Several mining proponents in the Galilee Basin are proposing to
develop large-scale coal mines in the region, which would result in
a substantial increase in electricity demand over the next four to
five years.
To meet this emerging demand growth, Powerlink
needs to extend the existing high voltage electricity transmission
network into the Galilee Basin region.
Powerlink has commenced a project to
facilitate this extension via the following two stages:
- Stage 1: of the project
involves the construction of a ‘hub’ substation near Alpha (to be
known as Surbiton Hill Substation) and a 200 km 275 kV
transmission line between the proposed substation and Powerlink’s
existing Lilyvale Substation (near Emerald). It is expected the
easements will be 100 m wide to accommodate a 275 kV
line, proposed to meet the region’s more immediate forecast
electricity demands, with additional space for a second line at
some point in the future to meet longer term electricity needs in
the region.
- Stage 2: of the project includes a
proposed 132 kV transmission line from the Surbiton Hill
Substation to Alpha Coal Mine, and a proposed 132 kV
transmission line from the Surbiton Hill Substation to Kevin’s
Corner Coal Mine.
GHD has been appointed by Powerlink to
undertake the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the
project, including consultation with landowners, stakeholders and
the community.
As part of the EIA process, GHD prepared a
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Stage 1 of the
project, which was provided for public comment and has been
finalised.
GHD has prepared a Draft EIS for Stage 2. This
document provides information about aspects of the proposed
transmission line (including environmental, social and cultural
aspects). The Draft EIS also includes a Draft Environmental
Management Plan, which outlines any necessary actions which should
be taken during the design, construction and maintenance of the
proposed transmission line to manage any identified impacts.
The submission period for the Stage 2 Draft
EIS has now closed.
The Draft EIS for Stage 2 of the Galilee Basin
Transmission Project was released for public comment during
December 2011 and January 2012. The submission period closed
on 16 January, 2012. The Draft EIS for Stage 2 can be found
below.
GHD and Powerlink are currently in the process
of reviewing the submissions received. This website will be
updated upon finalisation of the EIS for Stage 2.
Draft EIS Stage 2 documents:
Contents and Chapter
1
Chapter 2 - Part
A
Chapter 2 - Part
B
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5 - 10
Appendix A &
B
Appendix C - Part
A
Appendix C - Part
B
Appendix D &
E
Appendix F
Appendix G