Published Tuesday, 07 August, 2007 at 01:33 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
TRAVESTON CROSSING DAM EIS UNDER WAY
August 7, 2007
The Coordinator-General has finalised the terms of reference that will govern studies into the environmental, social and economic impact of the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam near Gympie.
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said the Government has received more than 260 submissions from community groups, government agencies and individuals on what the Environmental Impact Statement into the dam should cover.
The submissions, most of them from the public, have led to around 112 changes or additions to the draft terms of reference.
As a result of submissions from the public and local councils, the finalised terms of reference will now require the EIS to include discussion of feasible alternatives to the dam project, including the option of building no dam, building other dams, recycling and desalination.
It will also include discussion of potential impacts of the dam on upstream and downstream infrastructure. The EIS will also set out the impact of evaporation and seepage processes and assess any potential impact on boat access and navigation around the estuarine parts of the Mary River.
“I congratulate members of the community on having their say on what matters should be covered by the investigations into this vital project,’’ Ms Bligh said.
“This will be a robust EIS process during which all of the issues raised in the submissions will be addressed.”
The EIS will identify the project’s environmental effects and propose ways to eliminate or mitigate those which will impact adversely on the natural, social, cultural or economic environment. It should also advise on ways to maximise positive environmental impacts.
Ms Bligh said Queensland Water Infrastructure _ the company established by the State Government to deliver the dam _ will now press on with preparing the EIS, which is expected to be released for public comment by October.
“The public will have further opportunities to put their point of view as part of the EIS process,’’ Ms Bligh said.
She said the Federal Environment and Water Resources Minister Malcolm Turnbull had advised that at this time, he was satisfied Stage Two of the proposed dam did not require a separate referral and assessment process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Stage Two of the Traveston Crossing dam, should it be required, is not expected to be completed until 2035.
However, Ms Bligh said the Queensland Government would ensure that potential impacts of the Stage Two elements that are being constructed as part of Stage One of the project were included in the EIS study. Mr Turnbull has advised the Government that this move would help him make an informed decision on the proposed project.
The first stage of the proposed Traveston Crossing dam, involving the construction of a 153,000 ML storage, which will deliver up to 70,000 ML a year to south-east Queensland. Construction is planned to start in mid 2009 for completion by the end of 2011.
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office, 3224 6900
The Coordinator-General has finalised the terms of reference that will govern studies into the environmental, social and economic impact of the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam near Gympie.
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said the Government has received more than 260 submissions from community groups, government agencies and individuals on what the Environmental Impact Statement into the dam should cover.
The submissions, most of them from the public, have led to around 112 changes or additions to the draft terms of reference.
As a result of submissions from the public and local councils, the finalised terms of reference will now require the EIS to include discussion of feasible alternatives to the dam project, including the option of building no dam, building other dams, recycling and desalination.
It will also include discussion of potential impacts of the dam on upstream and downstream infrastructure. The EIS will also set out the impact of evaporation and seepage processes and assess any potential impact on boat access and navigation around the estuarine parts of the Mary River.
“I congratulate members of the community on having their say on what matters should be covered by the investigations into this vital project,’’ Ms Bligh said.
“This will be a robust EIS process during which all of the issues raised in the submissions will be addressed.”
The EIS will identify the project’s environmental effects and propose ways to eliminate or mitigate those which will impact adversely on the natural, social, cultural or economic environment. It should also advise on ways to maximise positive environmental impacts.
Ms Bligh said Queensland Water Infrastructure _ the company established by the State Government to deliver the dam _ will now press on with preparing the EIS, which is expected to be released for public comment by October.
“The public will have further opportunities to put their point of view as part of the EIS process,’’ Ms Bligh said.
She said the Federal Environment and Water Resources Minister Malcolm Turnbull had advised that at this time, he was satisfied Stage Two of the proposed dam did not require a separate referral and assessment process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Stage Two of the Traveston Crossing dam, should it be required, is not expected to be completed until 2035.
However, Ms Bligh said the Queensland Government would ensure that potential impacts of the Stage Two elements that are being constructed as part of Stage One of the project were included in the EIS study. Mr Turnbull has advised the Government that this move would help him make an informed decision on the proposed project.
The first stage of the proposed Traveston Crossing dam, involving the construction of a 153,000 ML storage, which will deliver up to 70,000 ML a year to south-east Queensland. Construction is planned to start in mid 2009 for completion by the end of 2011.
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office, 3224 6900