Environment & Planning
The proposed underground cable provide flexibility to micro-site around ecological and cultural heritage constraints, as well as respond to landowner preferences.
The project will also be subject to comprehensive assessments which ensure that the project's potential effect on the immediate surroundings, including fauna and flora, are carefully considered before construction commences.
Local planning and engagement firm Cogency Australia, has been supporting the design of the route to reduce impacts to landowners and the environment.
Regulatory approvals
Approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) may be required for Syncline Community Cable.
An EPBC Act referral is being prepared.
The project will require the following approvals:
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Planning approval in the form of a planning scheme amendment for use and development of land pursuant to the Planning and Environment Act 1987
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Cultural Heritage Management Plan/s pursuant to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
An Environment Effects Statement (EES) referral is under review by the Department of Transport and Planning to determine whether the project will also require an EES pursuant to the Environment Effects Act 1987.
The project may also require approval under:
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Road Management Act 2004
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Water Act 1989
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Historic Heritage Act 2017
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Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
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Wildlife Act 1975.
Draft Environment Effects Statement Referral
Syncline Community Cable has been developed to minimise its construction costs, while also avoiding damage to communities and the environment. This has resulted in:
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~ 35 hectares of native vegetation impact - inclusive of eight scattered trees, < 2 hectares of threatened ecological communities, modelled wetlands and ~ 10 hectares of native vegetation within the Calder Freeway median and Harmony Way, which is considered very low quality
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No endangered species expected to be impacted
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No visual or noise impacts or detriment to farming
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Reduced impacts to known Aboriginal cultural heritage values
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Reduced impacts to waterways and floodways
The following draft documents make up the draft EES referral package which has been submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning Impact Assessment Unit for review:
Project Partners
Syncline Energy has engaged several consultants to support the delivery of the Project and the assessments required to meet planning and environment expectations.
