NEXT STEP IN WYARALONG DAM PROCESS

8 June 2007 

The Coordinator-General has finalised the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the $500 million Wyaralong dam, on Teviot Brook in the Logan River catchment.

The Deputy Premier and the Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh said the Coordinator-General’s finalisation of the ToR was the next step in the assessment process of the project.

“In his decision the Coordinator-General said he had taken into consideration all issues raised in submissions on the Draft ToR before finalising the Terms of Reference,” she said.

“The Coordinator-General’s decision opens the way for Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd to continue development of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, including further consultation with stakeholders as the process proceeds.”

The ToR is a 74-page document with the objective of identifying those matters that should be addressed in a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement for the project.

Ms Bligh said the release of the final ToR followed a public comment period which ran from 13 January to 26 February 2007.

“A total of 31 submissions were received on the draft ToR of which X were received members of the public and the balance from community groups, and advisory agencies,” she said.

“Issues raised in the submissions included the need to assess alternatives to the project, impacts of changed flow regimes on Southern Moreton Bay, listed threatened species and communities and social and economic impacts.

“All submissions were reviewed and considered by the Coordinator-General in finalising the ToR for the Environmental Impact Statement.”

The final ToR is available at: http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/major_projects/wyaralong.shtm

Wyaralong Dam is estimated to cost $500 million and will deliver 21,000 ML a year when operated in conjunction with Cedar Grove Weir.

Wyaralong Dam is scheduled for completion in December 2011.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900