Published Friday, 16 February, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
FINAL DAYS FOR COMMUNITY COMMENT ON TRAVESTON TERMS OF REFERENCE
16 February 2007
Community feedback on the draft Terms of Reference that will govern studies into the environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam close on Monday.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh today reminded the community that the deadline for submissions was only a few days away.
“I urge members of the community with an interest in the project to have their say on what they believe should be covered by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will be prepared on Stage 1 of the dam,” Ms Bligh said.
“The dam is a critical part of the Queensland Government’s long-term strategy to secure the water supplies of Australia’s fastest growing region,” she said.
“I know there are strong feelings within certain parts of the community about the dam. The EIS process gives the community the chance to help shape what issues are covered as part of the studies that are carried out into the dam.
“To date in excess of 100 submissions on the draft Terms of Reference have been received from government agencies, local councils, community groups and individuals.
“However like with any deadline, I expect a rush of submissions in the coming days as individuals and groups finalise their input.”
Submissions on the draft Terms of Reference for the EIS close at 5pm on Monday February 19. Submissions postmarked with this date will be accepted.
The submissions will be assessed by the Office of the Coordinator-General and issues raised considered in the drafting of the Final Terms of Reference.
The final Terms of Reference are expected to be released by the Coordinator-General in late March/early April.
Ms Bligh said Queensland Water Infrastructure – the company delivering the dam – would oversee the preparation of the EIS in accordance with the final Terms of Reference.
”The EIS will cover a broad range of technical areas, including flora and fauna issues, water and air quality, dam design and associated infrastructure, and economic and social issues.,” she said.
“I would like to stress that the public will have further opportunities to comment on the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam as part of the EIS process.
“Further information days will be held over the coming months to keep the community updated on the progress of the EIS and how they can provide further input.
“It is anticipated that the EIS will be released for public comment in October.”
Ms Bligh said about 300 community members attended information days about the EIS process at Amamoor and Maryborough between December and January.
“About 320 copies of the draft Terms of Reference were distributed at these events, which is evidence of the strong community interest in this important project.”
For more information on the draft Terms of Reference go to http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/major_projects/traveston.shtm
Media contact: Steve Keating 3224 4379
Community feedback on the draft Terms of Reference that will govern studies into the environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam close on Monday.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh today reminded the community that the deadline for submissions was only a few days away.
“I urge members of the community with an interest in the project to have their say on what they believe should be covered by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will be prepared on Stage 1 of the dam,” Ms Bligh said.
“The dam is a critical part of the Queensland Government’s long-term strategy to secure the water supplies of Australia’s fastest growing region,” she said.
“I know there are strong feelings within certain parts of the community about the dam. The EIS process gives the community the chance to help shape what issues are covered as part of the studies that are carried out into the dam.
“To date in excess of 100 submissions on the draft Terms of Reference have been received from government agencies, local councils, community groups and individuals.
“However like with any deadline, I expect a rush of submissions in the coming days as individuals and groups finalise their input.”
Submissions on the draft Terms of Reference for the EIS close at 5pm on Monday February 19. Submissions postmarked with this date will be accepted.
The submissions will be assessed by the Office of the Coordinator-General and issues raised considered in the drafting of the Final Terms of Reference.
The final Terms of Reference are expected to be released by the Coordinator-General in late March/early April.
Ms Bligh said Queensland Water Infrastructure – the company delivering the dam – would oversee the preparation of the EIS in accordance with the final Terms of Reference.
”The EIS will cover a broad range of technical areas, including flora and fauna issues, water and air quality, dam design and associated infrastructure, and economic and social issues.,” she said.
“I would like to stress that the public will have further opportunities to comment on the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam as part of the EIS process.
“Further information days will be held over the coming months to keep the community updated on the progress of the EIS and how they can provide further input.
“It is anticipated that the EIS will be released for public comment in October.”
Ms Bligh said about 300 community members attended information days about the EIS process at Amamoor and Maryborough between December and January.
“About 320 copies of the draft Terms of Reference were distributed at these events, which is evidence of the strong community interest in this important project.”
For more information on the draft Terms of Reference go to http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/major_projects/traveston.shtm
Media contact: Steve Keating 3224 4379