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Home > Social Reports > DNR Forum Questions and Answers > Issues Raised at DNRW Workshops

Issues Raised at DNRW Workshops (Pre-Announcement)

 

Project Details

  Timing
1. When will we have certainty about whether or not the dam is to proceed? The Government is committed to proceeding with the dam.  The fact sheet of the approval process is available at www.qldwi.com.au. This sets out the steps government will take to finalise the dam.
2. When will we have new maps? Updated maps were released on 31 October 2006 and landholders were also provided individual property plans.
  Project Process
3. Why is the water required? South East Queensland is a fast growing region and needs increased supply of water and increased reliability of water supply to keep up with the domestic and industrial demand
4. What were the parameters on which this decision was made?  Were social and economic impacts included in these considerations? The proposed dam provides a large and reliable source of water for the future. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be undertaken and this includes consideration of a range of issues, including social, economic, technical and environmental concerns.
5. What research and investigation was conducted previously The GHD report was commissioned as part of the South East Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy.  It identified approximately 80 potential dam sites in the south-east and assessed them with respect to a variety of considerations. The GHD report found that the Traveston Crossing site provided the best yield of any possible site for a new dam.
6. The Premier is indicating the project will happen, regardless of any feasibility studies as yet uncompleted. Is this legally possible? Approval processes must be completed under State and Commonwealth laws prior to the commencement of construction.
7. What are the steps in the approvals process for the proposed dam? See Fact Sheet from Queensland Water Infrastructure (QWI) – Approval Process. A copy of that sheet is available at  www.qldwi.com.au
8. Are these community meetings actually the Environmental Impact Assessment meetings – are we ‘doing consultation’ with these meetings? No – the meetings were an information workshop for the affected property holders about the proposed dam.  Ten meetings were held from 19 June to 4 July 2006 prior to the announcement of the dam.  A further eight meetings were held after the announcement by the Premier of 5 July to 14 July 2006.  Community meetings will be held to discuss the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  The first of these meetings was an information day held on 16 December 2006 at 1825 Mary Valley Road, Amamoor to discuss the Draft Terms of Reference for the EIS.
9. Will the local people be helped to get a job on the construction of the dam? The QWI Local Industry Policy, to be included in the EIS, will have requirements for local businesses and employment in the construction tender assessment specifications.
10. Will you take a “triple bottom line” approach? The EIS will take a “triple bottom line” approach and will include environmental, social and economic assessment.
11. Will this infrastructure proposal go through the IDAS (development approval) process? The project will require a series of approvals under a broad range of legislation, including the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act and Integrated Planning Act.
12. What state agencies will be involved as referral agencies in any development assessment process (i.e. will these be the same agencies as normal)? The assessment agencies and referral agencies will be the same as those for all projects of this scale, including the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage.
13. What were the other sites nominated in the GHD report? The GHD report was commissioned as part of the South East Queensland Regional Water Supply Strategy.  It identified approximately 80 potential dam sites in the south-east and assessed them with respect to a variety of considerations. The GHD report found that the Traveston Crossing site provided the best yield of any possible site for a new dam.
14. Will the GHD report be made available to the public? Yes. The report is available in CD format from www.seqwaterstrategy.qld.gov.au
15. Does the Commonwealth Government have to approve this dam? Yes. Following the completion of the EIS, the construction of the dam must be approved by the Commonwealth Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
16. Will the Commonwealth Government complete an independent assessment of the information available on the impacts of the proposed dam? Yes. The Commonwealth will make an assessment of the environmental impacts of the dam under the EPBC Act.
17. Will any construction occur before approvals are in place? No construction will occur on the dam prior to the environmental approval however minor investigation works will be undertaken as part of the approval process.
18. What has happened to land already resumed around Borumba Dam? The land in question continues to be leased.  The property acquired around Borumba Dam will be required for the proposed raising of the wall of the dam.
 

Flood Level

19. Maps are not accurate - When will an accurate indication of water levels be available? The maps released on 31 October 2006 are up to date and accurate.  These maps supersede previous maps on the project.
20. Can you flood proof Gympie? Modelling of the proposed dam has determined significant flood mitigation for Gympie – this equates to a 4m reduction in a flood equivalent to the 1999 flood. Similar results have been modelled for the 1974 and 1989 floods.
21. How will storm water be managed downhill on the non-dam side of the bunding? There is no intention to use bunding as part of the project.  Storm water will be managed as it is under the present arrangements.
22. How can we reliably know flood zones as a result of dam? The land purchasing boundary includes a buffer that accommodates the 1% annual exceedence probability flood.
23. Has computer modelling been done using known flood levels?  If the dam had been built previously – what would be dam water levels presently? (“storage behaviour curve”). Detailed backwater analysis and backwater curve assessments have been undertaken to determine the extent of flooding, allowing the identification of the land required.  Consideration has been given to the behaviour of the storage as part of the flood modelling.

Drill Rigs and Dam Wall

24. Drill rig is reported to be seeking access to a property at Obi Obi? What’s happening? This drill rig was not associated with the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam.
25. What will be the dam depth at wall?  Stage 1 - 24m; Stage 2 – 32.5m
26. What will be the height/width of spillway? The preliminary design has a wall which is 1620m in length. This is the design on which the EIS will be based.
27. What is the geological picture near the dam wall? Right abutment – Rock at 7m; centre section – rock at 15m; left abutment – rock at 2m.
28. When will drill results be made available? The results of the geotechnical investigations are available on the QWI web site.
29. Can the Community have access to the core samples from drill? The documents available on the QWI website provide specific results of the geotechnical investigations and bore holes.
  Cost of the Dam
30. How will the proposed dam be funded? The project will be fully funded by the State Government.
31. Is there a list of costs being considered in comparative assessment of MaryValley dam? When can we have this? Construction costs for the dam are determined based on current industry rates. The final cost will be the result of a competitive tender process.  Cost estimates will be part of the EIS.
32. What will happen in regard to the social impact assessment and who will be considered? The EIS will include a social impact assessment and identification of possible mitigation measures, including those identified by the community. The assessment will take into consideration both those directly and indirectly affected by the project.  Social issues form part of the work being undertaken by the Community Futures Task Force and will inform the EIS process.
33. Will there be a country cabinet in the Traveston area?  Community cabinets are decided by Premiers Office.
34. Was the proposal for this dam discussed with the local councils before its announcement? The councils were not consulted about the dam prior to its announcement, however since the announcement, the Mayors of Cooloola, Noosa and Maroochy Shires have become members of the Community Futures Task Force. The Task Force is addressing the impacts arising from the proposal to build the Traveston Crossing Dam.

QWI will engage directly with the councils in planning infrastructure relocation and the Office of Urban Management include the councils in their land use and infrastructure planning studies.
35. If it is deemed “a project of state significance” will the people of Queensland have input? The project was declared a project of significance in late October 2006. There will be opportunities for public input during the development of the draft Terms of Reference for the EIS, during the development of the EIS and when the EIS is placed on public display.
36. Will the people not impacted in ponded areas and buffer, but in surrounding community, be consulted? The CFTF has a number of studies underway that will involve members of the community to discuss how they have been affected and areas where they feel opportunities arise for the Mary Valley. In addition the EIS will include a social impact assessment and identification of possible mitigation measures, including those identified by the local community. The assessment will take into consideration both those directly and indirectly affected by the project.
37. When will there be any answers back to our correspondence (ministerial’s) or results on our FOI requests? Any questions about outstanding correspondence should be referred to the agency with which the matter was raised.  The Community Futures Task Force will assist members of the community if they have concerns in regard to these matters. Contact the Task Force on 1800133258
38. Will the large powerlines that need to be moved from the dam’s ponded area (and telco lines) be a cost factored into the dam’s total cost? Yes, these will be the responsibility of QWI, working in conjunction with Energex, Powerlink and other network providers.
39. When will the Premier come to speak with us? The Premier held a community forum attended by 2000 community members on 5 July 2006 and the Deputy Premier held a second community forum attended by 1500 community members on 3 November 2006.
40. At what point is the cost for this dam too much? The Government is committed to the construction of a dam at Traveston   Crossing. QWI is responsible for ensuring that the dam is delivered using the allocated budget and time specifications.
 

Property Issues

Property Value & Acquisition

41. Stated policy that people will be no worse off and no better off – no financial hardship will be endured. How will this be implemented? Voluntary land purchasing negotiations are based on independent valuations and take into account issues such as stamp duty, relocation costs and other reasonable costs.
42. Compensation will not replace the quality and characteristics of my property – you can’t replace it. Will you replace my property with a similar property? QWI will speak directly with residents affected by the proposed dam. The value of property will be negotiated with owners on a case by case basis.
43. What will happen to property investment in the area? Recent valuations by a broad range of valuers have determined that property values have not dropped and have shown a continued steady increase since the dam announcement. It is not anticipated there will be a reduction in property investment in the area.
44. We bought when it was affordable – how can we now afford to buy elsewhere? Fair market value will be paid for your property at the time of sale, including the value of any improvements, and incorporating understanding of the value of the property prior to the announcement of the dam.
45. How will you make allowances for land values, which might otherwise have increased in value (over time say 3 years) Fair market value will be paid for your property at the time of sale, including the value of any improvements, and incorporating understanding of the value of the property prior to the announcement of the dam. 
46. How do people gain assurance of retaining/protecting value of property with uncertainty about impact (actual)? The extent of land required has now been determined and QWI is offering to purchase under voluntary agreements. If you are unsure whether your property is affected, you should contact QWI for confirmation.
47. How will future flood levels be affected by the dam – how will this be reliably identified – what about the implications for the community? Accurate flood modelling has been used to determine the extent of land required, as identified on plans released on 31 October 2006.   
48. What is the position on Capital Gains Tax – will Government recognise the implications for property holders? Government has released general advice it has received from Ernst and Young. Individual landholders should seek professional advice on this matter.  This advice is available on the QWI website www.qldwi.com.au
49. In addition to market price for property (sale) will compensation be paid for other impacts on property holders? Land purchasing will be based on land valuations, stamp duty, and reasonable relocation and disturbance cost. This includes properties that operate businesses.
50. Will the Government provide impacted landholders with a grant ($1500/ $2000) to seek initial advice? Reasonable costs will be reimbursed for professional advice required in association with land sale. Land holders are advised to make enquiries with QWI. Phone 1800 225 384
51. When do resumptions occur?  At what point in the “phases”? Resumptions will not occur prior to environmental approval.
 

Property Improvements

52. Our home is being renovated – unsure whether to continue to stop?  Will compensation be paid for works completed after the dam announcement? Valuations for properties take into consideration land and improvements. Therefore, an assessment of this property will be undertaken at the time of the valuation. Individual circumstances should be discussed with QWI.
53. Will property improvements and infrastructure completed after the dam announcement be included in negotiations? Yes, the assessment is taken at the time of the valuation.
54. Is there liaison in regard to DMR (roads) and what is happening with highway impacted by proposed dam? The Department of Main Roads has engaged consulting engineers to look at the relocation of the highway.  QWI will manage relocating and/or replacement of local roads impacted by the construction of the dam.  QWI and DMR are in contact regarding the relocation of the Bruce Highway.
 

Buffer Zone

55. Will you purchase properties in the buffer zone, even if they are only partially impacted? QWI is standing in the market place to purchase the land identified within the land purchasing boundary. In the cases where properties are partially required, landholders are given the choice of selling the part that is required or the balance land, if such a case can be reasonably demonstrated. 
56. What are the implications for my property value if I am in the buffer area? QWI is standing in the market place to purchase the land identified within the land purchasing boundary. In the cases where properties are partially required, landholders are given the choice of selling the part that is required or the balance land, if such a case can be reasonably demonstrated. 
57. What are the implications or constraints on my land use and land management practices if I am in the buffer? See QWI fact sheet – Land Use Controls - www.qldwi.com.au In summary, low impact land practices can continue, such as cattle grazing.
58. What about land use such as piggeries/dairies/spray crops in the buffer areas?  Intensive agriculture activities will be excluded from the buffer area.  Low impact agriculture is permitted in the proposed buffer area. QWI has released a fact sheet that explains land use practises around the proposed dam.
59. Will there be constraints on land management practice? See QWI fact sheet – Land Use Controls - www.qldwi.com.au
60. Who will be responsible to maintain the buffer area? QWI will be negotiating lease agreements with land holders over use of the buffer zone and non inundated dam land.  These lease agreements will outline the responsibility of the lessee with respect to maintaining the leased land.
61. What about septics tanks in the buffer and/or ponded area? This is a consideration that will be assessed in the EIS and will generally be assessed on a case by case basis.  If it is deemed unacceptable on a particular property, QWI will replace facilities.
62. Will government fence properties impacted by the waterline on a part of the impacted property? In general the land around the dam will not be fenced.  Some areas may require protection which will be assessed on a case by case basis.
  Access
63. Will the town bridge at Imbil be affected or not? No, the bridge is not affected by inundation and there will be no increase in flooding frequency.
64. On what basis will decisions be made regarding construction of new roads? The existing road routes and terrain will have a significant influence on the road locations, along with discussions with DMR, councils and local residents.
65. Who is paying for new roads?  (Shire roads) The road works will be part of the total project cost.
66. Will there be an assurance that road access will be preserved/ protected or will they purchase property instead? The overriding preference is to allow landholders to remain on their land and maintain access.
  Impacts on Community Services
67. What will happen to address impacts on schools – reduced student numbers, reduced teacher aides, access? Despite some fluctuations in enrolment numbers towards the end of 2006, enrolments for 2007 now appear to have settled and teacher numbers in valley schools should remain stable.  Decisions around staffing in all Queensland State schools are finalised on the eighth day of the new school year.  The welfare of valley students has been a priority of school staff during 2006.  Guidance officers have worked hard to try to reduce the anxiety that students may have been feeling during the year.
68. What support can be provided for children who are distressed with the implications and uncertainties of the proposal? Guidance Counsellors are available to discuss issues with children at school.  Lifeline provides a confidential and objective early intervention face to face counselling service to children and their families at the one stop shop and on an outreach basis.  In addition, Lifeline provides information and a referral service through their telephone help line.  Lifeline works with guidance counsellors and has held information sessions for Parents and Citizens Associations.  In addition, Lifeline has produced documentation to assist families to manage the needs of their children at this time. 
69. Railway line – will it be under water? The railway line is not impacted by Stage 1.  Options for the rail line will be determined in consultation with the community.
70. How will the ambulance reach us from Gympie if the access if underwater? Major road access is to be maintained.
71. What about community services e.g. Fire Brigades? Community services will be maintained. If affected by the dam, the relocation of services will be determined in consultation with the community through the work being undertaken by the Office of Urban Management
72. What cemeteries will be impacted? Kandanga cemetery is not impacted by Stage 1 and the community and local authorities are being consulted about the future of the cemetery if Stage 2 is approved.
73. How will government deal with the wishes of the families regarding loved ones in these cemeteries? Community members with an interest in the future of the Kandanga cemetery are being contacted by the CFTF.  Enquires can be directed to the Task Force on 1800 133 258.
74. Who will pay for any arrangements to move them? The Kandanga cemetery is not impacted by Stage 1 of the project. It is anticipated the cemetery can remain in place and any associated works will be attributed to the project. The future of the cemetery will be determined after consultations are completed. 
75. How will these arrangements be negotiated? The future of the cemetery will be determined through consultation with the affected members of the community, the local authority and the State planning agencies.
76. Will access to the cemetery be ensured if roads go under water? Yes, the existing road access will not be affected by Stage 1. An alternate access will be provided for if Stage 2 of the proposed dam proceeds.
  Small Business & Employment
77. People of the valley are being seriously affected –what employment support can be provided? The Government is providing a Workers Assistance Package which will provide employment and training assistance. For information please contact the Department of State Development and Trade on freecall 1300 363 711 or telephone 07 3225 2113 or through the Department’s website at www.sd.qld.gov.au
78. Small business – tradesman: phone stopped ringing: how will they have income replaced? The Government is providing a Business Adjustment Scheme to assist eligible businesses affected by the proposed dam. For information please contact QRAA on freecall 1800 623 946 or through their web site at www.qraa.qld.gov.au
79. Childcare centre – tell me if I take bookings for 2007? Yes.
80. Our farm business has been increased to accommodate our son and it has to grow – more investment required now, but in this climate of uncertainty.  What do I do for the next 2 years?  Do nothing is not an option. The Government has approved a Business Adjustment Scheme. This is providing relief for those businesses affected by the proposed dam. See QRAA website www.qraa.qld.gov.au or 1800 623 946.
81. What compensation will be given for my lifetime of hard work invested in my farming property? Properties will be valued based on the land as well as improvements that have been made.
82. How will you include the value of the business operation in addition to the value of the property when we don’t choose to sell? The land and business will all be assessed using commonly used valuation methods. You may also have an independent assessment by a land and business valuer of your choice.
83. With sale of business, how do we incorporate considerations for GST? GST is assessed on an individual basis.
84. Where is the help for small business who are already seriously suffering as a consequence of the announcement? The Government is providing a Business Adjustment Scheme to assist eligible businesses affected by the proposed dam. For information please contact QRAA or freecall 1800623946 or through their web site at www.qraa.qld.gov.au
85. Will farmers be recognised (in compensation) for loss of capacity to earn, i.e. income loss? The land and farming businesses will all be assessed using commonly used valuation methods. Improvements will also be included in the valuation.
86. What about people who have been made immediately unemployed – putting food on the table? Employees in crisis are being individually managed and assisted directly by the Office of the Coordinator General.  A Workers Assistance Package has also been developed.
87. How can we get immediate assistance for immediate needs? People in personal crisis and in need of immediate assistance should contact the Kandanga One Stop Shop on 07 5488 4929 or the Community Futures Task Force on 1800 133 258.  All land related matters should be directed to the QWI freecall number 1800 225 384.
88. What retraining packages are available immediately for people who have worked the land/related all their lives?  What training options? The Government is providing a Worker Assistance Package which will provide employment and training assistance. The Worker Assistance Package will provide up to $3000 in training to anyone who has lost their job as a result of the dam. Any training this is related to re-entry into the workforce will qualify for assistance. For more information please contact the Department of State Development and Trade on 1300 363 711 or 07 3225 2113 or through the Department’s website at www.sd.qld.gov.au  
89. Will you fund me if I start to undertake training at TAFE? The Government is providing a Worker Assistance Package which will provide employment and training assistance. The Worker Assistance Package will provide up to $3000 in training to anyone who has lost their job as a result of the decision to build the dam. While TAFE is the preferred provider any training this is related to re-entry into the workforce will qualify for assistance. For more information please contact the Department of State Development and Trade on 1300 363 711 or 07 3225 2113 or through the Department’s website at www.sd.qld.gov.au  
  Impacts on the Environment and Catchment?
90. How will you value the loss of (community) human investment in preserving/protecting attributes of MaryRiver Catchment? The Community Futures Task Force (CFTF) is working with the communities of the Mary Valley to ensure that they continue to thrive and prosper.
91. Siltation is high in this river, what will be the place for considering this matter? The EIS will include an assessment of siltation and possible mitigation measures, if required.
92. Draft Water Resource Plan for MaryRiver- what is the status of this document?  The Mary Basin Water Resource Plan was finalised 28 July 2006 and is now subordinate legislation to the Water Act 2000
93. Who will monitor and what will be the downstream flow of the MaryRiver during and after the construction of the dam? The Water Resource Plan determines the flows required for the river pre and post construction of the dam. During the dam’s construction, all water will be allowed to pass through the site.
94. What about seepage? The dam will be built on bed rock with cut-offs, controlling seepage.
95. The area has fresh water springs, what will be impact of dam? By excavating to the rock foundations and providing cut-off, flows are managed within the dam.
96. What is the success of fish ladder at Paradise Dam and turtle hatchery protection measures? The fishway on the Paradise Dam is operational and will be utilised once inflows come into the dam. The fishway commenced commissioning in early 2006 when the dam was 40% full. The drought has seen limited inflows to allow final commissioning. The turtle hatchery has had two clutches of eggs hatched and the turtles released to the wild successfully.
97. Has Paradise Dam been successful environmentally? Yes – ongoing monitoring for lungfish will result in the most detailed study into the fish, the turtle hatchery has generated positive results, the fishway is operational, some 100,000 trees have been planted and water quality has been maintained.
  Feasibility Studies
98. What position has been adopted on other Queensland dams to protect water quality? Dams utilise several measures to maintain water quality, including multi-level off takes which release water from various depths limiting stratification.
99. What policies are planned to preserve water quality for this catchment? The State Government has policies that manage water quality.  Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency use these policies to monitor water quality in the Mary River Basin.
100. Have Hydrology experts lived on rivers? The historical records of river flows have been used to provide a good understanding of the Mary River. 
101. Do hydrology experts have an understanding of the impact of water flow/quality/etc on fish habitats? The Water Resource Plan sets the environmental flow requirements, based on environmental assessments on the river’s flow. Over 85% of the pre-development flow will reach the river mouth.
  Access to Water
102. Will water allocation rights and access to the water be retained? All existing water entitlements will be maintained for allocation holders.
103. Can water allocations be retained if a portion of property is outside of the buffer zone? Assessments need to be done on a case by case basis and such a proposal should be included in discussions with QWI.
104. Can a farm storage be built on land adjacent to dam? If the proposed site is outside the land purchase boundary, the landholder will only be required to attain any approvals they would normally require for the structure.
105. Can I build a water storage on my property, in the buffer area? No
  Water Augmentation Options for Brisbane
106. Can BrisbaneCity Council address leaking water pipes before building a dam? Councils of SE Qld are currently undertaking a number of initiatives to reduce water consumption. Two examples of which are: Queensland Sustainable Housing Code From 1 March, 2006 changes to law will require new houses in Queensland to be more sustainable, ensuring they use water and energy more efficiently. As part of these laws, all new houses will be required to have:
  • Water efficient AAA-rated shower roses
  • Dual-flush toilets
  • Energy efficient lighting in at least 40 per cent of the house
  • Water pressure limiting devices in areas with high water pressure
  • Greenhouse efficient hot water systems such as solar, heat pump or gas hot water SEQ Pressure and Leakage Management Project The State Government will invest $32 million in the project and local councils $48 million.
The Pressure Reduction and Leakage Management project involves:
  • redesigning water pipe networks into zones so that if a pipe bursts it can be easily located and supply switched off
  • upgrading pipe infrastructure and repairing broken pipes
  • reducing water pressure in pipes so that water flows at a slower rate and has less pressure behind it.
107. Have rainwater tanks been considered as part of water provision in city areas?  Will these be managed in a way that ensures the water will be used? The Queensland Government and many local governments offer incentives for installation of rainwater tanks and in many areas they are becoming compulsory for new home developments.
108. Will tanks be encouraged uniformly across local Government areas? The Queensland Government offers incentives for installation of rainwater tanks.  “WaterWise” rebates have recently been extended across all of Queensland.
109. What about recycled water for industrial use? The State Government has included recycling water for industrial use in its water policy and this is expected in the first instance to be used in electricity generation. The Government has announced a plebiscite to assess community acceptance of using recycled water for domestic use as well.
110. If the Government adopted the water saving strategies – why would a dam be required? The Government has supported a range of water saving strategies and these have lead to large drops in water consumption. However, water saving strategies alone are not enough to meet expected water demands of South East Queensland.
111. Has it been considered to pipe water from north Qld down the east coast of Australia?  Why not use existing infrastructure corridors and impact no one. A study of this proposal has commenced.
  Construction Company (Qld Water Infrastructure)
112. Will FOI law apply to the dam construction company? QWI will be held accountable through an annual audit that will be completed by the Queensland Audit Office.  Furthermore, information about the project will be regularly posted to the QWI website www.qldwi.com.au QWI will be required to conduct the EIS in an open and consultative way providing high levels of access to relevant information as outlined in the Draft Terms of Reference for the EIS. 
113. Will QWI be obligated to meet any undertakings given to the community by the DNRM & W staff? Formal agreements (eg. Leasebacks, land purchase conditions, etc) that have been passed from DNRW to QWI will be honoured by QWI.
 

Last updated 11 November 2009