More time for say on Traveston Crossing Dam

A decision to extend the public comment period on the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam proves the Queensland Government is serious about hearing people’s views, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas was speaking after the State's Coordinator-General, Colin Jensen, decided people would now have until 14 January, 2008, to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement for the dam.

Mr Jensen extended the submission period after the project’s proponent, Queensland Water Infrastructure, advised of variations in the publication of the EIS for the dam.

“I am advised that an addendum has been prepared that contains 20 variations between the online, CD/DVD and hard copy of the environmental impact statement as published,” Mr Lucas said.

“The variations are of a minor nature but, we want to be sure that everyone has the chance to comment on the correct version.

"As a result people wanting to comment on the EIS now have until January 14 to provide their feedback - an extra 42 days.

“The transfer of the document onto the web generated some variations and Department of Infrastructure and Planning staff and Queensland Water Infrastructure staff have now carried out a complete review of the 1600 page EIS document, plus an additional 4000 pages of technical reports and appendices,” Mr Lucas said.

Mr Jensen said he had written to Queensland Water Infrastructure who would ensure an addendum to the EIS was made publicly available.

“In making my decision to extend the comment period I wanted to remove any risk that the public may not have been fully informed. Examples identified include:

• The omission of page 8-94, from the web version only. This content was included at page 9-50 of the web version
• The omission of several maps relating to local government boundaries and the Noosa Shire Council planning framework.
• The omission of a paragraph relating to the Great Sandy Strait from page 9-93.

“People or groups who have already lodged a submission will be able to amend their submission within the submission period if they think this is necessary,” Mr Jensen said.

Mr Lucas said it was important the public had full opportunity to comment on the complete document.

“When the environmental impact statement was released, the Coordinator-General allowed 42 days for comment, even though the minimum required under the Act was only 28 days,” Mr Lucas said.

“As it is preferable that consultation not close over the Christmas/New Year period, it has been decided that a further 42 days for comment will be provided – 14 more than a recent parliamentary petition requested.

“Extending the comment period means that people have the chance to decide whether they wish to comment further.

“This proposed dam is vital to securing water supply for South East Queensland and we want people affected to have their say.”

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868

Commencing today the addendum will be made available from:

• all notified display locations for the Environmental Impact Statement
• the Queensland Water Infrastructure website (www.qwi.com.au/eis)
• Queensland Water Infrastructure as a hard copy upon request.

All people who received hard copy or CD/DVD versions of the Environmental Impact Statement will be sent a copy of the addendum.

The addendum can also be viewed via a link on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning website (www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au).