Commercial-in-Confidence Volume 1 of 2

Coopers Gap Wind Farm Initial Assessment Report

VOLUME ONE

March 2011 AECOM Coopers Gap Wind Farm Initial Assessment Report

Initial Assessment Report Coopers Gap Wind Farm

Prepared for AGL Energy Limited

Prepared by

AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Level 8, 540 Wickham Street, PO Box 1307, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia T +61 7 3553 2000 F +61 7 3553 2050 www.aecom.com ABN 20 093 846 925

In association with Hart Aviation, Garrad Hassan

23 March 2011

60162856

AECOM in Australia and New Zealand is certified to the latest version of ISO9001 and ISO14001.

© AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (AECOM). All rights reserved.

AECOM has prepared this document for the sole use of the Client and for a specific purpose, each as expressly stated in the document. No other party should rely on this document without the prior written consent of AECOM. AECOM undertakes no duty, nor accepts any responsibility, to any third party who may rely upon or use this document. This document has been prepared based on the Client’s description of its requirements and AECOM’s experience, having regard to assumptions that AECOM can reasonably be expected to make in accordance with sound professional principles. AECOM may also have relied upon information provided by the Client and other third parties to prepare this document, some of which may not have been verified. Subject to the above conditions, this document may be transmitted, reproduced or disseminated only in its entirety.

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Quality Information

Document Initial Assessment Report

Ref 60162856

Date 23 March 2011

Chris Cantwell, Carleen Bush, Deanna Bayliss, Carissa Free, John Wilson, Rhys Prepared by Brown, Flora Wehl, Ramola Yardi

Reviewed by James Fjeldsoe

Revision History

Authorised Revision Revision Details Date Name/Position Signature

A 18-Feb-2011 For AGL comment Cohan Drew Original Signed Project Manager 0 23-Mar-2011 For Public Comment Cohan Drew Project Manager

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Table of Contents List of Abbreviations 11 Executive Summary i 1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Project Outline 1 1.1.1 Overview 1 1.1.2 Key Project Considerations 1 1.1.3 Administrative Details 2 1.1.4 Proponent 2 1.1.5 Previous Project Stages 2 1.2 Project Objectives and Scope 3 1.2.1 Objectives of the Initial Assessment Report 3 1.2.2 Approach to Preparing the Initial Assessment Report 3 1.2.3 Structure of the Report 3 2.0 Project Description 5 2.1 Background 5 2.2 Proposed Layout 5 2.3 Wind Farm Specifications 5 2.3.1 Wind Turbines 5 2.3.2 Associated Infrastructure 6 2.4 Overview of Construction Methodology 6 2.4.1 Sequencing 6 2.4.2 Equipment and Machinery 7 2.5 Operation 7 2.6 Maintenance 7 2.7 Decommissioning and Rehabilitation 7 3.0 Community Infrastructure Designation 9 3.1 Background 9 3.2 Environmental Assessment and Consultation Procedures under the CID Guidelines 9 3.2.1 Step 1 – Preparation of Initial Assessment Report 11 3.2.2 Step 2 – Initial Consultation with Other Parties 11 3.2.3 Step 3 – Finalisation of Initial Assessment Report for Public Notification and Second Consultation with Stakeholders 11 3.2.4 Step 4 – Public Notification and Second Consultation with Other Parties 11 3.2.5 Step 5 – Preparation of Final Assessment Report for Minister 12 3.2.6 Step 6 – Forwarding of Final Assessment Report to the Minister to Proceed under the SP Act 12 3.2.7 Checklist of Relevant Matters to Assess Environmental Effects 12 3.3 Compliance of Study Process with CID Process 12 4.0 Legislative Framework 13 4.1 Relationship to Government Policy 13 4.1.1 International 13 4.1.2 Commonwealth 13 4.1.3 State 14 4.1.4 Regional and Local 14 4.2 Commonwealth Legislation 14 4.2.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 14 4.2.2 Native Title Act 1993 15 4.3 State Legislation 15 4.3.1 Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and Electricity Act 1994 15 4.4 Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines 19 5.0 Study Area Description and Site Selection 20 5.1 Environmental and Community Context 20 5.2 Site Selection 21 6.0 Community Engagement 22 6.1 Introduction and Approach 22

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6.2 Community Engagement to Date 22 7.0 Potential Environmental Impacts and Recommended Mitigation Measures 23 8.0 Topography, Geology and Soils 24 8.1 Introduction and Approach 24 8.2 Description of Environmental Values 24 8.2.1 Topography 24 8.2.2 Geology 24 8.2.3 Soils 24 8.2.4 Contaminated Land 25 8.3 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures 27 8.3.1 Topography 27 8.3.2 Geology 27 8.3.3 Soils 28 8.3.4 Contaminated Land 28 9.0 Surface Water 29 9.1 Introduction and Approach 29 9.2 Legislative Requirements and Policy 29 9.3 Description of Environmental Values 29 9.3.1 Burnett Catchment 29 9.3.2 Condamine Catchment 30 9.4 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures 30 9.5 Conclusion 31 10.0 Flora and Fauna 32 10.1 Background 32 10.1.1 ERM Ecological Assessment Report 32 10.1.2 Limitations 33 10.2 Methods 33 10.2.1 Study Area 33 10.2.2 Desktop Assessment 33 10.2.3 Field Assessments 35 10.2.4 Analysis and Interpretation 36 10.3 Description of Ecological Environment 36 10.3.1 General Flora Description 36 10.3.2 EPBC Ecological Communities 38 10.3.3 Regional Ecosystems 39 10.3.4 High Value Regrowth 39 10.3.5 Threatened Flora 42 10.3.6 Declared Weeds 42 10.3.7 Threatened Fauna 43 10.3.8 Migratory Species 44 10.3.9 Bats 45 10.3.10 Other Fauna 47 10.4 Potential Impacts on Flora 48 10.4.1 Threatened Ecological Communities 48 10.4.2 Regional Ecosystems and High Value Regrowth 48 10.4.3 Threatened Flora 49 10.4.4 Erosion and Sedimentation 49 10.4.5 Fragmentation and Disturbance 50 10.4.6 Spread of Weeds 50 10.5 Potential Impacts on Fauna 50 10.5.1 Threatening Processes 50 10.5.2 Threatened Fauna 53 10.5.3 Migratory Species 53 10.5.4 Dispersive Species 54 10.5.5 Bats 54 10.5.6 Birds 55 10.6 Further studies 60 10.6.1 Flora 60

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10.6.2 Fauna 60 10.7 Mitigation Measures and Recommendations 61 10.7.1 Vegetation Offsets 61 10.7.2 Specific Recommendations 61 11.0 Cultural Heritage 64 11.1 Introduction 64 11.1.1 Purpose of Assessment 64 11.1.2 Project Brief 64 11.2 Legislative Context 64 11.2.1 Cultural Heritage Legislation 64 11.2.2 Federal 64 11.2.3 State (Queensland) 65 11.2.4 Methodology 65 11.3 Stage 1 Register Search and Due Diligence 66 11.3.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 66 11.3.2 Historic Heritage 67 11.4 Background Research 67 11.4.1 Thematic History 67 11.4.2 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 67 11.4.3 The First Inhabitants 67 11.4.4 Exploiting, utilising and transforming the land 68 11.4.5 Exploring, surveying and mapping the land 69 11.4.6 Pastoral Activities 69 11.4.7 Exploiting Natural Resources 69 11.4.8 Moving Goods, People and Information 70 11.4.9 Cooranga North 71 11.4.10 Discussion 71 11.5 Site Survey and Results 71 11.5.1 Cultural Heritage Site Survey Overview 72 11.5.2 Ground Surface Visibility 72 11.6 Survey 72 11.6.1 Western Survey of Study Area 72 11.6.2 Eastern Survey of Study Area 75 11.6.3 Historic Cultural Heritage 78 11.7 Cultural Heritage and Landscape 78 11.7.1 Study Area 78 11.8 Heritage Assessment Recommendations 78 11.8.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 78 11.8.2 Potential Historic Cultural Heritage 79 12.0 Land Use and Planning 80 12.1 Introduction and Approach 80 12.2 Existing Environment 80 12.2.1 Existing Land Use 80 12.2.2 Relevant Planning Instruments 80 12.3 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures 91 12.4 Conclusion 91 13.0 Landscape and Visual Assessment 93 13.1 Introduction and Approach 93 13.1.1 Project Background 93 13.1.2 Approach 94 13.1.3 Key References 94 13.1.4 Clarification of the revised LVIA scope 95 13.2 Legislative context and standards 95 13.3 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 97 13.3.1 Project description and key sources of potential impact 97 13.3.2 Recommended mitigation measures 104 13.3.3 Landscape Assessment 107 13.4 Baseline Analysis and Residual Landscape Impact Assessment 110

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13.4.1 Study Area Context 110 13.4.2 Detailed Landscape Assessment 110 13.4.3 Summary Impacts on the Landscape Resource 119 13.5 Visual Assessment 119 13.5.1 Approach to defining the visual baseline 119 13.5.2 Preparations of Zone of Theoretical Visibility mapping 120 13.5.3 Preparation of photomontages 121 13.5.4 Approach to defining the visual impacts on residential properties 122 13.5.5 Approach to defining visual sensitivity, magnitude of change and the significance of change proposed 122 13.6 Baseline Analysis and Residual Visual Impact Assessment 126 13.6.1 Summary of anticipated impacts during construction / installation 146 13.6.2 Summary of anticipated impacts during decommissioning and restoration 146 13.7 Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 147 13.7.1 Introduction 147 13.7.2 Assessment of Cumulative Impact 150 13.8 Conclusion 152 14.0 Noise and Vibration 158 14.1 Introduction 158 14.2 Approach and Methodology 158 14.2.1 Existing Acoustic Environment 158 14.2.2 Operational Noise Assessment 158 14.2.3 Construction Noise and Vibration Assessment 160 14.3 Background Noise Assessment 160 14.3.1 Monitoring Locations 160 14.3.2 Noise Criteria 161 14.3.3 Instrumentation 164 14.4 Potential Impacts and Mitigation – Operational Noise 165 14.4.1 Noise model 165 14.4.2 Predicted noise levels 166 14.5 Potential Impacts and Mitigation: Construction Noise and Vibration 166 14.5.1 Construction Impact Assessment 166 14.5.2 Construction Activities 166 14.5.3 Construction Phase Noise Criteria 167 14.5.4 Construction Vibration Guidelines 167 14.5.5 Proposed Mitigation Options: Construction Noise and Vibration 169 14.6 Conclusion 171 15.0 Socio-Economic Assessment 172 15.1 Introduction and Approach 172 15.2 Legislative Requirements and Policy 172 15.3 Description of Environmental Values 172 15.3.1 Introduction 172 15.3.2 Demographic Profile 173 15.3.3 Tourism 174 15.4 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures 174 15.4.1 Population and Housing 174 15.4.2 Land Values 175 15.4.3 Employment and Income 175 15.5 Conclusion 176 16.0 Access, Transport and Traffic 177 16.1 Introduction and Approach 177 16.1.1 PB Traffic Impact Assessment (2008) 177 16.2 Legislative Requirements and Policy 177 16.2.1 Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 177 16.2.2 Transport and Main Roads Road Planning and Design Manual 177 16.2.3 Regional and Local Planning Requirements 178 16.2.4 Stock routes 178 16.3 Description of the Transport Environment 178

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16.3.1 State Controlled Roads 178 16.3.2 Local Government Roads 179 16.3.3 Public Transportation 179 16.3.4 Freight 180 16.3.5 Stock Road Network 180 16.3.6 Air Travel 180 16.4 Construction Assumptions 180 16.4.1 Construction lay-down areas and site offices 180 16.4.2 Transport Routes 180 16.4.3 Transport Routes for Construction Materials 181 16.4.4 Over dimensioned and Higher Mass Limit Vehicles 182 16.4.5 Traffic Volumes 182 16.4.6 Upgrades and Alterations 182 16.5 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures 182 16.6 Conclusion 185 17.0 Aviation 187 17.1 Introduction and Approach 187 17.2 Description of Environmental Values 187 17.2.1 Airfields in the Vicinity of the Study Area 187 17.2.2 Aviation Operations 187 17.2.3 Meteorological Masts 188 17.2.4 Airspace Considerations 189 17.2.5 Aerial Fire Fighting Activities 190 17.2.6 Aerial Agricultural Operations 190 17.2.7 Rural Air Ambulance Services 190 17.3 Obstacle Lighting 191 17.3.1 Current Regulatory Environment 191 17.3.2 Risk to Aviation Operations 191 17.3.3 Additional Risk Mitigation 192 17.3.4 General Risk Profile 192 17.3.5 Other Wind Farms in Australia 192 17.4 Conclusion 193 18.0 Shadow Flicker 194 18.1 Introduction and Approach 194 18.1.1 Overview of Shadow Flicker 194 18.1.2 Parameters and Data 194 18.2 Legislative Requirements and Policy 194 18.3 Shadow Flicker Duration 195 18.3.1 Theoretical Modelled Shadow Flicker Duration 195 18.3.2 Factors Affecting Shadow Flicker Duration 196 18.3.3 Predicted Actual Shadow Flicker Duration 196 18.4 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures 198 18.4.1 Potential Impacts 198 18.4.2 Recommended Mitigation Measures 199 18.5 Conclusion 199 19.0 Electromagnetic Interference 200 19.1 Introduction and Approach 200 19.1.1 Electromagnetic Interference 200 19.1.2 Parameters and Data 200 19.2 Legislative Requirements and Policy 200 19.3 Description of Existing Environment 200 19.3.1 Fixed Licences of Point-to-Point (Microwave) Type 200 19.3.2 Fixed Licences of Point-to-Multipoint Type 201 19.3.3 Other Licence Types 201 19.3.4 Emergency Services 203 19.3.5 Aircraft Navigation Systems 203 19.3.6 Aviation Radar 203 19.3.7 Meteorological Radar 203

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19.3.8 Trigonometrical Stations 204 19.3.9 Radio-Frequency Identification 205 19.3.10 Citizen’s Band Radio 205 19.3.11 Mobile Phones 206 19.3.12 Wireless Internet 206 19.3.13 Satellite Television and Internet 206 19.3.14 Radio Broadcasting 207 19.3.15 Television Broadcasting 208 19.4 Recommended Mitigation Measures 209 20.0 Bushfire Risk 210 20.1 Introduction and Approach 210 20.2 Assessment Assumptions 210 20.3 Legislative Requirements and Policy 210 20.3.1 State Planning Policy (SPP) 1/03 Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Flood, Bushfire and Landslide 210 20.3.2 Local Planning Policies 211 20.4 Description of Environmental Values 211 20.4.1 Landform 211 20.4.2 Vegetation 211 20.4.3 Climate 212 20.4.4 Infrastructure, Community and Access 212 20.4.5 Bushfire Risk 212 20.5 Bushfire Assessment 213 20.5.1 SPP 1/03 Outcome 1 213 20.5.2 SPP 1/03 Outcome 2 214 20.5.3 SPP 1/03 Outcome 3 215 20.6 Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures 216 20.7 Conclusion 217 21.0 Sustainability and Climate Change 218 21.1 Introduction 218 21.2 Policy context 218 21.2.1 UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol 218 21.2.2 Renewable Energy Target (RET) 218 21.2.3 Queensland Renewable Energy Plan 219 21.2.4 National Strategy on Ecological Sustainable Development (NSESD) 219 21.3 Greenhouse gas emissions 219 21.3.1 Benefits 219 21.3.2 Impacts 219 21.3.3 Future opportunities 220 21.4 Climate change adaptation 221 21.4.1 Benefits 223 21.4.2 Impacts 224 21.4.3 Future opportunities 225 21.5 Sustainable Development 226 21.5.1 Benefits 226 21.5.2 Future Opportunities 227 21.6 Conclusion 228 22.0 Draft Environmental Management Plan 229 22.1 Introduction and approach 229 22.2 Section 1: Topography, Geology and Soils 230 22.3 Section 2: Surface Water and Riparian Areas 238 22.4 Section 3: Flora and Fauna 242 22.5 Section 4: Cultural Heritage 254 22.6 Section 5: Land Use and Planning 255 22.7 Section 6: Landscape and Visual 257 22.8 Section 7: Noise and Vibration 259 22.9 Section 8: Socio-Economic Environment 260 22.10 Section 9: Traffic 262

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22.11 Section 10: Aviation 265 22.12 Section 11: Shadow Flicker 266 22.13 Section 12: EMI 268 22.14 Section 13: Bushfire Risk 271 23.0 Conclusion 273 24.0 Reference 274 Appendix A Maps A Appendix B CID Checklist B Appendix C Contaminated Land Searches C Appendix D Wildlife Online Search Results D Appendix E Flora and Fauna Survey Results E Appendix F Flora and Fauna EPBC Act Assessment F Appendix G Bat Call Analysis Results G Appendix H Regrowth Vegetation Code H Appendix I Bird Species List I Appendix J Viewpoint Photomontages J Appendix K Acoustic Terminology K Appendix L Noise Monitoring Locations L Appendix M Noise Regression Curves M Appendix N Calibration Certificates N Appendix O Wind Turbine and Receiver Locations O Appendix P Predicted Noise Levels P

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List of Abbreviations AAAA Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation ACH Act Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld) ACMA Australian Communications and Media Authority AECOM AECOM Australia Pty Ltd AEMO Australian Energy Market Operator AFN Australian Fiducial Network AGL AGL Energy Limited AIS Aeronautical Information Service (RAAF) AM Amplitude Modulation ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council ARG Agency Reference Group AS Australian Standard BMNP Bunya Mountains National Park BMP Bushfire Management Plan BoM Bureau of Meteorology BP (Years) Before Present CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority CASR Civil Aviation Safety Regulation CB Radio Citizen’s Band Radio CE Critically Endangered CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan CFA Country Fire Authority CHL Commonwealth Heritage List CID Community Infrastructure Designation CID Guidelines Guidelines About Environmental Assessment and Public Consultation Procedures for Designating Land for Community Infrastructure CLR Contaminated Land Register CLVIA Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

CO2-e Carbon Dioxide Equivalent CSG Coal Seam Gas DAB Digital Audio Broadcasting DCDB Digital Cadastral Database DCS Department of Community Safety DEEDI Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

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DEO Desired Environmental Outcome DERM Department of Environment and Resource Management DEWHA Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (now DSEWPC) DIP Department of Infrastructure and Planning DNR Department of Natural Resources (now DERM) DRO Desired Regional Outcome DSEWPC Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities Draft NWFD Guidelines Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines (EPHC, 2010) E Endangered EDM Electronic Distance Measuring EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMI Electromagnetic Interference EMP Environmental Management Plan EMR Environmental Management Register EPA Environmental Protection Agency (now part of DERM) EP Act Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction EPC Exploration Permit (Coal) EPHC Environment Protection and Heritage Council EPM Exploration Permit (Mineral) EPP (Water) Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (Qld) ERM Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd EVNT Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened FM Frequency Modulation GFA Gliding Federation of Australia GH Garrad Hassan Pacific Pty Ltd GPS Geographic Positioning System GQAL Good Quality Agricultural Land GSV Ground Surface Visibility HA HART Aviation HF High Frequency HML Higher Mass Limit HVR High Value Regrowth IAR Initial Assessment Report IDAS Integrated Development Assessment System IECA International Erosion Control Association

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IFR Instrumental Flight Route IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change JOL John Oxley Library KRA Key Resource Area kV Kilovolt LGA Local Government Areas LNG Liquefied Natural Gas LP Act Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 (Qld) LPSI Land Planning and Spatial Information (RAAF) LSALT Lowest Safe Altitude LRET Large-scale Renewable Energy Target LVIA Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance MW Megawatt MW Medium Wave NATA National Association of Testing Authorities NC Act Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) NHL National Heritage List NOTAM Notices to Airmen NSESD National Strategy on Ecological Sustainable Development NT Near Threatened NT Act Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) OCE Office of Clean Energy OD Over-Dimensioned OLS Obstacle Limitation Surface PPE Personal Protective Equipment PSL Petroleum Survey Licence PSP Planning Scheme Policy PSR Primary Surveillance Radar QFRS Queensland Fire and Rescue Service QH Act Queensland Heritage Act 1992 (Qld) QHR Queensland Heritage Register QNI Queensland New South Wales Interconnector QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service QREP Queensland Renewable Energy Plan RAAF Royal Australian Air Force RE Regional Ecosystem RET Renewable Energy Target

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RFID Radio-Frequency Identification RNE Register of the National Estate RSA Rotor Swept Area SBFDS Surat Basin Future Directions Statement SBRC South Burnett Regional Council SBRPF (Draft) Surat Basin Regional Planning Framework SCR State-Controlled Road SEVT Semi-evergreen Vine Thicket SF Shadow Flicker SLA Statistical Local Area SLR Single Lens Reflex SP Act Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (Qld) SPP State Planning Policy SP Reg Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (Qld) SRN Stock Route Network SRTM Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission SSB Single Side Band SSR Secondary Surveillance Radar TI Act Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (Qld) TMP Traffic Management Plan TMR Department of Transport and Main Roads TV Television UHF Ultra High Frequency UK United Kingdom UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UXO Unexploded Ordnance V Vulnerable VFR Visual Flight Route VM Act Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Qld) WAC World Aeronautical Chart WBB Wide Bay Burnett WBBRP (Draft) Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan WDRC Western Downs Regional Council ZTV Zone of Theoretical Visibility / Zone of Visual Influence

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Executive Summary AECOM Coopers Gap Wind Farm i Initial Assessment Report

Executive Summary Introduction AGL Energy Limited (AGL) proposes to develop the Coopers Gap Wind Farm with an installed capacity of approximately 350MW and around 115 wind turbines. The site of the proposed development is approximately 180km north-west of Brisbane near Cooranga North – 50km south-west of Kingaroy and 65km north of Dalby. The project is located within the South Burnett Regional Council and Western Downs Regional Council Local Government Areas (LGAs). The wind farm will connect to the proposed Western Downs to Halys 275kV transmission line currently being developed by Powerlink. Under chapter 5 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act), AGL is seeking a Community Infrastructure Designation (CID) of the land required for the Coopers Gap Wind Farm and associated infrastructure, including access roads, transmission lines and a substation. AGL purchased the Coopers Gap Wind Farm project from Coopers Gap Wind Farm Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Investec Bank Pty Ltd, in 2009. Prior to AGL acquiring the project, Coopers Gap Wind Farm Pty Ltd had commissioned a number of technical studies into the potential impacts of the wind farm. AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (AECOM) has prepared this Initial Assessment Report (IAR), collating the findings of recently-completed technical studies (2010/2011), and including findings of the previous (2008) studies where these remain relevant to the project. The reports prepared on behalf of Coopers Gap Wind Farm Pty Ltd in 2008 have been used as key reference documents in the production of this IAR. A selection of these reports are contained within Volume 2 of this IAR and serve as reference documents for some of the technical studies presented in Volume 1. Project Description A nominal wind turbine layout (revision “AA”) of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm has been used as the basis for the CID corridor and represents the current layout of the wind farm and associated infrastructure.. Once designated, this CID corridor will essentially be the bounds within which AGL must locate wind turbines, access roads, transmission lines and other associated infrastructure during the detailed design stage of the project. Key wind farm generation and turbine specifications are outlined below. Wind Farm Feature Statistic Wind farm generation capacity Approximately 350MW Number of turbines Approximately 115 Turbine rating 2-4MW Maximum blade tip height 160m Maximum turbine hub height 100m Maximum blade length 60m

The maximum turbine hub height of 100m (and 160m including the blade sweep path) listed in the table provides flexibility for any innovation in turbine design between now and the time of detailed design and construction. Community Infrastructure Designation The SP Act states that one way of meeting the assessment requirements of the CID process above is to adopt the assessment process outlined in the Guidelines about Environmental Assessment and Public Consultation Procedures for Designating Land for Community Infrastructure (CID Guidelines). The Environmental Assessment and Consultation Procedures under the CID Guidelines are divided into six (6) discrete steps, beginning with the preparation of an Initial Assessment Report (this report), and concluding with the forwarding of the Final Assessment Report to the Minister for a determination on designation. It is intended that the Coopers Gap Wind Farm project will comply with all steps of the CID process, including meeting the requirements for reporting and community engagement that are specified in the CID Guidelines.

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Legislation and Guidelines As a renewable energy project, the Coopers Gap Wind Farm is aligned with a number of international, national, state and regional/local agreements and policies that are based around responding to the threat of climate change and the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Development that is designated as Community Infrastructure under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 is exempt from assessment against the relevant local government planning schemes (local governments maintain a critical role as an important stakeholder in the CID process). However, the development remains assessable against all relevant Commonwealth and State legislation. The Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines (Draft NWFD Guidelines) were released by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) in July 2010. The Draft NWFD Guidelines are non- statutory and are intended to provide guidance to decision makers about the potential impacts of wind farm development, and the methodologies that should be adopted when undertaking environmental impact assessments (as part of a planning approval process) for wind farm developments. The Draft NWFD Guidelines are particularly relevant for Queensland, as there has historically been minimal wind farm development in the state. The Draft NWFD Guidelines form a useful tool for all project stakeholders – including relevant agencies, local councils, landowners and the general community – about the potential issues that are common to all wind farm developments, and the reporting requirements around impact assessment studies that address these issues. It is for this reason that the Draft NWFD Guidelines have been used as a key reference document for the preparation of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm IAR. Study Area The Coopers Gap Wind Farm is proposed to be located near Cooranga North, in central southern Queensland. The wind farm covers a study area of approximately 9,253ha (the combined areas of involved properties), with the CID area approximately 1,912ha. Twenty-eight parcels of land, amongst a total of eleven landowners, comprise the Coopers Gap Wind Farm study area, and contain the CID corridor. The selection and identification of a wind farm site generally involves quite detailed investigation into wind resource and environmental constraints. Generally, the location of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm has been selected due to the combination of a number of factors, including: x A very high wind resource, particularly in relation to other central southern Queensland areas; x Proximity to high voltage transmission lines (Powerlink 275kV); x A relatively low population density and land use intensity; and x A largely supportive community, who have been involved in community engagement activities in previous stages of this project. Potential Environmental Impacts and Recommended Mitigation Measures The IAR describes existing environmental characteristics of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm, identifies potential impacts of the project upon these characteristics, and recommends mitigation measures to prevent or minimise any potential impacts. Soils, Geology and Topography The proposed wind turbines are generally in steep areas where topography may present some construction challenges. It is recommended that construction accessibility is a key factor for consideration when detailed design of the wind farm is undertaken. Challenges associated with basalt for anchored foundation systems relate to the potential for less-strong materials underlying the strong near-surface materials. Near-surface investigations undertaken by Coffey (2008) did not reveal these conditions, however there is still a possibility that these conditions exist in the study area. Sub-surface conditions throughout the proposed wind farm site will need to be confirmed during detailed design through a comprehensive geotechnical survey. Deeper drilling to provide a greater understanding of the geology of the successive lava flows associated with the basalt will be needed to make an assessment of the anchor bond zones for anchored foundations. Soils vary significantly across the study area depending on topography, elevation, aspect and underlying parent material. The individual soil characteristics should be given more consideration as a precursor to detailed design of the project.

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Database searches indicate that the study area contains no Lots that are listed as being contaminated under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Prior to the finalisation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for the project, it is recommended that a site visit is undertaken to confirm the presence or absence of notifiable activities within the study area. Surface Water The study area falls within the catchments of the Burnett and Condamine Rivers. The overall condition of these catchments is generally inconsistent, and is largely attributable to the agricultural (predominantly grazing) activities within these catchments. The Coopers Gap Wind Farm is not expected to have any influence on the overall condition of the catchments. Potential impacts associated with the project would be localised, and relate to erosion and sediment runoff and mishandling of hazardous materials; both during the construction and operational phases of the project. The construction contractor will be responsible for ensuring that erosion and sediment control procedures and a Materials Handling Plan are contained within the CEMP, and that these meet the provisions of IECA (2008), AS 1940-2004 and the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. Flora and Fauna The majority of the study area has previously been cleared for grazing, and as a result the vegetation is mostly disturbed paddock comprising a variety of pasture grasses and weeds with scattered eucalypts. There are some large areas of remnant vegetation, which were generally found to correspond to mapped Regional Ecosystems (REs). The patches of remnant vegetation are in average to good condition with most experiencing edge effects, including the encroachment of weeds. Those areas that have been protected from cattle grazing and logging are in particularly good condition and are most likely to provide suitable habitat for threatened flora and fauna species. Several areas of high value regrowth (HVR) vegetation have been mapped within the study area. Five ecological communities listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) potentially occur in the study area. The only threatened ecological community likely to be affected by the Coopers Gap Wind Farm is Semi-Evergreen Vine Thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and Nandewar Bioregions (SEVT). Clearing or disturbance of SEVT would potentially have a significant impact on a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES). Consequently, the project would need to be referred to the Commonwealth for their assessment. A referral has been submitted to DSWEPC in parallel with the finalisation of this IAR. The amount of vegetation to be cleared for the Coopers Gap Wind Farm is currently unknown, however it is understood that AGL will seek to ensure that detailed design of the project avoids clearing of vegetation wherever possible. If HVR vegetation is cleared for the construction of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm, this clearing must be in accordance with the requirements of section 2.2 of the Regrowth Vegetation Code for all HVR associated with Of Concern and Least Concern RE. Ten threatened flora species have potential habitat within the study area, while 25 threatened fauna species were identified as potentially occurring within the study area. Furthermore 11 species listed as migratory under the EPBC Act in the study area were identified during field survey. A total of 14 bat species were positively identified from 1,443 bat calls recorded using ultrasonic call detection. One of these species, the Little Pied Bat, is listed as Near Threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1994 (NC Act). Calls from Nyctophilus bats were also recorded at seven of the nine Anabat locations. Three Nyctophilus bat species could potentially occur within the study area, including the South-eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus corbeni) which is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The woodland and riparian sites recorded the most bat calls in total, and the highest average number of bat calls per detector night. Turbines closest to these habitats could potentially receive more bat strikes than those in open habitats. Twenty harp trap nights were also conducted within the study area, however no bats were captured. A total of 57 bird species were recorded during the surveys. Most of the species observed were common species which inhabit agricultural and cleared lands. Six species of raptor, including the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrines), were recorded flying over or foraging over the study area. Most birds observed were seen flying less than 40 m above the ground but eight species were recorded travelling or soaring more than 40 m above the ground.

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Collisions with wind turbines will only have impacts on fauna species that fly at heights between 40 m and 160 m (the rotor swept area). Very little information exists on fauna mortalities in wind farms in Australia due to the relatively recent prevalence of wind farms in the country. Within Australia, there are recorded instances of bird and bat mortality at wind farms for taxa that are present at Coopers Gap Wind Farm site. These include common species such as the Australian Magpie, Galah, Pied Currawong, Torresian Crow and Gould’s Wattled Bat, largely due to their relatively high numbers and the height at which they travel. The Coopers Gap Wind Farm is not expected to have a material impact on the existing mortality rates of these species. The study site lies on the mountain range between the Bunya Mountains National Park (BMNP) and the Diamondy State Forest. Most of the study site is mapped by DERM (2008) as a bioregional wildlife corridor in the Queensland Biodiversity Planning Assessment. Remnant patches within the study area are likely to act as “stepping stones” between the BMNP and the State Forest. However, the majority of the site has already been extensively cleared for agriculture and the remaining remnant patches are generally isolated from one another in terms of fauna movement (except for highly mobile species that can traverse large open spaces). Migratory bird species may migrate through the study area and as a result the wind farm could potentially inhibit movement of these species during their migration. At least 21 species listed as migratory under the EPBC Act could potentially be impacted by the proposed development. Bats may also travel through the site while moving between BMNP and the State Forest. An assessment of the potential impacts to listed migratory species and threatened flora and fauna species under the EPBC Act presented in this IAR determines that no significant impacts are expected. It is unlikely that the project will have a significant impact on the movement of most terrestrial fauna. The turbine towers are unlikely to stop terrestrial fauna moving through the site; however disturbance to the site through noise and human activities may force some sensitive terrestrial fauna to travel around the wind farm. This may introduce the animals to other risks such as vehicles and domestic pets, but it is unlikely to increase the mortality rate significantly above that which is already attributed to these elements. A potential impact that may be unique to bats is barotrauma, which is failure of the lungs. Barotrauma in bats is caused by rapid pressure changes and increased pressure in the lungs which results in tissue damage. It is likely that small numbers of bats may be affected by barotrauma at the Coopers Gap Wind Farm when encountering the turbine blades. However, it is unlikely that significant numbers of any threatened bat species would come into contact with the turbines due to the specific behaviours and habitat preferences of the threatened species potentially in the study area. Birds are likely to be the animal group most significantly impacted by collisions with wind turbines for the Coopers Gap Wind Farm. Collision rates will depend on species behaviour and foraging strategies. Based on the potential impacts of the project on flora and fauna within the study area, a number of recommended mitigation measures are provided to avoid and minimise these potential impacts. These recommendations include: x Vegetation Offsets - offsets should be provided for all clearing required within REs and HVR. The clearing within these vegetation communities should be quantified once the turbine and access road locations have been finalised. The type, potential cost and location of these offsets will need to be investigated once the final wind farm configuration is identified (i.e. after detailed design). It is important to note that early identification of an offset package for the project, and early execution of this strategy is integral to achieving the best outcomes. x Minimise the amount of vegetation cleared; and x Develop a pre and post construction monitoring plan for bats and birds.

Cultural Heritage The possibility of identifying any Aboriginal cultural heritage through an archeological ground survey is considered to be low. However, as a result of the ground integrity identified during the survey, the limited development in the area, and the existence of previously identified Aboriginal cultural heritage, the study area was assessed as category 4 under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Duty of Care Guidelines. The guidelines recommend that it is generally desirable that the Aboriginal party for an area assessed to be category 4 be notified and advice sought in the management of such areas. Consequently, it is recommended that

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prior to any vegetation clearance or ground-breaking activities for the project, consultation with the Aboriginal parties for the project area is undertaken. Due to the existing knowledge of the study area’s cultural heritage, it is highly unlikely that this project will adversely impact on any places of historic cultural heritage value. There are no listed places of cultural heritage value on relevant State and local databases. However, should any place or item of potential cultural heritage be identified during construction, an appropriate cultural heritage professional should be engaged to conduct an assessment. Land Use and Planning The existing land use within and around the proposed Coopers Gap Wind Farm is predominantly rural, characterised largely by cattle grazing within the localities of Cooranga North, Bilboa, Boyneside and Ironpot. The largest nearby townships include Kingaroy to the north-east (with a significant peanut and navy bean industry, and more recently, a growing wine industry), Dalby to the south and Jandowae to the south-west (crops grown in this area include wheat, sorghum, oats and cotton). South-east of the study area is the Bunya Mountains National Park – Queensland’s second-oldest National Park, and containing the largest stand of Bunya Pines in the world. Other significant reserves in proximity to the Coopers Gap Wind Farm include Jandowae State Forest and Mahen State Forest to the west and Diamondy State Forest to the north-west. The land tenure of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm study area is predominantly freehold. This IAR determines that the Coopers Gap Wind Farm project is largely supportive of relevant regional planning initiatives, through delivering ecologically sustainable development and renewable energy to the region. Some changes to the landscape are expected to result from the project (through the introduction of large turbines in a generally undeveloped rural area), however it is not expected that this will jeopardise the rural amenity of the area, nor are there expected to be any significant adverse impacts upon existing agricultural activities in the area. The project presents an opportunity for the economic diversification of the community, which may promote the viability of existing rural enterprises within the study area. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment A landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) was undertaken for the project, and divided the study area into five different “types” of landscapes which broadly comprise similar character. Likewise, the visual baseline has been assessed and described in terms of views from selected representative viewpoints within the study area. All judgements on the anticipated magnitude of change assume that the recommended mitigation measures have been adopted, to reduce and manage the impact of Coopers Gap Wind Farm on the landscape resource, views and visual amenity. Clearly, there are few landscapes in which a wind farm will not introduce a new and distinctive feature. In order to perform their function effectively, wind turbines are likely to be tall, frequently located in open landscapes, difficult (virtually impossible) to conceal and therefore likely to be highly visible and incongruent with the existing landscape character. Accordingly, all wind farms will result in some significant changes to the landscape and visual resource due to their size and prominence. The greatest issues of concern identified by the landscape and visual impact assessment include: x Significant, albeit short term (approximately 24 months) effects on the landscape character, views and visual amenity during the construction phase as a result of the presence of construction crews and temporary mobile camp and large scale machinery; x Potential long term disruption to the perceived sense of tranquillity and remoteness, and the long distant views with predominantly unbuilt skylines; x Effect on sensitive visual receptors, including residents that live in close proximity to the wind farm who are likely to experience the facilities on a daily basis; x Increase in traffic on rural roads (e.g. due to required construction, ongoing maintenance and decommissioning of the wind farm); and x Potential for change in the character of local rural towns such as Kingaroy, Kumbia and/or Bell (i.e. changing from towns that have historically been focused on farming and grazing families, to towns which also service a large-scale wind farm development during construction and operation).

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In comparison with other, well-established, forms of development in the countryside (e.g. arable farming and grazing industries), wind turbines are relatively unfamiliar, prominently vertical and have the unique characteristic of movement. Individually or in groups, they will be distinctive features in the landscape. However, the anticipated landscape and visual impacts will need to be considered in parallel with a multitude matters, such as the following: x The limited locational flexibility of wind farms; x Although the proposed site comprises a strong rural character with a sense of remoteness and tranquillity, it is a sparsely-populated location, therefore limiting the volume of visual receptors; x The residual loss of landscape features due to the wind farm is likely to be relatively small, and the turbines and associated infrastructure would be situated to avoid vegetation wherever possible; x Modifications to the landform and drainage required as a result of installing the wind farm components is likely to be minimal; x The site has a history of modification for farming practices (including vegetation clearance and landform modifications) and already contains 275kV transmission line infrastructure; and x Although the proposal is likely to be visible from northern elevated and/or exposed parts of the Bunya Mountains National Park, the wind farm will not fundamentally alter the reasons for which this National asset was designated.

Noise and Vibration Background environmental noise monitoring and environmental noise modelling were conducted for the proposed Coopers Gap Wind Farm. Potential acoustic impacts from the Coopers Gap Wind Farm were investigated. The existing acoustic environment was quantified by a background noise monitoring program. A review of operational noise criteria was undertaken; the operational noise criteria assessed for this study are those within the Wind Farms Environmental Noise Guidelines. An environmental noise model of the site was created to predict noise levels at the nearest sensitive receiver locations. A noise-compliant wind turbine layout was generated for this CID application, and has formed the basis of the CID corridor. The predicted noise levels from the Coopers Gap Wind Farm comply with the relevant noise criterion at each sensitive receiver, for all wind speeds. Best practice construction techniques have been recommended to reduce possible impacts during the construction of the wind farm. These are to be outlined in the CEMP. Socio-Economic Assessment The Coopers Gap Wind Farm is expected to have a largely positive impact on population and housing, employment, income, economy and tourism within the surrounding area. Based on experiences with wind farms throughout Australia and internationally, no long-term impacts on land values are anticipated to result from the construction or operation of the wind farm. Being a relatively significant project within the region and the State, the Coopers Gap Wind Farm provides an opportunity for the wider community to benefit from the project through up-skilling and employment during construction and operation. Regionally, state-wide and nationally, the project will contribute to the achievement of legislation and policy around renewable energy generation and ecologically sustainable development. Access, Transport and Traffic There are likely to be significant impacts to the local road network through traffic generation during the construction phase of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm. Significant impacts are not expected during the operation and maintenance of the wind farm. A detailed analysis of specific road conditions will be required when the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor prepares a Traffic Management Plan (TMP). This TMP cannot be prepared until the construction methodology is determined. The temporary impact to local traffic during the construction period of the project and the necessary mitigation measures that should be employed will be determined within the TMP. The TMP will seek to minimise impacts to local road users and prioritise safety including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, school buses, especially during peak traffic hours.

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This TMP should be produced by the EPC contractor and would be prepared in consultation with TMR, WDRC and SBRC. It would seek to comply with the policies, principles and guidelines of the regional planning documents. Aviation The risk to aviation operations in the vicinity of the proposed Coopers Gap Wind Farm is considered to be low. However, the nominal height of the wind turbines is such that the tips of the blades will penetrate navigable airspace if they reach higher than 152.4m above ground level. As a consequence, obstacle lights are likely to be required in accordance with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation if turbine heights penetrate navigable airspace. Further, there is some evidence that low-level military jet operations occur in the region. An essential risk mitigation feature is for the wind turbines to be identified on the relevant aeronautical charts (i.e. both the civil WACs and the RAAF series). Pending such identification on maps, it is advisable that all potentially affected aviation operators are made aware of the planned existence of the wind farm. Consultation will be undertaken with a number of stakeholders throughout the CID process. Shadow Flicker The assessment of theoretical shadow flicker hours shows that all except one of the dwellings identified in the vicinity of the wind farm is predicted to experience theoretical shadow flicker duration below the recommended limit of 30 hours per year recommended in the Victorian Guidelines and the Draft NWFD Guidelines. Approximation of the degree of conservatism associated with the worst-case results has been conducted by calculating the possible reduction in shadow flicker duration due to turbine orientation and cloud cover. The calculations of the predicted actual shadow flicker duration does not take into account any reduction due to low wind speed, vegetation or other shielding effects around each house, and may still be regarded as a conservative assessment. The dwelling predicted to experience theoretical and actual shadow flicker durations above the recommended limits is understood to be owned by a participating landowner with an interest in the project and an agreement with AGL. If required, a site visit could be completed during detailed design of the wind farm to complement the results of this analysis. This would allow a better understanding of the vegetation coverage in the area, and the potential for shadow flicker shielding at dwellings expected to experience shadow flicker. This would assist in the selection of mitigation options, if any are determined to be required at these sites. Electromagnetic Interference Broadcast towers and transmission paths around the proposed Coopers Gap Wind Farm were investigated to see if electromagnetic interference (EMI) would be experienced as a result of the project. Interference may be experienced with Citizen’s Band (CB) radio, mobile phones and FM radio due to the project. Mitigation measures in these instances are relatively straightforward, and include moving a short distance to improve signal (CB radio and mobile phones), installing an external antenna (mobile phones) or installing a high quality antenna (FM radio). The EMI assessment also determined that there may be some interference with analogue and digital television reception due to the Coopers Gap Wind Farm, however digital television will be generally less susceptible to interference from wind turbines than analogue television. The switch from analogue to digital television is understood to be occurring in the second half of 2011, prior to the construction of the wind farm. A number of mitigation measures are available to any residences that may experience interference to digital television signals due to the project. Bushfire Risk An assessment of the project was conducted against State Planning Policy 1/03 in relation to bushfire. This has determined that the Coopers Gap Wind Farm will be designed and constructed to function effectively in an area of high bushfire risk, and a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) must be prepared. This BMP must satisfy the requirements of SPP 1/03 and ideally the Kingaroy and Wambo Shire Planning Scheme Policies.

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The preliminary design of the project has allowed for the provision of access and maintenance roads from the local road network which can facilitate emergency access. The BMP will need to further specify appropriate clearance distances, and emergency service access requirements during construction. It is not anticipated that the proposed development will increase the effects of bushfire and hence heighten the risk to people or property. However, there is a low risk of the infrastructure on site potentially starting a bushfire and there is a potential risk of fire damaging infrastructure. Sustainability and Climate Change This sustainable development and climate change assessment outlines the policy and greenhouse benefits of wind farm development and project specific impacts and opportunities relating to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adaptation and sustainable development. The key message is that wind energy developments such as the Coopers Gap Wind Farm have significant benefits in terms of providing a clean, low emission energy source to meet future demand (while displacing equivalent megawatt in fossil fuel-based electricity) as well as broader sustainable development benefits relating to net environmental impact, energy security, and regional economic development. A supportive regulatory environment is helping increase the total installed capacity of renewable energy. In terms of the design and construction of the project, this assessment outlines opportunities to mitigate impacts associated with greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. General project opportunities to maximise sustainable development outcomes are also outlined. The Coopers Gap Wind Farm represents an investment in a cleaner and greener economy with many expected benefits for the local community and the State of Queensland. Draft Environmental Management Plan A Draft Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is included in this IAR to outline measures to manage potential impacts of the project during the detailed design, construction and operational phases of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm. This Draft EMP covers all aspects of the environment presented within this IAR, and is to form the basis for the EPC contractor and proponent’s environmental management strategies in future stages of the project. Conclusion The Coopers Gap Wind Farm is a renewable energy project that, if constructed, would help achieve the goals and targets around renewable energy and ecologically sustainable development contained within international, Commonwealth and State legislation, policy and agreements. The project is also aligned with regional and local planning initiatives. This IAR establishes that the Coopers Gap Wind Farm will be developed in accordance with all relevant legislation, and in compliance with the Draft NWFD Guidelines and CID Guidelines. Wind farm infrastructure is the least expensive form of renewable energy, and experience (both internationally and within Australia) shows that wind farms are compatible with existing land uses. This IAR concludes that the Coopers Gap Wind Farm is unlikely to have any significant adverse impacts on the natural environment, surrounding land uses or the community. Any potential impacts are expected to be minor in nature and manageable through appropriate mitigation strategies. In addition to far-reaching benefits associated with the generation of renewable energy, the Coopers Gap Wind Farm is also expected to have a number of beneficial impacts at the local and regional scales. These include financial benefits for landowners, creation of a significant number of locally-sourced jobs during the construction and operational phases, potential for local contractors to be involved in the project, opportunities for the local accommodation and service sectors, and possible tourism associated with the operational wind farm.

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