Surat Basin Rail project EIS Summary February 2009

H328128-0000-06-124-0003_2 Explanatory Statement

A person using Connell Hatch documents or data accepts the risk of: a) Using the documents or data in electronic form without requesting and checking them for accuracy against the original hard copy version. b) Using the documents or data for any purpose not agreed to in writing by Connell Hatch.

PAGE i This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. Contents

Function and Scope of Summary 1

Surat Basin Rail Project 1

About the EIS 2

Legal Framework for the Project 2

The Proponent 3

Background and Need 4

Location Map and Regional Coal Deposits 5

Assessment of Project Alternatives 6

Project Description 7

Project Assumptions 8

Study Area and Preferred Alignment 9

Construction 10

Principal Environmental Impacts and Management Strategies 11

Surat Basin Rail Pty Ltd Commitments 18

Community Engagement 21

Making a Submission 22

The EIS CD 24

This document is not the EIS. PAGE ii Function and Scope of Summary

This Summary document provides a This Summary is a stand-alone To this end, it is intended that this description, the principal environmental document, focusing on the key issues Summary address the requirements of impacts, the proposed environmental and the Project’s potential adverse and the Terms of Reference (contained in full management strategies and beneficial environmental, social and in Appendix B of Appendices) required commitments of the proposed Surat economic impacts and the management for the Executive Summary. Basin Rail Project as set out in the measures to be implemented to mitigate Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). all residual impacts. This Summary includes an overview of the Project, provides details of The function of this Summary is to The scope of the Summary is determined the Proponent and summaries of the convey the most important aspects by the provisions of the Terms of technical sections as contained in the and options relating to the Project in a Reference as they relate to the Executive other documents that make up the EIS. concise and readable form. Summary.

Surat Basin Rail Project

Proposed as a major new 210 km The Surat Basin Rail Project is being railway, the Project, when constructed, funded by the Surat Basin Rail Joint will connect the Western Railway Venture at a construction cost in the System, near Wandoan, with the Moura vicinity of $1 billion. Railway System, near Banana. Construction of the Project is scheduled The Project aims to provide a multi-user, to start in 2009 and is likely to take up open access rail link and facilitate the to three years to complete. export of coal and freight through the Port of Gladstone.

While coal customers will form the bulk of the rail users, it is anticipated that freight traffic will increase over time.

PAGE 1 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. About the EIS

The objectives of the EIS are to: Disc containing the full text, maps and • On 22 February 2008, the • Provide public information on the figures that comprise the EIS. These are Commonwealth Minister determined need for and likely effects of the contained in separate documents: that the Project is not a ‘controlled Project on the natural, social and • Main Text action’ and therefore does not require assessment under the EPBC economic environment; • Appendices Act; and • Set out acceptable standards and • Map Folio levels of impacts (both beneficial • On 12 April 2008, the CG advertised and adverse) on environmental Legal Framework for the the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) values; and Project for public comment with written submissions invited up until close of • Demonstrate how potential The EIS has been prepared in accordance business on 16 May 2008. The ToR environmental impacts are to be with the State Development and Public were finalised on 23 June 2008. managed. Works Organisation Act 1971 (SDPWO The EIS has now been prepared and The Proponent for the Project, Surat Act). submitted to the Department Basin Rail Pty Ltd, engaged a technical The Project has proceeded through of Infrastructure and Planning (on consortium, consisting of Connell Hatch, a number of steps in the legislative behalf of the CG) and for the public and Parsons Brinckerhoff and Maunsell approvals process, resulting in the need advisory agency review. Depending on AECOM, to conduct the technical for this EIS, specifically: the outcomes of the public and advisory environmental studies and to provide agency review, the Proponent may be independent expertise in the areas of • On 19 November 2007, the required to prepare a Supplementary engineering and community engagement. Proponent lodged an Initial Advice Statement (IAS) for the Project Report to the EIS that addresses specific The EIS comprises 14 technical with the Coordinator-General (CG). matters raised in submissions on the EIS. studies that describe the existing The IAS provided an outline of the At the completion of the EIS phase, environmental conditions and values proposed Project, including its the CG will prepare a report (“CG within the Project study area, assesses rationale and potential impacts; Report”) evaluating the EIS and will the potential impacts of the Project on • On 30 November 2007, the CG decide whether the Project should be these conditions and values and where declared the Project to be a approved (containing conditions and necessary recommends appropriate ‘significant project for which an EIS recommendations if required) or refused. mitigation measures to minimise adverse is required’, under s.26(1)(a) of the impacts. SDPWO Act; If approved, the Project must be assessed against Schedule 8 of the A summary of the findings of • On 3 January 2008, the Integrated Planning Act 1997 which sets these technical studies follows. Proponent referred the Project out approvals or licences required under These summaries provide broad to the Commonwealth Minister the various State legislations for project descriptions only of the findings and for Environment, Heritage and activities, including the Environmental recommendations for each technical the Arts for a determination as Protection Act 1994, the Vegetation area. Further information can be found to whether the Project would Management Act 1999 and the Water Act in each of the chapters that comprise the constitute a ‘controlled action’ under 2000. EIS Main Text document. the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 All copies of this Summary, sent out (EPBC Act), Referral No 2008/3944; by the Proponent, include a Compact

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 2 The Proponent

Surat Basin Rail is a key strategic The Joint Venture partners are: development to be delivered through A u s t r a l i a n T r a n s p o r t ATEC (Dawson Valley Railway) Pty Ltd an innovative joint venture of resource & E n e r g y C o r r i d o r Established in 1996 to promote the concept of an inland companies, investors and QR, L i m i t e d collaborating to deliver a new railway rail between Melbourne and Darwin, ATEC has emerged for Queensland. as a key player in the rail infrastructure industry. ATEC is developing regional rail freight networks and associated The Project Proponent is Surat Basin Rail terminal infrastructure. At present it has three core Pty Ltd (SBR) as agent for and on behalf business interests: A freight terminals trust, the Surat of the Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture. Basin Railway in Queensland and the Border Railway SBR was established in December 2006 linking Moree (NSW) to Toowoomba (QLD). with the intention that the joint venture parties would work together to develop Anglo Coal Australia Pty Ltd a multi-user coal and freight railway Anglo Coal is one of Australia’s leading coal producers between the Western and Moura Railway with extensive coal mining interests and prospects in Systems. Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In July 2007, the Queensland The group’s coal mining interests in Queensland include Government awarded an unconditional a 100% interest in the Callide Mine, a 51% interest in the Exclusive Mandate to the Joint Venture Dawson and Dawson South Mines (formerly the Moura Partners, comprising ATEC, Anglo Mine) and a 70% interest in the Capcoal Mining Project. Coal, Xstrata and QR Ltd to investigate Anglo Coal also controls major mine deposits close to the the development of this rail link. The proposed Surat Basin Rail route. Project is a joint private sector and State Government initiative and is investor- Xstrata Coal Surat Basin Rail Pty Ltd funded, rather than state-funded. The Project will provide open-access to Xstrata Coal is the world’s largest exporter of thermal customers while providing a level playing coal and the fifth largest producer of hard coking coal. field on prices and access terms. Headquartered in Sydney, Xstrata Coal has interests in over 30 operating coal mines throughout Australia, SBR is committed to the effective South Africa and Columbia. Xstrata Coal Queensland has environmental management for the four large coal mining complexes located at Collinsville, Project, before, during and after Newlands, Oakey Creek and Rolleston and is actively construction. pursuing development of the Wandoan Coal Project in the Surat Basin.

QR Surat Basin Pty Ltd

QR Ltd is the dominant rail transport operator in Queensland and one of the largest transport companies in Australia. Provision of rail access and freight haulage services to the Queensland coal industry is a major element of QR’s business.

PAGE 3 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. Background and Need

Australia is the world’s largest coal transport of general freight. Regional Adding to this enhanced freight service exporter, and the coal-rich Surat Basin freight services currently rely on the is the potential for the Project to in regional Queensland contains up Western Rail Line and the Port of provide wider, national benefits. The to four billion tonnes of coal reserves. . Current demands on this Surat Basin Rail has the potential to These reserves have remained export route mean that, although it form part of the proposed Australian economically unviable as Queensland’s provides export opportunities for grain Inland Rail Expressway; a project of existing coal rail network, consisting of and livestock, the freight service is national significance that is intended to 5 coal rail systems, does not adequately generally of a low standard. Completion ultimately link Melbourne and Darwin via service the Surat Coal province. As such of the Surat Basin Rail Project will New South Wales and Queensland. This this Project will significantly enhance provide a new rail freight link that can provides opportunities to other potential the existing network and improve the utilise the Port of Gladstone, alleviating users, along the Eastern seaboard, opportunities for coal reserves in the capacity constraints on the Port of including mineral, agricultural produce Surat Basin to be utilised. Brisbane and Western Rail line, and and general freight customers to gain greatly enhance the export options for access to an economically competitive This rail link to the Port of Gladstone regional producers. freight service. also has significant advantages for the

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 4 Marlborough .! B ru ce H ighw Yeppoon ay .! Emu Park .! !.

Marlborough .! Blackwater B .! r C Mount Morgan uc apri .! e corn Highway H ighw Yeppoon Gladstone ay .! !. Emu Park .! Rockhampton !.

Blackwater .! Mount Morgan ay Cap .! w .! ricorn Highway gh Hi on Gladstone ws Da B !. r Banana u c e H ig h Bargara Monto w Bundaberg.! .! ay !. Theodore .! Gin Gin .!

ay Biloela w .! y gh a Burrum Heads Hi w .! n h y Childers o g a .! Torquay ws i w Da B H igh !. r t H Banana u d Eidsvold s c r .! i a e s

I hhH c Biggenden i ig .! Maryborough e h Bargara w .! !. Monto L Bundaberg Mundubbera .! Tarooay m !. .! Gayndah Theodore .! .! .! Gin Gin .!

y a Burrum Heads Tin.! Can Bay w .! .! h y Childers g a .! i w Torquay Rainbow Beach H igh !. ay Hig t Eidsvold H e B hwa d s id y r .! i a W Ws andoan Gympie I hh !. c Biggenden Murgon i .! Maryborough .! e !.

L Mundubbera .! Gayndah .! Pomona .! .! Wondai .! !.Noosa Heads Kingaroy Yandina .! .! hway Nambour Miles Tin.! Can Bay ig Nanango !. Maroochydore .! .! H .! !.Buderim nya .! Chinchilla Rainbow Beacu h Maleny .! B .! y Hig Caloundra e Ba hwa W .!Land!.sborough id y ar W re Da Wandoan Gymgpioe guilar Highway Murgon !. Hi gh .! w a .! Pomonya Caboolture Wondai .! !. !. Dalby Noosa.! Heads S Esk Redcliffe urat Kingaroy Crows Nes.!t !. De .! d Yandina .! Strathpine velop oa .! !. hway mental R Nambour Miles ig Nanango !. Maroochydore .! H .! !.Buderim Oakey Brisbane Chinchilla nya .! .! .! u Maleny .!Indooroopilly B .! Caloundra Toowoomba !. W .!Land!.sborough !Gatton ar !. . Ipswich Redland Bay re Da Laidley .! Location Map and Regional Coal Deposits go guila ay .! !. H r Highw ig Pittsworth y Beenleigh h y .! a w a !. a w w h Caboolture h y Hig nie !. ay Millmerran ig oo w .! H Dalby M gh Clifton .! e Hi Redcliffe .! am Sura Crows Nest Esk Gor !. h Boonah Beaudesert t D .! .! ng .! .! !. ev ad Strathpine !Allora unni elopmental Ro !. . C Nerang Oakey Brisbane Coolangatta .! .!Indooroopilly .! Marlborough Toowoomba Gatton !. .! Legend !. .! Ipswich Redland Bay B .!Laidley !. .! ru !. Major Cities Coal Deposits ce Pittsworth y Beenleigh y Bowen B.!asin a H a .! Rural Township !. i w w ghw igh h e H Callide Basin g a Yeppoon oni Existing Railway ay Millmerran i y .! Mo w .! H gh Ipswich Basin Clifton Study Aree Hia - March 2008 .! am Emu Park Gor h 0Boona2h5 Beaud50 esert 100 Maryborough Basin g .! .! !. .! Allora nnin .! Cu KilometNeranres g Rockhampton Surat / Clarence-Moreton Basin !. Coolangatta Mulgildie Basin .!

Blackwater Legend Tarong Basin .! Mount Morgan Data sources: Roads, railway, rivers etc - Copyright 2006, MapData Sciences PTY LTD, PSMA Ca !. .! Major Cities Coal Deposits pric y orn Highwa .! Rural Township Callide Basin Gladstone Existing Railway !. Ipswich Basin Study Area - March 2008 0 25 50 100 Maryborough Basin Kilometres Surat / Clarence-Moreton Basin

Mulgildie Basin

Tarong Basin

Datay sources: Roads, railwBiloelay, rivers etc - Coapyright 2006, MapData Sciences PTY LTD, PSMA w .! gh Hi on ws Da B r Banana u c e H ig h Bargara Monto w Bundaberg.! .! ay !. Theodore .! Gin Gin .!

y a Burrum Heads w .! h y Childers g a .! i w Torquay H gh !. t Hi d Eidsvold s r .! i a s

I hh c Biggenden i .! Maryborough e !.

L Mundubbera Taroom .! Gayndah .! .!

Tin Can Bay .! .! Rainbow Beach y Hig e Ba hwa id y Wandoan W Gympie Murgon !. .! .! Pomona Wondai .! !.Noosa Heads Kingaroy Yandina .! .! hway Nambour Miles ig Nanango !. Maroochydore .! H .! !.Buderim Chinchilla nya .! .! u Maleny B .! Caloundra W .!Land!.sborough ar re Da go guilar Highway Hi gh w a Caboolture y !. Dalby .! Redcliffe Sura Crows Nest Esk t D .! .! !. ev ad Strathpine elopmental Ro !. Oakey Brisbane .! .!Indooroopilly Toowoomba Gatton !. !. .! Ipswich Redland Bay .!Laidley !. .! Pittsworth y Beenleigh ay .! a !. w w h h Hig nie ay Millmerran ig oo w .! H M gh Clifton ! am ore Hi . h G g Boonah Beaudesert Allora in .! .! !. .! Cunn Nerang Coolangatta .!

Legend

!. Major Cities Coal Deposits

Bowen Basin .! Rural Township

Callide Basin PAGEExisting R5ailwa y This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. Ipswich Basin Study Area - March 2008 0 25 50 100 Maryborough Basin Kilometres Surat / Clarence-Moreton Basin

Mulgildie Basin

Tarong Basin

Data sources: Roads, railway, rivers etc - Copyright 2006, MapData Sciences PTY LTD, PSMA Assessment of Project Alternatives

Over the past 30 years, several rail The MCA technique is a standard Should future demand warrant, this alignments linking the Western Railway planning tool in which criteria are will have benefits for other sectors of System and the Moura Railway System identified, weighted and the performance the economy besides coal mining such have been investigated. Each has been of each option given a rating. Sensitivity as agricultural producers and general developed to varying levels of detail. testing of the weightings and ratings is freight. then carried out to determine the relative As part of the Proponent’s early performance of each option. To not proceed with the Project under engineering and environmental the “Do Nothing” option would detract assessments, the performance of these The results of the MCA process identified from these significant economic and historic alignments were evaluated using a preferred alignment as shown on social benefits the Project will deliver to environmental, social and economic Page 9. The overall length of the local and regional communities. parameters within the current Australian preferred alignment is similar to the and state legislative framework. previous alternative rail alignments; however with flatter grades and Most of the alignments were found to curves with larger radii providing lower contain significant constraints, including operational costs and reduced emissions large sections of tunnelling, dissection of compared to the alternative alignments. National Parks and sections through the proposed Nathan Dam inundation area. The preferred alignment also passes to the west of Wandoan town thereby Taking into account the unsuitability of allowing greater opportunity for future the previous alternative rail alignments, urban expansion. the ATEC/Maunsell alignment (prepared in 2005) was selected as a basis for the As a part of the proposed Project a “Do study area of the Surat Basin Railway. Nothing” option was also assessed. This study area predominantly contains To not proceed with the Project would ‘non-remnant’ vegetation, does not inhibit the development of in excess of cross major rivers and avoids the four billion tonnes of coal reserves within proposed Nathan Dam site. the Surat Basin. These reserves have the potential to maintain and enhance In determining the preferred alignment the economic and social conditions in within this study area, a total of 18 regional, state, and national contexts alignment options were considered and to ensure Australia’s continued from Wandoan to Cracow and a further contribution to the world energy sector. 15 alignment options were considered from Cracow to Banana. A multi- Additionally, the Project provides a criteria analysis (MCA) framework was substantial new export link that will used as the basis for assessing and reduce the capacity constraints currently evaluating these alignment options and experienced at the included consideration of engineering, whilst simultaneously making the Port environmental, social and economic of Gladstone accessible to regional criteria. producers.

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 6 Project Description

The proposed rail will consist of a single railway, should it become economically Complementing the original intent of the track with up to eight passing loops and viable. This step can be completed Project to provide transport for coal, the will accommodate trains of up to 2.5 km without requiring the footprint of the preferred alignment has been optimised in length – if future demand warrants. development to increase. for the future transport of general freight A number of structures are required to traffic also. The Project’s connection to support the rail line at road, stock and The Project has the capacity to transport the Port of Gladstone makes it suitable creek crossings. Cross drainage will be up to 42 million tonnes per annum for non-coal freight haulage that provided with over 50 culverts. (Mtpa) of coal. This will ultimately currently relies on the Western Rail Line require up to 24 train movements per and the Port of Brisbane. To accommodate the rail, the proposed day, 320-340 days a year. At first the corridor will be approximately 60 metres Project will provide a rail link from the In light of this potential dual use for the in width, with wider sections as required proposed Wandoan coal mine to the coal Project and as specified in the Terms for related earthworks, and will be loading facility at the Port of Gladstone. of Reference the proposed line can fenced along the entire length. Future demand for the Project is linked accommodate a number of operational to the completion of a number of other scenarios. These are: Operation of the rail line will developments in the area including • Narrow gauge coal railway; be supported by signalling and potential new mines in the Taroom • Narrow gauge coal/freight railway; or communication equipment that will area and the possibility that other coal require power supply. A maintenance mines in South East Queensland will • Dual gauge coal/freight railway. track will run adjacent to the rail line and choose to bypass the Port of Brisbane within the fenced boundary. in favour of the Port of Gladstone. Such Although at first the railway will run other future developments are proposed diesel hauled trains, provision has been independently of the Surat Basin Rail made for future electrification of the and will be required to satisfy separate assessment approvals processes.

PAGE 7 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. Project Assumptions

Key features • 210 km in length • Single track with up to eight passing loops • Designed for up to 42 Mtpa of coal • Support 22 – 24 train movements per day • Continuously welded rail • Rail corridor approximately 60 m wide with wider sections as required to accommodate earthworks

Trains • Diesel powered trains up to 2.5 km in length • Provision made for electrification in future

Construction • Total cost – in the vicinity of $1 billion • Expected construction timeframe approximately 30 to 36 months • Estimated 12 million m3 of bulk earthworks required

Operation Annual operational running and maintenance costs - $3 to $4 million

Labour requirements Required labour of 57,000 person weeks completed by up to 1000 workers

Significant structure Downfall Creek bridge will be approximately 415 m long, up to 50 m high and will take nearly two years to construct

Other structures Over 40 rail bridges, eight road bridges and over 50 major culverts

Max design speed • 100 km / hr (freight) • 80 km / hr (coal)

Max vertical grade 1 in 100 and 1 in 200 for passing loops

Flood immunity 100 year Average Recurrence Interval flood immunity where feasible

Crossings • All Stock Route crossings grade separated • At-grade public and occupation crossings as per Queensland Department of Main Roads guidelines

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 8 !! !! Alberta !! Orange Creek Dakenba

d a Biloela Ro

l .! a Prospect t n !! ! e ! m p lo e v e D y Banana o r !! z t ! i ! F Oombabeer !! ay hw ig H n !! so !! Moura Warnoah Daw Cania !! !! Roundstone !! Tarramba !! B u rn e Kianga tt !! H ig Study Area and Preferred Alignment hw a Castle Creek Coominglah y Rhydding !! !! !! !! !! T ! h Alberta Orange Creek !Dakenba e !! o d o r d e a B Biloela a r Ro a l l .! a a Prospect ba t Valentine Plains R n ! ! ! o e ! a m d p lo e v e Lonesome Creek D !! y Banana o r !! Thangool z t ! i ! F Oombabeer Theodore !! Coorada .! ay !! Glenmoral hw !! ig H Lawgi Dawes Rawbelle ! !! n!! ! wso Moura Camboon Warnoah Da Cania ! !! !! ! Roundstone !! Tarramba !! B u Ghinghinda rn !! e Isla Kianga tt !! !! H ig hw !! a Castle Creek Harrami Coominglah y Rhydding !! !! !! !! y T h a e o w d o h r e g B i a Cracow ra ! la H ! ba R Eidsvold o Theo a rdt dore R d oad a h Lonesome Creek Gwambegwine h !! !! c Glenhaughton i F ! i e ! tzr Theodore o L y D .! e Eidsvold West ve Coorada lo ! p ! !! m Glenmoral e ! n ! t a l RaR wbelle o

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! d Camboon !! Broadmere !! Spring Creek !! Ghinghinda !! Isla !! Cheltenham !! !! .!Taroom

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o a Peek-A-Doo d !! Grosmont Auburn Broadmere !! !! !! Spring Creek !!

Cheltenham !! Taroom Cadarga .! Kragra !! Wandoan !! oad !! n R Clifford oa ! nd ! Wa n Cockatoo o ks ! c ! a Sujeewong J !! Hornet Bank Hawkwood !! !! Guluguba !!

Peek-A-Doo !! Grosmont Auburn !! Coal! !/ Freight Alignment Study Area - March 2008

0 10 20 40 Cadarga !! KmKragra !! Wandoan !! oad !! n R Clifford oa ! nd ! Wa n o ks c a J

Guluguba !! PAGE 9 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS.

Coal / Freight Alignment Study Area - March 2008

0 10 20 40 !! Km Construction

Construction work on the Project is Work on the first section of the rail is facilitate the movement of construction scheduled to start in 2009 and is likely scheduled to start at the end of 2009. To and maintenance vehicles thereby to take approximately three years maximise efficiency during construction, reducing the need to use public roads. to complete, subject to obtaining all earthworks, drainage works, structures Commissioning of the rail line will occur necessary approvals. Early construction and pavement construction have been progressively across the entire Project works will concentrate on establishing assumed to commence in at least four as a single activity. Operation of the rail site access, workforce accommodation sections simultaneously (see table line is at this stage targeted for 2012. and offices as well as providing below). Once operational, the Proponent will the necessary water, power and Construction of the rail line will require maintain responsibility for ensuring waste infrastructure to support the bulk earthworks and significant volumes the corridor is managed appropriately construction site over the length of the of suitable construction material and the appointed Rail Manager will Project. for use in the railway embankment. be responsible for safety. General A workforce of approximately 1000 Ballast will be primarily sourced from maintenance will include clearing, people will be required for construction cuttings proposed around Cracow and drainage, repairing fencing, assisting in with demand for the number and skill- supplemented, where necessary, with track and bridge inspection, maintaining sets of construction workers fluctuating material sourced from existing quarries earthworks, vegetation control and in response to varying stages of established in the immediate Project weed management. construction. area. The line has a minimum design life of Accommodation will be required for Supplies and materials will be brought to 50 years. When decommissioning the construction workforce and for the the construction sites via the Leichhardt occurs, detailed strategies will be purpose of the EIS it has been assumed Highway and Warrego Highway (east of developed to ensure it occurs in that three temporary construction Miles) from Rockhampton, Gladstone accordance with standards applicable camps, each with the potential to and Brisbane and will likely use at the time. It is anticipated these house approximately 450 construction local routes such as Cracow Road, standards will be no less stringent that workers, will be provided to meet Eidsvold-Theodore Road, Defence Road current standards. Resource recovery the housing needs. These temporary and Nathan Road. Some materials, and leaving the site in a permanently accommodation facilities are expected specifically the track, will arrive on site safe condition will be central goals of to be located close to the major work via rail. The construction of a permanent decommissioning of the rail. fronts. access track within the corridor will Due to the distances that would be required to travel from the local towns, it Work Section Description has been assessed that it is not feasible 0-18 km Wandoan to a point north of Wandoan to integrate the construction workforce with the existing urban communities. 18-75 km North of Wandoan to a point south of the Auburn Range at Employment opportunities exist about the location of the Taroom spur junction throughout the construction period for professional, skilled and semi-skilled 75-120 km Auburn Range crossing section labour. 120-210 km North of Auburn Range to the existing QR Moura Line near Banana

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 10 Principal Environmental Impacts and Management Strategies

Climate and Natural Disasters of the Project, and relatively flat across Although some loss of GQAL can be the Dawson River floodplain north of expected from the Project, steps to Like all infrastructure projects planned Cracow. minimise this have been recommended with a long life span, the Project is as part of the findings of the EIS. exposed to the hazards associated with The disturbance and exposure of extreme climatic events including floods, soils, particularly those vulnerable to Potential land contamination appears storms, bushfire and drought. Specific erosion and structural degradation has to be limited with only eight properties controls within the EIS will manage the the potential to become a significant along the alignment listed on the environmental and economic risks of adverse impact of the Project. Unless Environmental Protection Agency’s climate and natural disasters during the appropriately managed, ground Environmental Management Register. construction phase. disturbance along the length of the Further work will be undertaken to Project has the potential to cause determine the extent of contamination Strategies are in place to respond to erosion of good quality agricultural soil on these sites, though it is commonly potential longer-term climate change and fertile topsoil material. Soils of livestock dip or spray race facilities that patterns and the risks to infrastructure particular concern will be those on steep trigger the listing. These activities are durability, safety, longevity and slopes and/or exposed through deep typically confined to relatively small maintenance. Climate change cutting activities. areas on large rural lots. strategies could include: • The selection of materials based Where possible, route selection has All potentially contaminated land will be on the life expectancy of the focused on avoiding erosion prone appropriately managed in accordance infrastructure and maintenance areas, good quality agricultural land with the EPA Draft Guidelines for the regime; and minimising the disturbance of Assessment and Management of • Definition of design standards of creeks and surface drainage lines. Contaminated Land in Queensland. particular components allowing Specific ground improvement measures to control settlement and ground The process typically requires site for expected extreme events and management plans and/or remedial accelerated degradation; instability will be developed as part of the ongoing design process and will action plans. Such plans contain soil • Maintenance regimes to rely on further detailed geotechnical management measures for known accommodate accelerated investigations. The residual impacts will contaminated sites and mitigation degradation of materials and be managed through the implementation strategies to limit the potential for structures; and of the construction Environmental contamination from construction • New technologies allowing improved Management Plan (EMP). This includes activities. standards of performance under soil and water management provisions, It will be necessary for the Proponent extreme climatic conditions. erosion and sediment control measures to acquire land in order to construct the Land and topsoil management. rail line. With this land acquisition, there is a possibility for a decline in value of The proposed rail corridor can be Agriculture remains a fundamental properties intersected by the rail line, broadly characterised into three major land use in the study area and a change to access of some areas topographical settings; gently undulating the maintenance of Good Quality and a potential for loss of community in the south, steep sandstone ridges and Agricultural Land as defined by the cohesion. incised gullies across the western fringe State Planning Policy 1/92 is a specific of the Auburn Range through the centre consideration for the EIS.

PAGE 11 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. Principal Environmental Impacts and Management Strategies Having identified these issues, exotic grasses and pasture species. A number of significant fauna commitments have been made to Route selection has focused on avoiding species, listed for protection under work with local communities and areas of environmental significance Commonwealth and Queensland laws, landholders to address potential issues, wherever possible with the preferred have been confirmed in the study area ensure appropriate design measures alignment successfully avoiding direct or are considered likely to occur along are implemented to reduce potential impacts on Precipice and Isla Gorge the route. Key habitat areas are located fragmentation and the diminution of National Parks, Oxtrack Nature Refuge at the Nathan Gorge Range and Castle existing property values, and undertake and areas of Boggomoss that provide Creek wetland with other listed species appropriate property resumptions. specialised wetland habitat. likely to use isolated remnants of mixed These activities will take place during eucalypt woodland and Brigalow scrub. the planning and construction phases of The current preferred alignment the project. will result in the estimated loss of Where impacts cannot be avoided, a around 120 ha of remnant vegetation, range of management measures can be Commensurate with land use predominantly along creek lines near implemented and include: considerations are Native Title issues. the western fringe of the Auburn Range • Minimising clearing in all situations, The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) provides crossing south of Cracow. This equates but particularly when working in for determinations of native title in to approximately 9% of the total land endangered communities, significant Australia and acknowledges that area (1,411ha) to be disturbed by the species’ habitats or communities Australian common law can recognise construction footprint. that are vulnerable to disturbance; the rights and interests over land and • Design of structures and water possessed by some Indigenous Vegetation to be cleared consists of environmental controls with people in Australia under traditional laws approximately 8 ha of Endangered consideration of fauna-sensitive and customs. This Act established the Regional Ecosystem (RE), 14 ha of design; and National Native Title Tribunal to govern Of Concern RE and 100 ha of Not of how native title is dealt with across Concern RE. Specifically, just over • Rapid rehabilitation of impacted Australia. Three separate native title 1 ha of Brigalow and around 5 ha of communities to minimise opportunity claims occur along the alignment. Semi-evergreen vine thicket, both listed for the establishment and spread of as Endangered Ecological Communities weeds. Under section 24KA of the Native Title under the Commonwealth EPBC Act, are Act projects providing essential services likely to be directly affected. Additional Any clearing of vegetation for the and infrastructure can be carried out clearing is required for the Nathan Gorge purpose of the Project will be conducted without affecting native title rights and Road realignment affecting a further under the necessary approvals and in interests over the land. To ensure that 2 ha of Semi-evergreen vine thicket and accordance with the requirements of matters related to cultural heritage 15 ha of Not of Concern RE. Commonwealth and State legislation. in these native title claims are not adversely affected Cultural Heritage Five threatened flora species have the Surface and Groundwater surveys and negotiated management potential to be directly and indirectly Resources affected by the Project through clearing plans are being completed. The Project is located in the Dawson and ground disturbance activities. River sub-catchment of the Fitzroy River These include two Commonwealth Nature Conservation drainage basin and intersects several listed species Cadellia pentastylis and small creeks and drainage lines that The majority of the proposed corridor Dichanthium queenslandicum, plus three are tributaries of the Dawson River. has been previously cleared for State listed species Acacia calantha, Preliminary design indicates over 40 agriculture and is now dominated by Homopholis belsonii and Livistona nitida.

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 12 bridges and over 50 major culverts will Water is recognised as a scarce to utilise existing allocated or unallocated be constructed or improved along the resource and its effective management water resources in the study area. corridor. This work has the potential to is important to local communities and increase the flooding height within the the Project’s success. Air Quality catchment. The total estimated demand for the Technical studies have examined The acceptability of any increase in peak construction of the Surat Basin Rail is potential impacts to air quality. These water levels and potential changes to in the order of 6,250 – 9,600ML. It studies included the cumulative impact peak channel velocities will be developed has been determined that groundwater of diesel locomotives, coal dust lift- in consultation with DNRW. from the Great Artesian Basin has the off from coal wagons and the existing The potential impacts on water quality potential to be a significant resource for background concentrations of pollutants at the crossing points and downstream the construction of the Project in order to associated with air pollution from these environments will be managed in supply the regular water points along the activities. accordance with industry accepted Soil 210 km construction corridor. and Erosion Sediment Control Guidelines Dispersion modelling results show which will include: Water options also exist for coal seam that nitrogen dioxide levels, particulate matter, as PM and total suspended • Measures to minimise changes to gas water or sub-artesian supply in 10 particles will not exceed the National channel morphology resulting in addition to surface water from the Environmental Protection Measures changes to flood levels and scour Dawson River. As discussed with the (Air) or Environmental Protection Policy and erosion of waterway channels; DNRW, a more detailed description of the existing groundwater environment, (Air) standards outside the corridor. • Measures to minimise the release of potential impacts of the Project on Based on these studies, the impacts on sediment into waterways; and the groundwater environment and air quality are considered manageable • Measures to minimise contamination proposed management/mitigation/ through accepted practices. of surface and groundwater monitoring options and requirements will A common concern with the transport resources. be provided as part of the application of coal is the potential for coal dust process for water licenses and permits

PAGE 13 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. dispersion during transportation of Noise management strategies will be reduce, reuse or recycle waste materials open wagons. Findings suggest that implemented with appropriate controls generated. Implementing the waste the impacts from dust deposition will to minimise the potential impact on management strategy recommended in be contained within the rail corridor as local residents including continued the EIS will help ensure an efficient use dust deposition rates are not predicted stakeholder consultation and a noise and of resources, limit the release of waste to exceed the EPA guidelines beyond the vibration management plan as part of into the environment, and provide for the corridor. the construction EMP. This management safe handling, transport and disposal of plan will ensure: waste materials. To ensure minimal impact the control of • Construction hours minimise adverse coal dust emissions will require ongoing The treatment of specific waste streams impacts on sensitive receivers; consultation between the rail operator will be managed through a Waste and mining customers accompanied • Noise criteria recommended by the Management Plan, which will include: EPA (ranging from 45 to 60 dB(A) for by the implementation of appropriate • A hierarchy that prioritises waste different buildings and time of day) management strategies of coal dust avoidance, reuse or recycling are achieved; and during rail operation. over transport of waste to landfill • Implementation of specific Blast operations for disposal; The Project’s estimated contribution to Management Plans to ensure • Key construction waste streams, greenhouse gas emissions is in the order potential vibration impacts are temporary storage, treatment, of 160,000 tonnes equivalent carbon managed during blasting. transport and disposal; and dioxide (eCO2) from construction and a nominal annual contribution around Operation of the rail line will introduce a • Waste management responsibilities

155,000 eCO2 from operation of the rail new noise element into the landscape. of personnel. line. Queensland’s total emissions in Preliminary noise modelling results show 2006 was estimated to be 170,900,000 this is not expected to exceed statutory Transport tonnes. Consequently, this Project would limits (assuming the alignment and rail The preferred alignment requires contribute an additional 0.09% per operation occur as described in this EIS). a total of 140 transport crossings annum to 2006 State-wide emissions. Noise management strategies have been including three state-controlled road Ongoing consideration of fuel efficiency identified and include: crossings (Eidsvold-Theodore Road, the through the design process will ensure, • Limit horn use; Leichhardt Highway and the Jackson- as far as practicable, the Project • Installation and maintenance of Wandoan Road at Wandoan), council continues to moderate greenhouse gas typical silencing equipment; and road crossings and private occupation emissions. crossings. Minor public road crossings • A complaints resolution procedure and private road crossings will be at rail that implements an investigation and Noise and Vibration level. response on a case by case basis. Construction activities will be audible Other public road crossings and Stock Waste to the community living and working Route crossings, as declared under near the Project. Fifty-five sensitive The construction of the Project will regulation, and private stock crossing receivers were identified within 2 km of generate waste including organics will be under or over the railway, where the preferred alignment and temporary (mulch), artificial solids (steel, cement, practicable. The location of occupation disturbance may be experienced by concrete), hydrocarbons (oil, fuels, crossings within private properties is these residents during the construction lubricants), municipal solid waste and subject to on-going consultation with phase of the Project. waste water. Opportunities exist to landowners.

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 14 Throughout the construction phase negligible and the small number of be adversely impacted by the Project. there will be changes to road use and inspection and service vehicles required Nonetheless, should there be places of conditions altering the current traffic for maintenance will mostly be confined as yet unidentified heritage significance patterns. Local road users are likely to to the access track located within the identified during the construction or notice: rail corridor. operation phases of the Project, there • Increase in haulage vehicles are provisions to ensure these places transporting materials and other Indigenous Cultural Heritage are assessed and where appropriate conserved. equipment via the regional highways The study area for the Project has a and local road network; shared history of use by both Aboriginal Social Environment • Temporary road closures; and Settler societies and as such a • Discernible impacts on road high potential for the existence of The Project is of a magnitude that it has durability; and cultural heritage places, objects, and the potential to result in significant social • Temporary changes to access values. So as these values can be impacts on local communities in the host for some land holders to their appropriately identified and managed, region. So as to build an understanding properties. separate cultural heritage surveys were and appreciation of this region, extensive undertaken. community engagement and desktop More permanent changes will include: research has been undertaken. This Native Title Claimants to the area were • New traffic crossings at rail lines; research informed the completion of consulted and participated in cultural social analysis and identification of • Some permanent road heritage surveys of the preferred potential positive and negative social reconfigurations; and alignment. impacts including impacts on directly • A reduction in traffic following the affected landowners, broader population completion of the Project leading to To protect the heritage values and places identified as part of these surveys the impacts and housing and social a decrease in heavy vehicle traffic in infrastructure impacts. the area. Proponent is committed to negotiating Cultural Heritage Management Plans During the construction phase of the Engagement with potentially affected (CHMP) that will protect archaeological Project these potential changes to communities enabled the identification and cultural sites of value and ensure traffic will be managed via Traffic of key values held by residents in the that Aboriginal Cultural Heritage values Management Plans aimed at reducing region. This process has informed key are appropriately recognised and traffic congestion, providing safe road decisions and connected the Project conserved where possible. conditions, and ensuring a safe work team to the local community and site. landowners. The rural nature of the Non-Indigenous Cultural study area has clearly emerged with Where possible, advantage will be Heritage residents placing value on being able to taken of opportunities to transport Searches of federal, state, and own and manage agricultural operations materials and equipment by rail and local registers were combined with and live in close knit rural communities. via the dedicated access track within consultation with local historical Primary concerns raised with respect to the corridor as an alternative to road associations and some site work to the Project included changes to access haulage. identify places of non-indigenous points and associated safety issues, disruption to property management and Once the Project is operational, the heritage values. operation and uncertainty over how the impact on road traffic as a result There were no places of heritage value region will be affected by the movement of project-related transport will be identified that have the potential to of a large workforce into the region.

PAGE 15 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. Impacts on directly affected landowners Queensland. The economic impacts The Project will significantly increased will primarily be addressed through of the Project have been analysed both economic activity and employment fair and equitable property acquisition from a regional perspective and in terms opportunities in the host region. and compensation processes, which of the broader economic returns which will be complemented by ongoing flow on from construction. The influx of wealth and the creation of consultation and implementation of employment opportunities in the region a complaints register and response By enabling access of the Surat Basin will on balance lead to beneficial regional procedure. The Project will cause coal resources, the Project will generate impacts such as the generation of an increase in the population of the considerable economic returns which regional employment opportunities and region, both temporarily, in the form of will make a significant contribution to the establishment of new businesses the construction workforce, and in the the sustained health of the Queensland and services. longer term as a result of the catalytic economy. Hazard and Risk nature of the Project, with people It is recognised that the coal industry, moving to the region to take advantage the Surat Basin region and the state of Due to the nature of the Project there are of emerging economic opportunities. Queensland will be the primary economic a variety of hazards and risks that are inherently a part of both the Construction Population impacts may be managed beneficiaries of the Project. For and Operation phases. Such risks through measures such as the example, the include: enforcement of behaviour protocols will receive an estimated $300 million throughout the construction period. in royalties per year as a result of an • Fire; More permanent population increases additional 42 Mtpa being exported out • Structural collapse; of Gladstone. The economic flow-on will create demand for housing and • Acts of sabotage; social infrastructure. effects of employment and population generation, increased spending and • Electrocution; The most effective means by which the wealth creation resulting from this • Bomb or arson threat; Project can contribute to alleviating any large direct injection of funds into the • Level crossing emergency potential regional housing issues is to Queensland Treasury is recognised as an • Derailment; and supply the best possible information and overwhelming positive economic impact analysis to the public and private entities of state and national significance. • Track obstructions. driving local and regional planning and Aware of these issues, the Proponents Whilst it is anticipated that a majority development. has developed a number of measures of positive economic impacts flowing aimed at mitigating theses risks. These The Proponent is committed to working from the Project are at the state wide measures include: in partnership with the public and and national level, there are also many other proponents in order to allow the regional and local economic impacts • Development and implementation of necessary planning to occur so that which flow from a project of this size emergency procedures for handling optimum housing solutions may be which has an estimated construction and transportation of hazardous realised. cost in the order of $1 billion. These goods; potential economic impacts include: • On-going risk assessment based on Economic Environment • Directly affected landowners and changing environment; • Engineering of fire breaks along the The strategic value of the Project makes property management; alignment to reduce the movement of it one of the most economically valuable • Materials and labour; and any bushfires; projects presently being advanced in • Population and housing.

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 16 • Provision of suitable security The Wandoan Coal Project and with government and other infrastructure measures for site property and Moura Railway System Upgrade providers to consider the feasibility of vehicles; are of particular interest in terms of co-location with other utilities. • Provision of suitable access points cumulative impacts because of their For cumulative impacts to be adequately along the alignment for emergency interdependence with the Project and evaluated they must be considered and vehicle access; proximity of potential impacts in time and location. addressed as individual projects as • Regular maintenance inspections of well as managed on a regional scale by the track; and The majority of cumulative impacts the relevant authorities responsible for • Erection of fences to minimise between the Surat Basin Rail Project approving, monitoring and overseeing access to the alignment by animals and Wandoan Coal Project are likely impacts on the region. to reduce rail accidents. to be concentrated where the projects meet geographically near Wandoan. Overall, the effective management Cumulative Impacts Environmental values such as water, of cumulative impacts requires a cooperative approach between The Project will be a key factor flora and fauna, noise and the socio- different industries and different levels contributing to the development of the economic environment of Wandoan are of government. The Proponent has a Surat Basin area as a large-scale energy likely to be impacted by both projects responsibility to cooperate with different and industrial province. The development but at a scale that can be adequately levels of government and relevant of this area and the necessary related addressed through ongoing consultation authorities to assist in the identification infrastructure, including links to essential between proponents, stakeholders and and management of cumulative impacts. port export facilities at Gladstone, approval agencies. has the potential for significant The Project has considered the increase environmental impacts throughout Environmental Management in rail traffic volumes downstream of the . The EMP (Planning) was developed to Surat Basin Rail and the potential impact provide advice on the environmental Considering cumulative impacts on the capacity of the Moura Railway measures to be considered and included recognises that various impacts can System. At an operational level, initial during the design, construction and combine and interact to cause an train modelling shows that the system operation of the Project. aggregate effect that may be different in can integrate and manage the predicted nature or extent to the individual impact. increase in volume with the planned The EMP(P) is based on information The EIS has considered: infrastructure upgrades outlined in QR’s about the existing environment, potential • Interaction between the individual Coal Rail Infrastructure Plan. impacts and proposed mitigation measures from each of the EIS chapters. impacts of the Surat Basin Rail At a strategic level, negotiations are Project on the receiving ecosystems, underway for the Proponent to enter into resources and communities; and a commercial agreement with QR Ltd • Environmental impacts caused by with regard to the potential upgrade of the Project in combination with other the Moura Railway System to cater for proposed development in the area proposed future rail volumes. including the Wandoan Coal Project, the Moura Railway System Upgrade Co-location opportunities of other and other gas, water and power proposed linear infrastructure parallel infrastructure projects within the to the Project corridor have also been Central Queensland Region. explored and the Proponent has worked

PAGE 17 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. Surat Basin Rail Pty Ltd Commitments

Topography and Landform ensuring, where practicable, 13. Flora and Fauna Management Plans continued operation of the will be developed and implemented 1. Landform will be re-contoured to local rural industry. Extended to manage potential harm. provide batters that are stable. disruptions will be advised in 14. Clearing of remnant vegetation 2. Works associated with the advance and mitigating measures will be restricted to allow safe disturbance of creeks, surface taken where appropriate. construction, operation and drainage lines and wetland areas 7. Disruption to essential services maintenance of the Project. will be designed and managed to during construction will be reduce the potential for erosion and managed. 15. An Environmental Offset Strategy instability. will be developed and implemented 8. Land owners will be consulted in consultation with relevant Geology and Soil Erosion in determining the most suitable stakeholders in accordance with fencing standard and fencing the Vegetation Management Act 3. Bulk earthworks related maintenance protocol. 1999. construction activities will be planned where practicable to occur during dry periods to minimise the Contaminated Land Surface Water risk of erosion. Where required, 9. Existing contamination will be 16. Water quality will be managed in erosion control measures will be managed in accordance with the accordance with Soil Erosion and implemented. Environmental Protection Agency’s Sediment Control Engineering most recent guidelines and Guidelines for Queensland 4. Effective erosion and sediment standards. Construction Sites – June 1996, control measures will be developed endorsed by the Queensland and implemented in accordance 10. Potential contamination to air, land Division of the Institution of with the Soil Erosion and Sediment and water during construction and Engineers Australia. Control Engineering Guidelines operation will be managed and for Queensland Construction reported in accordance with the 17. Risk of spills and pollution arising Sites – June 1996, endorsed by Environmental Protection Agency’s from the transport and storage of the Queensland Division of the requirements. fuels and chemicals and vehicle / Institution of Engineers Australia. plant refuelling will be managed 11. Any new significant environmental though the EMP. Appropriate 5. A Vegetation Management Plan impacts will be reported to relevant practices for the storage, transport and schedule will be prepared government stakeholders to and use will be developed for all and implemented progressively ensure environmental impacts fuel and chemical contaminants. throughout construction in order are appropriately assessed and to stabilise, where practicable, managed. 18. Waterways will not be disturbed exposed erosion prone soils and for construction activities unless subsoils. Nature Conservation approval has been granted by appropriate authorities. Land Use and Infrastructure 12. Consideration will be given to fauna-sensitive design to manage 19. The Project will result in acceptable 6. Functionality of affected farm potential fauna impacts associated increases in flood height and operations will be maintained with the Project. velocities with flooding impacts of

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 18 the Project contained to acceptable 26. Blasting will be undertaken in to identify appropriate routes, levels. accordance with the Environmental alternative access arrangements Protection Regulation (Part 2a s6I and delivery times to manage 20. Sustainable use of surface water relating to noise and vibration from interference and safety hazards to will be sought through consultation blasting) to manage the safety of road users. with relevant government agencies workers and the community. Pre and members of the community. and post blasting surveys will be 31. Road access will be monitored carried out on critical properties during construction to manage Ground Water to monitor evidence of structural potential interruptions to the community. 21. Sustainable use of groundwater damage where appropriate. will be sought through consultation 27. Noise and vibration will be 32. Local authorities will be consulted with relevant government agencies managed during operation through regarding the standard of road and members of the community. the provision of appropriate design condition that is to be maintained measures, implementation of by the Proponent. Air Quality operational techniques to meet 33. Adequate grade separation and 22. Dust and other air emissions during environmental requirements and by level crossings will be provided and construction will be managed promptly responding to community designed to industry standards to in accordance with relevant complaints about noise issues, with manage potential interruptions. environmental standards and each issue addressed on a case by legislative requirements and in case basis. Indigenous Cultural Heritage accordance with the EMP. Waste 34. Cultural Heritage Management 23. Coal dust will be managed in Plans will be developed in accordance with environmental 28. Consultation will be held with consultation with native title requirements. Resource local authorities to determine claimants to identify and protect companies and rail operators that an appropriate waste disposal indigenous cultural heritage values use the line will be consulted on the strategy. where practicable. management of coal dust emissions 29. A Waste Management Plan will during operation as required. be developed in accordance with Non-Indigenous Cultural Heritage 24. Greenhouse gas emissions relevant legislation and the Waste resulting from railway operations Management Hierarchy: avoid, 35. Chance finding procedures will be will be managed in accordance with reuse, recycle, recover energy and implemented as part of the EMP industry standards and legislative dispose. to ensure that non-indigenous requirements. heritage sites are identified and Transport protected where practicable. Noise and Vibration 30. A Traffic Management Plan will Social Environment 25. Construction noise and vibration be developed for the construction will be managed in accordance with phase of the Project in consultation 36. Local authorities will be consulted relevant environmental standards with potentially impacted to determine desirable community- and in accordance with the EMP. stakeholders, including Department based initiatives. of Main Roads and local authorities,

PAGE 19 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. 37. Equal Employment Opportunity 40. Contractors building, operating 43. A Project Emergency Response practices will be embraced to and maintaining the Project Team will be established for events encourage local residents and will be directed to consider the outlined in the risk assessment local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Queensland Government’s Building for the construction and operation Islander people to be presented and Construction Contracts – phase. with the employment opportunities Structured Training Policy providing that arise during construction and structured training for apprentices, 44. Procedures and training will be operation of the Project. trainees and cadets looking for implemented to comply with all work within the building and legislation and codes relating to 38. The ongoing community construction industry. the correct storage, handling, engagement program will continue transportation and emergency to be developed and implemented Hazard and Risk response for dangerous goods and to ensure community awareness hazardous substances. and participation in the Projects 41. Safety Management Plans will be progression and completion. developed to include a detailed 45. An auditing schedule for all Project specific construction and management plans will be Economic Environment operational risk assessment in developed and implemented. This accordance with AS/NZS Risk will include a quality assessment 39. Contractors building, operating Management Standard 4360:1999. within the accreditation regime and maintaining the Project will be applicable to each company directed to consider the Queensland 42. Key stakeholders will be involved in the building, operating Government’s Local Industry Policy consulted to develop and and maintenance of the Project. providing opportunities for local implement appropriate Emergency business and industries. Preparedness and Response Plans and Procedures for identified risks.

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 20 Community Engagement

Since Project inception, community engagement has formed an integral part of the Surat Basin Rail, helping inform key decisions and connecting the Project team to the local community and landowners. The community engagement approach is driven by a strong commitment to create community awareness and understanding of the Project and effectively engage affected landowners.

Throughout these activities, landowners and members of the community identified a number of key concerns important to them. The chart below illustrates a summary of the top ten issues discussed throughout the Project. In some instances these relate directly to technical issues addressed in the EIS, such as access, business operations Top ten issues (July 2007 - September 2008) and noise. 45 Many of the concerns stem from uncertainty and future compensation. 40 These are common in the early stages of infrastructure projects whilst design 35 work continues to shape the preferred 30 alignment and where there is a potential impact on their financial position and 25 the requirement for a fair and equitable 20 process. 15 Community engagement to 10 continue Percentage of stakeholders engaged The Proponent is committed to ongoing 5 engagement with the local community 0 and key stakeholders, and values value plans Noise Safety Future Access the relationship built to date. Active process Previous Property impacts/ Business alignment operations Uncertainty engagement will continue to be a key Resumption feature of this Project into the future. Compensation Issue/concerns raised

PAGE 21 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. Making a submission

During the public display of the EIS, the public and Government Agencies are encouraged to review all documents and are invited to make a submission. It is important to note that submissions must be in writing and must be received by the EIS Project Manager – Surat Basin Rail by the closing date of the public display period.

All submissions need to be sent to:

EIS Project Manager – Surat Basin Rail Significant Projects Coordination

Department of Infrastructure and This EIS Summary has touched on the The full EIS is also available, either: Planning key potential impacts of the construction • Via the website at and operation of the Project, as PO Box 15009 www.suratbasinrail.com.au; concluded in the EIS. City East QLD 4002 • By phoning 1800 112 143; or Reference has been made to the • By attending one of the displays Tel +61 7 3224 2171 measures proposed to reduce potential set up at various locations within Fax +61 7 3225 8282 impacts and to the commitments made the region during the public display by the Proponent to ensure compliance [email protected] period. with the general environmental duty The Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture of care. However, the Proponent Complementing the public display Partners welcome all submissions from encourages a review of the full set of EIS of the EIS, there will be a series of interested stakeholders. documents and welcomes constructive community engagement activities to comment. promote awareness and discussion of For more information on how to the findings. make a submission, please contact Public and agency feedback the Department of Infrastructure and These activities will be advertised in encouraged Planning as detailed above. local, state and national newspapers, A CD containing the full set of on the website, and in writing to documents, comprising this EIS landowners within the Project’s study Summary, Main Text, Appendices area. and Map Folio is provided with this document.

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 22 This page has been intentionally left blank.

PAGE 23 This document has been prepared to compliment the Surat Basin Rail Project EIS. The EIS CD

To read this EIS on your computer you will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.0 or later.

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.0 has been supplied on this CD.

This PDF supports the Adobe Read Out Loud feature.

This document is not the EIS. PAGE 24 For more information about the Surat Basin Rail project phone 1800 112 143 or visit www.suratbasinrail.com.au