone-Fitzroy • Aquatic ecology 3LSHOLQH 0/D • Terrestrial fauna • 5RFNKDPSWRQDQG/LYLQJVWRQH6KLUH&RXQFLOVWRVXSSRUW • Surface water resources improved reliability initiatives and increased urban water • Groundwater resources supplies • Water quality • Industry and mining: to support economic growth in Rockhampton’s Gracemere-Stanwell Industrial Corridor • Air quality and industrial demand in the Gladstone region • Greenhouse gas • Agriculture: Regional Development Australia’s Growing • Noise and vibration Central Queensland initiative; the lower Fitzroy Agricultural • Waste Corridor; and linkages to development in Northern • Transport Australia and improved agricultural competitiveness • Cultural heritage regionally • Socio-economic • Hazard and risk Water resource planning • Cumulative and consequential impacts Water Resource (Fitzroy Basin) Plan 2011 • Matters of national The Water Resource (Fitzroy Basin) Plan 2011 (Fitzroy HQYLURQPHQWDOVLJQL¿FDQFH :53 UHVHUYHVDQRPLQDOYROXPHRIZDWHU 0/ IRU A framework environmental strategic water infrastructure on the Fitzroy River as the management plan has been strategic water infrastructure reserve. prepared to address avoidance, The Project is recognised as strategic water infrastructure to mitigation and management of which water allocations may be granted. impacts. As appropriate offsets are Fitzroy Basin Resource Operations Plan proposed. 7KH)LW]UR\%DVLQ5HVRXUFH2SHUDWLRQV3ODQVSHFL¿HVWKDW submissions to make unallocated water available from the strategic water infrastructure reserve on the Fitzroy River may be made by: • 7KH*ODGVWRQH$UHD:DWHU%RDUGIRUXSWR0/RI the reserve for urban and industrial water supplies • $ORFDOJRYHUQPHQWDXWKRULW\IRUXSWR0/RIWKH reserve for urban water supplies for the Capricorn Coast • $SHUVRQRUHQWLW\IRUXSWRWKHUHPDLQLQJ0/ZLWK QRLQWHQGHGXVHVSHFL¿HG LOWER FITZROY RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Project alternatives have been considered based on their ability to respond to rapid and emerging demands overtime.

Fitzroy Barrage Nathan Dam • Nathan Dam on the Dawson River is being In terms of infrastructure options, raising the proposed by SunWater Fitzroy Barrage does not satisfy requirements to meet immediate and emerging demands • Given the distance from Nathan Dam to the while ensuring capture of available yield Project, together with anticipated demand from the system. Larger storage options are IURP1DWKDQ'DPZLWKLQWKH'DZVRQ required. &DOOLGHDQG8SSHU'DZVRQVXEUHJLRQVLW is unlikely that supply from Nathan Dam will achieve Project objectives and provide an economically viable solution to long term water supply requirements in the lower Connors River Dam Fitzroy • Connors River Dam is located on the Connors River • Connors River Dam received EIS approval Fitzroy Gap Dam with SunWater as the proponent • Supply from a dam at The Gap would not • Not considered viable option due to the achieve Project objectives in the short to anticipated transfer losses that would occur medium term from the dam to the Lower Fitzroy system • Construction of the dam does not allow for incremental development in response to increasing demand • A dam at The Gap would also impact the Non-infrastructure alternatives existing Eden Bann Weir • Demand management strategies (pricing, education, rostering, recycling and water use HI¿FLHQF\ • Research and development programs to reduce consumption • Water trading (take up of currently unutilised or underutilised existing allocations) Fitzroy River

Relationships to other projects Existing infrastructure The Project will operate in conjunction with the existing Fitzroy Barrage with releases from Rookwood Weir to Eden Bann Weir (existing and raised) to the Fitzroy Barrage for abstraction.

Proposed infrastructure Awoonga Dam, while regarded as a secure water source, remains the Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) sole water source. GAWB plans to augment its existing system by constructing a second water source. *$:%KDVLGHQWL¿HGWKHGHYHORSPHQWRIWKH*ODGVWRQH)LW]UR\3LSHOLQH *)3 3URMHFWDVLWVSUHIHUUHGGHOLYHU\PHFKDQLVPIRUDVHFRQG water source. The GFP Project is designed to transfer 30,000 ML of water per annum (and possibly more if required) from the Fitzroy system. Water supply is proposed to be from water secured through the raising of Eden Bann Weir and construction of the new Rookwood Weir. LOWER FITZROY RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

ECOLOGY

ical surveys ecolog Aquatic ecology up for et Listed threatened species Flora s Listed threatened species trap • 1ROLVWHG¿VKVSHFLHVRIFRQVHUYDWLRQVLJQL¿FDQFH • Brigalow ($FDFLD • )LW]UR\5LYHUWXUWOH YXOQHUDEOH FRQ¿UPHGSUHVHQW Funnel KDUSRSK\OOD dominant and • (VWXDULQHFURFRGLOH YXOQHUDEOH FRQ¿UPHGSUHVHQW co-dominant) threatened Potential Project impacts ecological community (TEC) • Alteration of aquatic habitats • Black ironbox • Inundation of turtle nesting habitat Mitigation and management • Habitat degradation Offsets are proposed for the • &KDQJHVWRGRZQVWUHDPÀRZUHJLPH unavoidable loss of Brigalow • Fauna injury and mortality TEC and black ironbox within • Restriction of movement the Project footprint. • Increased pest and weed species Mitigation, management and offsets • Fish locks • Fish Monitoring Program • Turtle passage (ramps) and monitoring program Terrestrial fauna • Fitzroy River turtle species management program • Fitzroy River turtle offsets: Listed threatened species • Protection and management of turtle nests Common name EPBC Act status NC Act status Squatter pigeon Vulnerable Vulnerable • Financial settlement offset for loss of aquatic habitat (southern) Black-necked stork - Near threatened Black-chinned - Near threatened honeyeater Cotton pygmy- Near threatened Near threatened goose Little pied bat - Near threatened Echidna - Special least concern Koala Vulnerable* Special least concern

* The koala is currently listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. At the time of assessment and referral decision (EPBC 2009/56) being made the koala was however not listed as a threatened species. Potential Project impacts • Injury and mortality • Disruption to behaviour of localised wildlife assemblages • Loss of terrestrial habitat vey sur ecoology • Fragmentation of riparian habitat AquAquaatictic ec • Loss of movement corridors and connectivity • Increased predation and competition • Degradation of habitats. Mitigation and management • Project environmental management plan: • Pre-clearing surveys • Project species management program • Weed and pest control measures • Revegetation activities • 6LJQL¿FDQWDGYHUVHLPSDFWVRQFRQVHUYDWLRQVLJQL¿FDQW

species are not anticipated rveys u l s ica ecolog for Anabat setup LOWER FITZROY RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

MATTERS OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE The Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project is a ‘controlled action’ requiring assessment and approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and the land in vicinity of Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for impacts on matters of national ood Rookw ow w ood HQYLURQPHQWDOVLJQL¿FDQFH 01(6 igal Br

World Heritage properties and National Heritage places • The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is located approximately 141 km downstream • 1RGLUHFWDGYHUVHLPSDFWV • 2XWÀRZVWRWKH*%5:+$DUHPDLQWDLQHGQRVLJQL¿FDQWFKDQJHVWRGRZQVWUHDP ÀRZVEHORZWKH)LW]UR\%DUUDJH

Threatened ecological communities Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co- dominant) threatened ecological community • Endangered under the EPBC Act • Up to 20 ha occurs within the Project footprint • Offsets are proposed

%ODFNLURQER[RQ0HODOHXFD&UHHN Migratory species 1RVLJQL¿FDQWLPSDFWVWRPLJUDWRU\DQGPDULQHVSHFLHVDUH Threatened species H[SHFWHG %ODFNLURQER[ Eucalyptus raveretiana) • 9XOQHUDEOHXQGHUWKH(3%&$FW • Up to 100 trees occur within the Rookwood Weir inundation area Consequential impact assessment • Offsets are proposed /DQGEDVHGUXQRIIIURPEURDGVFDOHFOHDULQJIRULQGXVWULDO Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops) GHYHORSPHQWUHVLGHQWLDOGHYHORSPHQWWRVXSSRUWXUEDQJURZWKDQG • 9XOQHUDEOHXQGHUWKH(3%&$FW IRUDJULFXOWXUHFDQLQFOXGHVHGLPHQWSHVWLFLGHVDQGKHUELFLGHVDQG • 6SHFLHVPDQDJHPHQWSURJUDPKDVEHHQGHYHORSHG RWKHUGHEULVDQGFRQWDPLQDQWV • A direct offset is proposed for the protection and management 7KHGUDIW(,6KDVFRQVLGHUHGSRWHQWLDOLPSDFWVIURPIDFLOLWDWHG of turtle nests development on: • $¿QDQFLDOFRQWULEXWLRQRIIVHWLVSURSRVHGIRUDGYHUVHLPSDFWV • The Great Barrier Reef RQDTXDWLFKDELWDW • Listed threatened, migratory and marine species and TECs ,QGXVWULDODQGUHVLGHQWLDOXUEDQGHYHORSPHQWDQGVRPHDJULFXOWXUDO GHYHORSPHQWZLOORFFXUXQGHU6WDWHDQGORFDOJRYHUQPHQWSODQQLQJ scheme provisions and could proceed through alternate means of ZDWHUVXSSO\ /DQGKROGHUVDUHLQFUHDVLQJO\DGRSWLQJµEHVWSUDFWLFH¶ODQG PDQDJHPHQWDFWLRQVLQUHODWLRQWRDJULFXOWXUDOGHYHORSPHQW7KLVLV further supported through initiatives and commitments made in the &RPPRQZHDOWK*RYHUQPHQW¶V5HHI/RQJ7HUP6XVWDLQDELOLW\ 3ODQDQGWKH6WDWH*RYHUQPHQW¶V5HHI:DWHU4XDOLW\3URWHFWLRQ 3ODQ

turtle Fitzroy River LOWER FITZROY RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

FITZROY RIVER TURTLE The Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops) is listed as vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. The Fitzroy River turtle is one of a unique group of Australian freshwater turtles that can extract oxygen from both the air and the water.

Habitat and distribution • Endemic to the Fitzroy Basin catchment • Fitzroy Barrage and Alligator Creek • Upper reaches of the Dawson, Nogoa and Connors Rivers • The Project footprint is considered to support an important population • Nesting occurs on alluvial sand/loam banks

Potential Project impacts Important habitat areas • Loss of alteration of foraging and sheltering resources • Loss of nesting habitat • Injury and mortality • Degradation of habitat • Restriction of movement • Reduction in heterogeneity of aquatic habitats

Species management program • Turtle protection design features • Turtle passage (turtleway) • Weed management and feral animal control • Water quality management • Relocation and salvage

Fitzroy river turtle important habitat areas • Turtle movement study • Turtle monitoring program • Adaptive management

Existing threatening processes • Lack of recruitment into the population • Predation by feral animals, goannas and water rats Project offsets • Trampling of nests by cattle • Protection and management of turtle nests to: • Loss of habitat • Reduce nest predation • $OWHUDWLRQRIQDWXUDOÀRZUHJLPH • Increase population recruitment • Barriers to movement • Promote the recovery of the species • Physical injury and mortality • Financial settlement offset for loss of aquatic habitat • Poor water quality

P t o n Source:Fitzroy Basin Association 2013 t i e r n p t t i o a o l f F t it c zr je oy ro R P iv ir er e tu d W rtl oo e ne okw sting habitat in Ro LOWER FITZROY RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

WATER RESOURCES 7KH)LW]UR\%DVLQLVWKHODUJHVWFDWFKPHQWRQWKHHDVWHUQVHDERDUGRI$XVWUDOLDH[WHQGLQJRYHUDQ DUHDRIDSSUR[LPDWHO\NPRIFHQWUDODQGHDVWHUQ4XHHQVO2 DQGDURXQGWKH7URSLFRI&DSULFRUQ ,WFRQVLVWVRIVL[PDMRUVXEFDWFKPHQWV,VDDF&RQQRUV1RJRD&RPHW0DFNHQ]LH'DZVRQDQG )LW]UR\ Fitzroy WRP plan area

Surface water Regulatory framework Water allocation security Flow regimes Water resource use and allocation is assessment • 'XULQJRSHUDWLRQVWKHVWRUDJHV facilitated through the Water Resource • :53REMHFWLYHVIRUUHOLDELOLW\RI FDSWXUHDQGUHWDLQULYHUÀRZVGXULQJ )LW]UR\%DVLQ 3ODQDQGWKH KLJKSULRULW\DQGPHGLXPSULRULW\ the wet season allowing for slow, )LW]UR\%DVLQ5HVRXUFH2SHUDWLRQV VXSSOHPHQWHGZDWHUVXSSOLHVLV regulated releases through the dry 3ODQ achieved season 6XSSOHPHQWHGZDWHULQWKH)LW]UR\VXE • :53REMHFWLYHVIRUUHOLDELOLW\RI • Environmental releases made in FDWFKPHQWLVVXSSOLHGIURP XQVXSSOHPHQWHGZDWHUVXSSO\LV accordance with regulations • /RZHU)LW]UR\:DWHU6XSSO\6FKHPH DFKLHYHGIRUDOOEXWRQHJURXS • :HLUVµ¿OODQGVSLOO¶TXLFNO\ZLWKLQ (GHQ%DQQ:HLU RZQHGDQG • )XUWKHUPRGHOOLQJUHTXLUHGWRLQIRUP one to two months RSHUDWHGE\6XQ:DWHU ROP amendments • $QDO\VLVRIÀRZVSUHDQGSRVW • )LW]UR\%DUUDJH:DWHU6XSSO\ • ([LVWLQJVXSSO\UHOLDELOLW\ZLOOEH GHYHORSPHQWLQGLFDWHPDUJLQDO 6FKHPH)LW]UR\%DUUDJH RZQHGDQG maintained for current water allocation FKDQJHVWRÀRZVXSVWUHDPDQG RSHUDWHGE\5RFNKDPSWRQ5HJLRQDO holders downstream Supplemented water supply schemes Council) • :DWHUKDUYHVWLQJDQGORZÀRZQRÀRZ • 6WDWLVWLFDODQDO\VLVXQGHUWDNHQIRU 8QVXSSOHPHQWHGZDWHULVPDQDJHG HQWLWOHPHQWVUHTXLUHDPHQGPHQWZLWK HQGRIV\VWHPÀRZVWRWKH*UHDW relative to the Project by the State within the Fitzroy Water regard to the way in which water is %DUULHU5HHILQGLFDWHQRVLJQL¿FDQW 0DQDJHPHQW$UHD accessed differences • 2QHRQRQHQHJRWLDWLRQVSURSRVHG Yield (QYLURQPHQWDOÀRZDVVHVVPHQW • ,QWHJUDWHG4XDQWLW\4XDOLW\0RGHO ,440 ZDVXVHGWRHVWLPDWHSURMHFW • 6HDVRQDOEDVHÀRZREMHFWLYHVDUH yields achieved or are similar to those achieved for the existing system • ([LVWLQJ )LW]UR\%DUUDJHDQG(GHQ %DQQ:HLU DQGSURSRVHG 1DWKDQ • 0HGLXPWRKLJKÀRZREMHFWLYHVDUH 'DPDQG&RQQRUV5LYHU'DP DFKLHYHGIRUDOOEXWRQHSURMHFW LQIUDVWUXFWXUHLQFOXGHGLQ,440 scenario • 6WDJHGGHYHORSPHQWWRDFKLHYH • )LUVWSRVWZLQWHUÀRZREMHFWLYHVDUH a yield consistent with the WRP’s achieved strategic water infrastructure reserve QRPLQDOYROXPHRI0/

Flooding Groundwater Water quality Flood characteristics Groundwater management areas 7KH)LW]UR\%DVLQKDVEHHQODUJHO\ The Fitzroy River has a long and well- • Fitzroy groundwater management area PRGL¿HGIRUKXPDQODQGXVHSUDFWLFHV GRFXPHQWHGKLVWRU\RIÀRRGLQJ0DMRU • Highlands groundwater management ,QÀXHQFHVRQZDWHUTXDOLW\ZLWKLQWKH ÀRRGVUHVXOWIURPHLWKHUWKH'DZVRQRU area SURMHFWDUHDLQFOXGHV WKH0DFNHQ]LHULYHUVDOWKRXJKVLJQL¿FDQW Groundwater infrastructure • Erosion and sediment-laden runoff and ÀRRGLQJLQWKH5RFNKDPSWRQDUHDFDQDOVR erosion from cleared agricultural land • A single groundwater bore is registered RFFXUIURPXSVWUHDPÀRZVDQGRUKHDY\ ZLWKLQWKH5RRNZRRG:HLULQXQGDWLRQ • ,QFUHDVHGVDOLQLW\S+DQGPHWDO rain in the local area below Riverslea area FRQFHQWUDWLRQVIURPSRLQWVRXUFH &URVVLQJ LQSXWVDVVRFLDWHGZLWKPLQHZDWHU • A negotiated agreement on measures • The Fitzroy River historic total annual UHOHDVHVLQXSSHUVXEFDWFKPHQWV WRUHVWRUHWKHORVVRIVXSSO\RU ÀRZLVEHWZHHQDOPRVW]HURWR SURYLVLRQRIDOWHUQDWLYHFRPSHQVDWRU\ • &KDQJHVWRÀRZVIURPZHLUVDQGZDWHU 0/ PHDVXUHVLVSURSRVHG extractions • +LVWRULFWRWDODQQXDOÀRZLQWKH'DZVRQ Groundwater dependent ecosystems • Natural seasonal climatic variability; 5LYHUUDQJHVIURP]HURWR0/ ÀRRGVDQGGURXJKW • 5LYHUVVSULQJVDQGZHWODQGVUHOLDQWRQ • 1 in 2 Annual Exceedance Probability WKHH[SUHVVLRQRIJURXQGZDWHU • 1DWXUDO VDOLQHDQGDONDOLQH JHRORJ\RI (AEP) events are largely contained within soils the main river channel • *'(VGHSHQGHQWRQVXEVXUIDFH SUHVHQFHRIJURXQGZDWHULQFOXGH ([WHUQDOLQÀXHQFHVRQZDWHUTXDOLW\ZLOO • $QDEUDQFKÀRZVGHYHORSGXULQJLQ ULSDULDQYHJHWDWLRQ GRPLQDWHG SHUVLVWZLWKDUDLVHG(GHQ%DQQ:HLU AEP events E\(XFDO\SWXVFDPDOGXOHQVLV( DQGQHZ5RRNZRRG:HLULQSODFH • ([WHQVLYHÀRRGLQJDFURVVWKHULYHU WHUHWLFRUQLVDQG(FRRODEDKFRQVLVWHQW A construction environmental ÀRRGSODLQRFFXUVDQGDQDEUDQFKHVUXQ 1HZEULGJHLQIUDVWUXFWXUHLQSODFHZLWKDUDLVHG(GHQ%DQQ:HLUDQGDQHZ5RRNZRRG:HLULQRSHUDWLRQ ZLWK5(5(DQG5( PDQDJHPHQWSODQZLOOPDQDJHVKRUW full during 1 in 20 AEP events *ARI = Average Recurrence Interval WHUPORFDOLVHGLPSDFWVHURVLRQUXQRII • )ORRGSODLQVEHFRPHÀRRGHGGXULQJDLQ • /RFDOLVHGZDWHUORJJLQJRIULSDULDQ DQGVHGLPHQWDWLRQDQGSROOXWDQWV 50 AEP event DUHDVDQGYHJHWDWLRQGLHEDFN $QRSHUDWLRQDOPDQDJHPHQWSODQZLOO • &RRUXPEXUUD5RDG EHWZHHQ0LOH Groundwater levels and recharge PDQDJHORQJHUWHUPZDWHUTXDOLW\ &UHHNDQG*UHHQ&UHHN WLPHRIFORVXUH LPSDFWVLQFOXGLQJ • Levels may rise locally at times but still LQFUHDVHGE\GD\V LQ$(3 UHPDLQEHORZULYHUEDQNHOHYDWLRQVLQ • :DWHUTXDOLW\PRQLWRULQJSURJUDP • &RPPDQFKH5RDG VRXWKRI*OHQUR\ XSVWUHDPDUHDV (dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nutrients, &URVVLQJ WLPHRIFORVXUHLQFUHDVHGE\ salinity and blue green algae) • 1RVLJQL¿FDQWUHGXFWLRQLQJURXQGZDWHU GD\V LQ$(3 levels or in the existing recharge to • 8VHRIGLIIHUHQWLDO PXOWLOHYHO RIIWDNHV • 6PLWK5RDGWLPHRIFORVXUHLQFUHDVHGE\ groundwater downstream for mixing of water across the water 2 days (1 in 5 AEP) column • 7KLUVW\&UHHN5RDGXSJUDGHVWR • 2SHUDWLRQDOGUDZGRZQWRUHGXFHWLPH PDLQWDLQH[LVWLQJÀRRGLPPXQLW\ DWGHSWKDQGVWUDWL¿FDWLRQ • /RZOHYHORXWOHWVWRIDFLOLWDWHÀXVKLQJRI sediment

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ɫʏʅʐʓʔʆʅɶʂʓʕʊʆʔɩɮɳɶ LOWER FITZROY RIVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

PROJECT COMMITMENTS

The Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) and SunWater Limited (SunWater), as proponents, are committed to managing and operating their infrastructure in a safe and sustainable manner.

Sustainability considerations have been incorporated throughout planning and design phases. GAWB and SunWater are committed to incorporating ecologically sustainable design considerations in construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project. In addition to the development of an environmental management plan for the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project, GAWB and SunWater are committed to implementing of a range of measures to further avoid, mitigate, manage and offset impacts.

Gladstone Area Water Board SunWater Limited GAWB is a Category 1 commercialised Water Authority SunWater is a statutory Government Owned Corporation under the Water Act 2000 and a registered service provider under the Government Owned Corporations Act 1993. under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. SunWater owns and operates the Queensland Government’s GAWB owns and operates Awoonga Dam on the bulk water supply and distribution infrastructure located Boyne River along with a network of delivery pipelines, throughout regional Queensland, including the existing Eden water treatment plants and other bulk water distribution Bann Weir. infrastructure in the Gladstone Region.

Roads and river crossings Aquatic fauna • 1HZDQGXSJUDGHG¿VKORFNV • New bridges at Glenroy Crossing, Riverslea Crossing and • Development of a Fish Monitoring Program Foleyvale Crossing (relative to infrastructure build and impoundment impacts) • Construction of turtle passages (turtle ramps) • New culverts at Hanrahan Crossing • Finalisation of the Fitzroy River turtle species management program, inclusive of a movement study and monitoring • Pavement impact assessments, road safety audits and program dilapidation surveys of local Council and State-controlled roads and intersections • Upgrades to Thirsty Creek Road, Bruce Highway/Atkinson Road intersection and Capricorn Highway/Third Street intersection • Development of road use management plans and site Offsets VSHFL¿FWUDI¿FPDQDJHPHQWSODQV • Black ironbox • Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) threatened ecological community • Fitzroy River turtle Hazard and risk The Project commits to an ongoing hazard and risk assessment process throughout the lifecycle of the Project that will focus on minimisation of risks to people, property Cultural heritage and the environment as well as workers on the site. • Protection of Indigenous cultural heritage values Both weirs will have been and will be designed and assessed in accordance with the following dam safety guidelines: • Implementation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans • Guidelines for Acceptable Flood Capacity for Water Dams • Guidelines for Failure Impact Assessment of Water Dams • Queensland Dam Safety Management Guidelines Consultation GAWB and SunWater are committed to ongoing consultation to enable a structured assessment process to facilitate open, meaningful and accountable public consultation and to engage with relevant stakeholders.

Appendix B Factsheets

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otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incu be may or are which damage) consequential or indirect (including costs and/or damages losses, expenses, any for otherwise) © 2014. While GHD has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD, DNRM, SUNWATER, GBRMPA and GA make no representa no make GA and GBRMPA SUNWATER, DNRM, GHD, product, this of accuracy the ensure to care taken GHD has While 2014. © Weir Waterways, Sunwater: (2007); Waterways Places, Australia): (Geoscience Australia of Commonwealth © Copyright Source: Data Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA) Zoning, Boundary - 2011. Created by: MS *See Appendix for disclaimers and copyrights. copyrights. and disclaimers for Appendix *See MS by: Created 2011. - Boundary Zoning, (GBRMPA) Australia of Commonwealth Horizontal Datum: Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA94) Australia of Datum Geocentric Datum: Horizontal

7,440,000 7,420,000 7,400,000 7,380,000 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater Limited are joint proponents undertaking technical, environmental, social, cultural and economic investigations for the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project. The Project comprises the construction and operation of a raised Eden Bann Weir and construction and operation of a new weir at Rookwood on the Fitzroy River, Central Queensland.

Rookwood Weir Eden Bann Weir The proposed Rookwood Weir site is located approximately 66 km Eden Bann Weir is located approximately 62 km north west of south west of Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River. Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River. Proposed development at Rookwood includes: The existing Eden Bann Weir (Stage 1) was constructed in 1994 to • Stage 1 – Construct new weir to FSL 45.5 m AHD supply water to Stanwell Power Station. It is a conventional concrete • Stage 2 – Addition of 3.5 m high flap gates to FSL 49.0 m AHD weir with a full supply level (FSL) of 14.5 m. Eden Bann Weir is owned and operated by SunWater. Impoundment associated with the Rookwood Weir extends along the Fitzroy, Mackenzie and Dawson rivers. The Project proposes to raise Eden Bann Weir as follows: • Stage 2 – Raise the existing Eden Bann Weir to FSL 18.2 m AHD • Stage 3 – Addition of 2 m high flap gates to achieve FSL 20.2 m AHD Impoundment associated with the raised Eden Bann Weir extends along the Fitzroy River.

Photograph 2: Rookwood Weir site upstream Project timing The Project is expected to be staged, with sequencing and timing dependant on a number of demand triggers including existing and new consumers, drought conditions and security of supply requirements. The Project will be implemented by way of a flexible strategy to allow the rapid delivery of water to meet anticipated future demands, when triggered. A staged approach to development enables proponents to respond Photograph 1: The existing Eden Bann Weir to potentially smaller demands in the short-term and progressively respond to increasing and/or larger demand requirements over time through intermediate infrastructure builds until full development is What is a weir and how is it different to a dam? reached. Barrage Weir Dam

Photograph 3: Fitzroy Barrage Photograph 4: Eden Bann Weir overtopping Photograph 5: Example dam A dam is an in-valley structure and utilises A barrage is an in-river structure similar to a A weir is an in-river structure designed such both the river and surrounding valley. The weir but is located within the tidal zone of a that the highest level of the weir is at, or less highest level of a dam will intersect the river, resulting in a separation of fresh and than, the high bank of the river. A weir is adjacent hills of the valley and as a result marine water. designed to be overtopped and ‘drowned’ by flows which exceed the rivers capacity. At generally impounds a much greater area of drown out, the weir is not visible in the river. land. A dam may be designed to mitigate Weirs are not designed for flood mitigation. floods and the spillway is designed to pass flood flows .

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au OTHER PROJECT INFRASTRUCTURE

Access to Eden Bann Weir Existing access to Eden Bann Weir is via the left (northern) bank Fish locks along the Bruce Highway, local gravel roads (Atkinson Road, Mona Vale Road and Eden Bann Road) and a private road. The Fish passage infrastructure has been designed to preliminary Bruce Highway/Atkinson Road intersection will be upgraded to design stage accommodate construction traffic. • Eden Bann Weir fish passage infrastructure: A new 12 km access road will be constructed to the right ࡳ An upgraded fish lock on the left (northern) bank (southern) bank of the Eden Bann Weir off Ridgelands and Marble ࡳ A new fish lock located on the right (southern) bank Ridges roads providing access through to Rockhampton. ࡳ Caters for high and low reservoir levels for flows from 3 Access to Rookwood zero to 2700 m /s. • Rookwood Weir fish passage infrastructure: The proposed Rookwood Weir site is currently accessible via ࡳ A right bank fish lock to cover low and high reservoir public roads from the right (eastern) bank, along Third Street, levels Riverslea Road and Thirsty Creek Road from Gogango . ࡳ Cater for flows from a minimum operating level up to Thirsty Creek Road and the Capricorn Highway/Third Street 500 m3/s. intersection will be upgraded to accommodate construction traffic. Gauging stations The relocation of existing and/or installation of new gauging stations is proposed as part of the Project as follows: • SunWater’s existing gauging station downstream at Wattlebank will be retained • SunWater’s exiting gauge at The Gap immediately upstream of Eden Bann Weir will be recalibrated • A new gauging station will be installed on a rock bar directly downstream of Rookwood Weir • The existing Department of Natural Resources and Mines gauging station at Riverslea will be recalibrated Crossings River crossing upgrades aim to maintain the connectivity and function of the existing road network and provide improved flood immunity. The project proposes to: • Upgrade Glenroy Crossing to single lane bridge Turtle passage • Upgrade Riverslea Crossing to single lane bridge A turtle ramp is proposed for the right (northern) bank at Eden • Upgrade Foleyvale Crossing to double lane bridge (Rookwood Bann Weir and the right (western) bank at Rookwood Weir. Weir Stage 2 only) Turtle ramp comprises a purpose built and appropriately graded • Install new culverts at Hanrahan Crossing to accommodate concrete lined channel with resting pools and attraction flows. operational releases downstream of Rookwood Weir (flows up to 50 m3/s).

Photograph 1: Riverslea Crossing Photograph 2: Foleyvale Crossing

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND NEED

Background Regulatory framework and environmental In December 2004 the Queensland Government, in partnership assessment process with local government, committed to developing the Central Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy, a long term water The Project is a ‘controlled action’ requiring assessment and supply strategy for the region. approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The strategy identified that further infrastructure on the Lower Fitzroy River is required in order to provide the appropriate The Coordinator-General declared the Project to be a ‘coordinated reliability of supply to meet the needs of urban populations, project’ for which an EIS is required under the State Development industry and agriculture. and Public Works Organisation Act 1971. The Project was identified as appropriate infrastructure to satisfy In January 2014, the Project transitioned to assessment through short, medium and long term supply requirements. the bilateral assessment process executed between State and Commonwealth governments. A single EIS addresses both State Project demands and Commonwealth requirements. Future demand for water resources is predicted due to the continued growth of industrial and urban expansion in the Lower Fitzroy and Gladstone areas and potentially some agricultural Environmental assessments development within the Fitzroy Agricultural Corridor. In addition to Environmental assessment has been undertaken to include: direct increases in demand there is also a potential requirement to improve the level of reliability of the existing water supplies locally Scenic amenity and lighting and regionally. • Topography, geology and soils Key potential water demand triggers: • Contaminated land • Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB): water supply to Gladstone • Land use and tenure via GAWB’s proposed Gladstone-Fitzroy Pipeline (30,000 ML/a) •Flora • Rockhampton and Livingstone Shire Councils: to support improved • Aquatic ecology reliability initiatives and increased urban water supplies • Terrestrial fauna • Industry and mining: to support economic growth in Rockhampton’s Gracemere-Stanwell Industrial Corridor and • Surface water resources industrial demand in the Gladstone region • Groundwater resources • Agriculture: Regional Development Australia’s Growing Central • Water quality Queensland initiative; the lower Fitzroy Agricultural Corridor; and linkages to development in Northern Australia and improved • Air quality agricultural competitiveness regionally • Greenhouse gas • Noise and vibration Water resource planning •Waste Water Resource (Fitzroy Basin) Plan 2011 • Transport The Water Resource (Fitzroy Basin) Plan 2011 reserves a nominal • Cultural heritage volume of water (76,000 ML) for strategic water infrastructure on • Socio-economic the Fitzroy River as the strategic water infrastructure reserve. • Hazard and risk The Project is recognised as strategic water infrastructure to which • Cumulative and consequential impacts water allocations may be granted. • Matters of national environmental significance Fitzroy Basin Resource Operations Plan A framework environmental management plan has been The Fitzroy Basin Resource Operations Plan specifies that prepared to address voidance, mitigation and management of submissions to make unallocated water available from the strategic impacts. water infrastructure reserve on the Fitzroy River may be made by: As appropriate offsets are proposed. • The Gladstone Area Water Board for up to 30,000 ML of the reserve for urban and industrial water supplies • A local government authority for up to 4,000 ML of the reserve for urban water supplies for the Capricorn Coast • A person or entity for up to the remaining 42,000 ML, with no intended use specified

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Project alternatives have been considered based on their ability to respond to rapid and emerging demands overtime.

Fitzroy Barrage Raising the gates of the existing Fitzroy Barrage was considered as part of the Project. In terms of infrastructure options, raising the Fitzroy Barrage does not satisfy requirements to meet immediate and emerging demands while ensuring capture of available yield from the system. Larger storage options are required. Nathan Dam Construction of Nathan Dam on the Dawson River is being proposed by SunWater. Given the location of Nathan Dam and distance to the Project, together with anticipated demand from Nathan Dam within the Dawson-Callide and Upper Dawson sub-regions, it is unlikely that supply from Nathan Dam will achieve Project objectives and provide an economically viable solution to long-term water supply requirements in the lower Fitzroy. Connors River Dam Connors River Dam, located on the Connors River, has received environmental approval with SunWater as the proponent. Supply from Connors River Dam to satisfy the projected demands is not considered viable due to the anticipated transfer losses from the Photograph 1: Fitzroy River dam to the lower Fitzroy system.

Fitzroy Gap dam RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PROJECTS Construction of a dam at the Fitzroy Gap immediately upstream of and within the impoundment of the existing Eden Bann Weir has Existing infrastructure been previously considered. The Project will operate in conjunction with the existing Supply from a dam at The Gap would not achieve Project objectives in the short to medium term as construction of a dam does not allow Fitzroy Barrage with releases from Rookwood Weir to Eden for incremental development in response to increasing demand. A Bann Weir (existing and raised) to the Fitzroy Barrage for dam at The Gap would also impact the existing Eden Bann Weir. abstraction. Proposed infrastructure Non-infrastructure alternatives Awoonga Dam, while regarded as a secure water source, Non-infrastructure alternatives to the Project include: remains the Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) sole • Demand management strategies (pricing, education, rostering, water source. GAWB plans to augment its existing system recycling and water use efficiency) by construction of a second water source. • Research and development programs to reduce consumption GAWB has identified the development of the Gladstone- • Water trading (take up of currently unutilised or underutilised Fitzroy Pipeline (GFP) Project as its preferred delivery existing allocations) mechanism for a second water source. The GFP Project is designed to transfer 30,000 ML of water per annum (and possibly more if required) from the Fitzroy system. Water supply is proposed to be from water secured through the raising of Eden Bann Weir and construction of the new Rookwood Weir.

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au ECOLOGY Desktop assessments, mapping and field surveys were undertaken to determine existing ecological values and potential impacts on terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna as a result of the Project. Flora Approximately 20 ha of Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) threatened ecological community will be impacted by impoundment. Where loss due to impoundment and clearing is unavoidable, offsets are proposed.

It is estimated that 100 black ironbox trees will be impacted by impoundment associated with Rookwood Weir. An offset is proposed to mitigate the unavoidable loss of these trees. Aquatic ecology Photograph 2: Cage trap set up for ecological surveys Listed threatened species Terrestrial fauna No listed fish species of conservation significance have been previously recorded or are predicted to occur within the study area. Listed threatened species The Fitzroy River turtle and the estuarine crocodile are known to occur. A number of threatened terrestrial species listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and Environment Protection and Potential Project impacts Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) were recorded during Potential impacts to aquatic ecology during construction and field surveys. operation of the Project include: Common name EPBC Act status NC Act status • Alteration of aquatic habitats Squatter pigeon (southern) Vulnerable Vulnerable • Inundation of turtle nesting habitat Black-necked stork - Near threatened • Habitat degradation Black-chinned honeyeater - Near threatened • Changes to downstream flow regime Cotton pygmy-goose Near threatened Near threatened • Fauna injury and mortality Little pied bat - Near threatened • Restriction of movement Echidna - Special least concern • Increased pest and weed species Koala Vulnerable* Special least concern * The koala is currently listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. At the time of assessment and referral decision Mitigation, management and offsets (EPBC 2009/56) being made the koala was however not listed as a threatened species. The following measures have been developed to address Project Potential Project impacts impacts: Potential impacts to terrestrial fauna during construction and • Fish locks operation of the Project include: • Fish Monitoring Program • Injury and mortality • Turtle passage (ramps) and monitoring program • Disruption to behaviour of localised wildlife assemblages • Fitzroy River turtle species management program • Loss of terrestrial habitat • Fitzroy River turtle offsets: • Fragmentation of riparian habitat ࡳ Protection and management of turtle nests • Loss of movement corridors and connectivity ࡳ Financial settlement offset for loss of aquatic habitat • Increased predation and competition • Degradation of habitats. Mitigation, management and offsets To address these impacts, mitigation measures have been developed and documented in the Project environmental management plan including: • Pre-clearing surveys • Project species management program • Weed and pest control measures • Revegetation activities Significant adverse impacts on conservation significant species are Photograph 1: Aquatic ecological survey not anticipated as a result of the Project.

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au FITZROY RIVER TURTLE The Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops) is listed as vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. The Fitzroy River turtle is one of a unique group of Australian freshwater turtles that can extract oxygen from both the air and the water.

Habitat and distribution The Fitzroy River turtle is endemic to the Fitzroy Basin catchment with the species’ distribution extending from the Fitzroy Barrage to the upper reaches of the Dawson, Nogoa and Connors Rivers1. The Project footprint is considered to support an important population of the Fitzroy River turtle. The species is known to occur within both the Eden Bann Weir and Rookwood Weir Project footprints and in areas upstream and downstream. Nesting is generally restricted to alluvial sand/loam banks which are deposited during flood events1. The largest known nesting aggregation for the species occurs approximately 40 km downstream of Eden Bann Weir at Alligator Creek. Threatening processes Photograph 2: Potential Fitzroy River turtle nesting habitat in Rookwood Weir Project footprint The biggest threat to the survival of the Fitzroy River turtle is the lack of recruitment into the population1. Predation of nesting banks by feral Species management program animals, goannas and water rats and trampling of nests by cattle results in extremely poor survival of egg clutches1. A species management programme for the Fitzroy River turtle has been Other threatening processes include loss of habitat, alteration of natural developed to provide a framework for the management of impacts flow regime, movement barriers, physical injury and mortality and poor throughout the life of the Project. The species management program water quality 1. describes measures to be implemented to avoid and minimise the potential impacts including but not limited to: Project impacts • Design features specific to turtle protection • Turtle passage facility to be included in final detailed design The potential impacts on the Fitzroy River turtle that may arise as a result of the Project include: • Implementation of weed management and feral animal control plans • Loss or alteration of foraging and sheltering resources • Relocation of all turtles and eggs identified during pre-clearance • Loss of confirmed and potential nesting habitat surveys and salvage activities • Potential injury and mortality • Actions to re-establishment of turtle aquatic and nesting habitat within the impoundments • Degradation of habitat • An operational phase Turtle Monitoring Program will be developed • Restriction of upstream and downstream movement and implemented in consultation with the Department of • Reduction in heterogeneity of aquatic habitats Environment and Heritage Protection A detailed assessment of Project impacts on the Fitzroy River turtle has • Implementation of a turtle movement study during detailed design. been undertaken as part of the environmental impact assessment This study will continue as part of the five year (minimum) Turtle including mitigation and management actions. Significant residual Monitoring Program during operation to evaluate the performance of impacts are considered likely to remain in relation to operation of the the turtle ramps. Project and offsets are proposed. Project offset The protection and management of turtle nests is proposed to offset the Project’s impacts on this species. The protection and management of nests will target Project specific impacts as well as address the key processes currently threatening the survival of the species throughout the catchment. These actions will reduce nest predation, increase population recruitment and promote the recovery of the species. In addition to this, a financial settlement offset is proposed for the Project’s residual impacts to aquatic habitat.

Source: 1. Limpus, C.J., Limpus, D.J., Hollier, C., Savige, M., McAllister, D. 2011, ‘Survey of Freshwater turtle populations and nesting habitat, Tartrus Weir Turtleway Project’, Brisbane Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government. Photograph 1: Fitzroy River turtle

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND ECONOMICS

Water security Management plans and strategies The most significant benefit of the Project is an increase in water The following management plans and strategies will be implemented supply for the region. Raising Eden Bann Weir and constructing to mitigate social impacts and enhance community benefits: Rookwood Weir will increase the availability and potentially the • Stakeholder Engagement Plan reliability of supplemented water supplies. • Near Neighbour Policy and Grievance Management Process The Project will provide water to industrial and agricultural customers • Land Acquisition Strategy in the region and will support growing urban communities; benefiting • Land Access Protocol the local, regional, state and national economies. • Weed Management Plan Workforce profile, local employment and • Recruitment and procurement plans business opportunities • Traffic Management Plan A workforce of approximately 150 persons is anticipated and the majority of employees are likely to be sourced from the local and regional area. No onsite workers accommodation is proposed. Peak workforce levels of approximately 50 people are expected at each river crossing site. The Project will benefit regional employment and will provide employment opportunities to local communities. It is likely that there will be a demand for local businesses to service the requirements of the construction and operations activities. Potential landholder impacts and mitigation measures Impacts within the local area may include: • Loss of land (construction areas, inundation within river bed and banks) • Relocation of agricultural infrastructure (pumps, fencing) • Severance of and/or loss of access to land Photograph 1: Riverslea Crossing • Cattle bogging • Changes to water entitlements • Water storage easement and flood buffer CULTURAL HERITAGE Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) have been prepared Relative to a demand trigger and confirmation of a defined together with endorsed Aboriginal parties and approved by the State infrastructure build, landholders impacted will be further consulted Government in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act and agreements (access, acquisition, compensation, etc.) negotiated 2003. and agreed on a one-on-one basis. • Daumbal People To date land impacts have considered land value; improvements; • Gangulu People management requirements; severance and productivity. • Ghungalu People River crossings • Kangoulu People • Jetimarala People Significantly improved flood immunity for several river crossings will No items of non-Indigenous cultural heritage are predicted to be facilitate the movement of people, machinery, equipment and stock in impacted. periods of flooding and maintain access to services and facilities.

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au Bruce

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LEGEND Copyright: Sunwater: Full Supply Levels, Weir Location - 2008; © Copyright Commonwealth©LocationAustralia CopyrightWeir- 2008;Full Supply Levels, (Geoscience 2007: ofSunwater: Populate Australia)

Weir Highway Proposed Eden Bann CHMP Area (Gangulu) CHMP Area (Kangoulu and Ghungalu) #* Location Stage 3 Impoundment Area Endorsed Parties CHMP areas Major Road CHMP Area (Jetimarala) CHMP Area (Darumbal) Proposed Rookwood nm River Crossing Secondary Roads Stage 2 Impoundment Area CHMP Area (Kangoulu and Ghungalu) Waterway

G:\41\20736\GIS\Projects\MXD\1200_Posters_Public_Display\41_20736_1201_CHMP_rev_b.mxd WATER RESOURCES The Fitzroy Basin is the largest catchment on the eastern seaboard of Australia, extending over an area of approximately 142,000 km2 of central and eastern Queensland around the Tropic of Capricorn. It consists of six major subcatchments: Isaac Connors; Nogoa; Comet; Mackenzie; Dawson; and Fitzroy.

Surface water Regulatory framework Water allocation security assessment Water resource use and allocation is facilitated through the Water • WRP objectives for reliability of high priority and medium priority Resource (Fitzroy Basin) Plan 2011 and the Fitzroy Basin Resource supplemented water supplies are achieved Operations Plan. • WRP objectives for reliability of unsupplemented water supply Supplemented water in the Fitzroy sub-catchment is supplied from: are achieved for all but one group • Lower Fitzroy Water Supply Scheme: Eden Bann Weir (owned • Further modelling required to inform ROP amendments and operated by SunWater) • Existing supply reliability will be maintained for current water • Fitzroy Barrage Water Supply Scheme: Fitzroy Barrage (owned allocation holders and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council) • Water harvesting and low flow/no flow entitlements require • Unsupplemented water is managed by the State within the amendment with regard to the way in which water is accessed Fitzroy Water Management Area • One-on-one negotiations proposed Yield Environmental flow assessment • Integrated Quantity Quality Model (IQQM) was used to estimate • Seasonal base flow objectives are achieved or are similar to project yields those achieved for the existing system • Existing (Fitzroy Barrage and Eden Bann Weir) and proposed • Medium to high flow objectives are achieved for all but one (Nathan Dam and Connors River Dam) infrastructure included in project scenario IQQM • First post-winter flow objectives are achieved • Staged development to achieve a yield consistent with the WRP’s strategic water infrastructure reserve (nominal volume of Flow regimes 76,000 ML) • During operations the storages capture and retain river flows during the wet season allowing for slow, regulated releases through the dry season • Environmental releases made in accordance with regulations • Weirs ‘fill and spill’ quickly; within one to two months • Analysis of flows pre and post development indicate marginal changes to flows upstream and downstream • Statistical analysis undertaken for end-of-system flows to the Great Barrier Reef indicate no significant differences Photograph 1: Fitzroy River in flood

Water quality A construction environmental management plan will manage The Fitzroy Basin has been largely modified for human land use short-term, localised impacts; erosion, run-off and sedimentation practices. Influences on water quality within the project area and pollutants includes: An operational management plan will manage longer term water • Erosion and sediment-laden runoff and erosion from quality impacts, including: cleared agricultural land • Water quality monitoring program (dissolved oxygen, • Increased salinity, pH and metal concentrations from point turbidity, nutrients, salinity and blue green algae) source inputs associated with mine-water releases in upper • Use of differential (multi-level) offtakes for mixing of water sub-catchments across the water column • Changes to flows from weirs and water extractions • Operational draw down to reduce time at depth and • Natural seasonal climatic variability; floods and drought stratification • Natural (saline and alkaline) geology of soils • Low level outlets to facilitate flushing of sediment External influences on water quality will persist with a raised Eden Bann Weir and new Rookwood Weir in place.

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au Flooding Flood characteristics Eden Bann Weir

The Fitzroy River has a long and well documented history of flooding. Design event afflux (m) per AEP event Major floods result from either the Dawson or the Mackenzie rivers Location AMTD although significant flooding in the Rockhampton area can also occur 1 in 2 1 in 5 1 in 10 1 in 20 1 in 50 1 in 100 from upstream flows and/or heavy rain in the local area below Riverslea gauge 276 km 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Riverslea Crossing. Rookwood 265.3 km 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 • The Fitzroy River historic total annual flow is between almost Weir site Weir site zero to 22,500,000 ML gauge 154.7 km 2.6 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 The Gap • Historic total annual flow in the Dawson River ranges from zero gauge 142.1 km 3.6 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 to 5,000,000 ML Eden Bann Weir 141.2 km 3.6 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 • 1 in 2 Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) events are largely contained within the main river channel Rookwood Weir • Anabranch flows develop during 1 in 5 AEP events • Extensive flooding across the river floodplain occurs and Design event afflux (m) per AEP event Location AMTD anabranches run full during 1 in 20 AEP events 1 in 2 1 in 5 1 in 10 1 in 1 in 50 1 in 20 100 • Floodplains become flooded during a 1 in 50 AEP event Foleyvale Crossing 323.5 km 0.22 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A (Mackenzie River) • Coorumburra Road (between 10 Mile Creek and Green Creek): Capricorn Highway time of closure increased by 1.5 days (1 in 5 AEP) crossing (Dawson 23.2 km 0.09 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A • Commanche Road (south of Glenroy Crossing): time of closure River) Upstream 310 km 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 increased by 0.5 days (1 in 5 AEP) confluence • Smith Road: time of closure increased by 2 days (1 in 5 AEP) Riverslea gauge 276 km 3.7 0.8 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.0 Rookwood Weir site 265.3 km 5.0 1.2 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.2 • Thirsty Creek Road: upgrades to maintain existing flood immunity

Road and river crossings

AATOC (days) Duration of flooding (days above crossing level per event)

Crossing 2 year ARI 5 year ARI 10 year ARI 20 year ARI 50 year ARI 100 year ARI Current New* Current New* Current New* Current New* Current New* Current New* Current New*

Glenroy 12 5 24 2 24 13 25 16 25 18 25 19 25 20

Riverslea 12 2 24 0 24 2 24 7 24 10 25 13 25 14

Foleyvale 16 3 26 14 41 14 0365 379391141 *New bridge infrastructure in place with a raised Eden Bann Weir and a new Rookwood Weir in operation ARI = Average recurrence interval

Groundwater Groundwater dependent ecosystems • Rivers, springs and wetlands reliant on the expression of Groundwater management areas groundwater • Fitzroy groundwater management area • GDEs dependent on subsurface presence of groundwater • Highlands groundwater management area include riparian vegetation (dominated by Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. tereticornis and E. coolabah, consistent Groundwater infrastructure with RE 11.3.25, RE 11.3.4 and RE 11.3.3 • Localised waterlogging of riparian areas and vegetation • A single groundwater bore is registered within the dieback Rookwood Weir inundation area • A negotiated agreement on measures to restore the loss of Groundwater levels and recharge supply or provision of alternative compensatory measures • Levels may rise locally at times but still remain below river is proposed bank elevations in upstream areas • No significant reduction in groundwater levels or in the existing recharge to groundwater downstream

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au

7,600,000 7,500,000 7,400,000 7,300,000 7,200,000 7,100,000 www.ghd.com 41-20736 W 1,200,000 1,200,000 Date Aug 2014 08 Revision C Lower Dawson River Comet River - ConnorsIsaac Rivers River Fitzroy Nogoa River Mackenzie River Upper Dawson River Job Number Job Sub Catchment [email protected] [email protected] E Fitzroy WRP plan area plan WRP Fitzroy Sea Coral 1,100,000 1,100,000 +61 7 3316 3333 F BUNDABERG +61 7 3316 3000 T annot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or or tort contract, in (whether any kind of liability accept annot 1,000,000 1,000,000 Gladstone AreaGladstone Water Board, SunWater Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project MIRIAM VALE for important copyright information. copyright important for MONTO 900,000 900,000 YEPPOON Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Resource and Environment of (Department State the Queensland that of agree State and the by acknowledge provided you data data this contains of or use on Based permitting State the of consideration In consequential 2009. (including Management) costs or damage accepts and loss, suitability) any or currency for completeness, reliability, accuracy, negligence) in data laws. the (including to relation in privacy warranty no gives liability the of breach in limitation, used be without or marketing (including direct for liability used be no not must Data data. the of use any to relating damage) ROCKHAMPTON 0 Level 9, 145 Ann Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia Australia 4000 QLD Brisbane Street Ann 145 9, Level

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Waterway (Major) Waterway (Minor) Fitzroy Catchment Nogoa River Nogoa Fitzroy Barrage Fitzroy Weir Location 500,000 500,000 LEGEND ALPHA CHARLEVILLE 400,000 400,000 BLACKALL MACKAY BRISBANE TOWNSVILLE ARAMAC (at A4) Kilometres 300,000 300,000 ROCKHAMPTON Queensland Queensland 1:3,600,000 This document is and shall remain the property of GHD. The document may only be used for the purpose for which it was produce was it which for purpose the for used be only may document The GHD. of property the remain shall and is document This 0255075100 Grid:Map Grid of Australia 1994, Zone 55 Map Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator Transverse Universal Projection: Map

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7,440,000 7,420,000 7,400,000 7,380,000 MATTERS OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE The Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project is a ‘controlled action’ requiring assessment and approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The relevant controlling provisions in relation to matters of national environmental significance are World Heritage properties, National Heritage places, listed threatened species and ecological communities and listed migratory species. Threatened ecological communities World Heritage and National Heritage Conservatively, approximately 20 ha of Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla Located approximately 141 km upstream, the Project would not have dominant and co-dominant) threatened ecological community, listed any direct impact on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. With as endangered under the EPBC Act, occurs within the Project proposed management and mitigation measures in place, no footprint. Where loss due to impoundment and clearing is significant indirect impacts to the World or National Heritage values of unavoidable, offsets are proposed. the Great Barrier Reef are expected as a result of the Project. Threatened species Black ironbox It is estimated that 100 black ironbox (Eucalyptus raveretiana) trees will be impacted by impoundment associated with Rookwood Weir. An offset is proposed to mitigate the unavoidable loss of these trees.

Photograph 2: Brigalow woodland in the vicinity of Rookwood Migratory species

No significant impacts to migratory and marine species are expected. Consequential impacts Land-based run-off from broad scale clearing for industrial Photograph 1: Black ironbox on Melaleuca Creek development, residential development to support urban growth and for agriculture can include sediment, pesticides and herbicides and Fitzroy River turtle other debris and contaminants. The draft EIS has considered potential impacts from facilitated Unmitigated impacts on the Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops) development on: arising as a result of the Project are likely to be similar to those caused by current threatening processes, namely the loss of riffle • The Great Barrier Reef zone habitat, loss of nesting habitat, creation of movement barriers, • Listed threatened, migratory and marine species and TECs increased injury and mortality and increased predation. Industrial and residential/urban development and some agricultural A species management programme for the Fitzroy River turtle has development will occur under State and local government planning been developed to provide a framework for the management of scheme provisions and could proceed through alternate means of impacts on the species throughout the life of the Project. water supply. Landholders are increasingly adopting ‘best practice’ land Significant residual impacts are considered likely to remain in relation management actions in relation to agricultural development. This is to operation of the Project and offsets are proposed. further supported through initiatives and commitments made in the Commonwealth Government’s Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and the State Government’s Reef Water Quality Protection Plan.

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au PROJECT COMMITMENTS The Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) and SunWater Limited (SunWater), as proponents, are committed to managing and operating their infrastructure in a safe and sustainable manner. Sustainability considerations have been incorporated throughout planning and design phases. GAWB and SunWater are committed to incorporating ecologically sustainable design considerations in construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project. In addition to the development of an environmental management plan for the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project, GAWB and SunWater are committed to implementing of a range of measures to further avoid, mitigate, manage and offset impacts.

Gladstone Area Water Board SunWater Limited GAWB is a Category 1 commercialised Water Authority under the SunWater is a statutory Government Owned Corporation under Water Act 2000 and a registered service provider under the Water the Government Owned Corporations Act 1993. Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008. SunWater owns and operates the Queensland Government’s bulk GAWB owns and operates Awoonga Dam on the Boyne River water supply and distribution infrastructure located throughout along with a network of delivery pipelines, water treatment plants regional Queensland, including the existing Eden Bann Weir. and other bulk water distribution infrastructure in the Gladstone Region.

Aquatic fauna Road and crossings Fish passage New bridges will be constructed at Glenroy Crossing, Riverslea Crossing and Foleyvale Crossing (relative to infrastructure build Fish lock arrangements at both Eden Bann Weir and Rookwood and impoundment impacts). A bank of culverts will be installed at Weir will facilitate upstream and downstream movement at low and Hanrahan Crossing to facilitate access during water releases from high reservoir levels for full operational range, provide passage for Rookwood Weir. most flows and cater for small and large bodied fish. Upgrades of Thirsty Creek Road and the Capricorn Highway/Third A Fish Monitoring Program will be developed and implemented for Street intersection at Gogango and the Bruce Highway/ Atkinson the Project. The program will monitor the effectiveness of fish Road intersection will be undertaken to facilitate construction passage infrastructure during both the construction and operation access and maintain operational access to Rookwood Weir. phases. Pavement impact assessments, road safety audits and dilapidation Turtle passage surveys will be undertaken as applicable. A detailed road use Turtle passage facilities (turtle ramps) will be constructed at both management plan and site specific traffic management plans will Eden Bann Weir and Rookwood Weir to maintain turtle movement be developed. and prevent fragmentation of populations. The Fitzroy River turtle species management program will be finalised inclusive of a Hazard and risk movement study and monitoring program. The Project commits to an ongoing hazard and risk assessment Offsets process throughout the lifecycle of the Project that will focus on The Project commits to providing offsets for significant residual minimisation of risks to people, property and the environment as impacts on: well as workers on the site. • Black ironbox (Eucalyptus raveretiana) Both weirs will have been and will be designed and assessed in • Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant) accordance with the following dam safety guidelines: threatened ecological community • Guidelines for Acceptable Flood Capacity for Water Dams • Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops) • Guidelines for Failure Impact Assessment of Water Dams • Queensland Dam Safety Management Guidelines Cultural heritage management The Project will comply with the Cultural Heritage Management Consultation Plans developed with the endorsed Aboriginal parties and GAWB and SunWater are committed to ongoing consultation to approved by the State Government. Gladstone Area Water Board enable a structured assessment process to facilitate open, and SunWater are committed to the implementation of these meaningful and accountable public consultation and to engage Cultural Heritage Management Plans and protection of Indigenous with relevant stakeholders. cultural heritage values.

For further information: Phone: 1800 423 213 Email: [email protected] Write to: Reply Paid 668, Brisbane QLD 4001 Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au

Appendix B Project update – Spring 2015

PROJECT UPDATE NOVEMBER 2015

Dear Stakeholder, The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project was released for public and regulatory agency review and comment on 18 July 2015.

During the public exhibition period (to 31 August 2015) stakeholders and interested parties were given the opportunity to review the draft EIS, obtain information on the project and to speak with the project team. The consultation involved:

• Access to the draft EIS (online, hardcopy and electronic copy). Please note the draft EIS is still available at http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/lower- fitzroy • Community information sessions in Rockhampton, Gogango and Yeppoon • Project update letters advising of the notification and opportunities for consultation

• Briefings to representatives from regulatory agencies; Rockhampton, Livingstone and Woorabinda councils; Regional Development Australia and the Growing Central Queensland Initiative; Fitzroy Basin Association, and the Capricorn Conservation Council • Presentation to impacted landholders and rural producers (facilitated by AgForce Queensland – Central Queensland Region).

The Office of the Coordinator-General received thirty-seven (37) properly made submissions on the draft EIS. The submissions have been provided to the proponents, Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater Limited. In summary: • Ten reflect ‘no comment’ or a positive • Eleven are from landholders/rural producers comment • Three are from special interest groups • Twelve are from regulatory agencies • One is a private submission.

The Coordinator-General has advised the proponents that additional information is required to address these submissions. The proponents have begun preparing the additional information. The Coordinator-General has advised the proponents that the additional information will be publically notified. This means that you will have the opportunity to review and make comment on the additional information. It is expected that the additional information will be publically notified in the second quarter of 2016. The additional information together with the draft EIS is known as the revised draft EIS. The Coordinator-General will then determine whether the revised draft EIS is to be the final EIS which will be the subject of evaluation.

The Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater Limited remain committed to ongoing engagement and consultation. Please note that we will shortly be reviewing our stakeholder database and a member of the project team may contact you to confirm your details. Should you have queries, wish to change your contact details or know of others that may be interested in the project please contact us directly, via the pathways listed at the bottom of this page.

The Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater Limited wish to thank you for your continued interest.

Yours faithfully The Project Team

Visit: www.fitzroyweirs.com.au