energex

network


Mudgeeraba to Tugun network upgrade

18 July Newsletter

To meet increased demand and ensure residents and businesses of the Southern Gold Coast continue to have a safe, reliable electricity supply, ENEREGEX is proposing to construct a new 14 kilometre 110kV powerline from the Mudgeeraba Bulk Supply Substation, at Varsity Lakes, to a proposed new substation at Tugun.



project need

The Southern Gold Coast region is experiencing strong growth. The area includes major residential growth, many tourist facilities including major resorts, high rise apartments and the Gold Coast Airport, and a number of major commercial and industrial businesses including hospitals, schools the Tugun Desalination Plat and major shopping precincts.

Although the global financial crisis and a break in the drought have reduced the urgency for the powerline, the underlying demand still exists.

ENERGEX is continuing to plan for the future by reinforcing and expanding the local electricity network. This powerline is an integral part of the future network.


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project background

The Mudgeeraba to Tugun network upgrade project commenced in 2008 and was originally presented to the community as an overhead line from Varsity Lakes to Tugun. Following the Queensland State Government election on 21 March 2009, the Project was delayed while the proposed corridor solution was reviewed.

During the election campaign, both major political parties made commitments to the local community about the Project. The Government committed to placing the Elanora to Palm Beach section of the powerline underground and local Members of Parliament representing Reedy Creek identified an 800 metre section of the line at Asperia Street to go underground.

Since the election, ENERGEX has been working with the Queensland Government to determine the best way to incorporate community feedback into the Project. As a result, the proposed powerline has changed in some locations.

The Community Infrastructure Designation (CID) process, which is the approval process for the project, has restarted following these changes to the scope of the Project.


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preferred route

The preferred route for the Project is currently being finalised and will be released to for public comment as part of the Initial Assessment Report (IAR), which is due to be released in mid August 2010.

For a map showing the route, current as at 15 July 2010, click here.

preferred alignment in Reedy Creek
Two options for the alignment of the powerline through Reedy Creek were presented for community consultation during April.

For a map showing the two alignment options in Reedy Creek, click here.
To view the outcomes of Reedy Creek consultation, click here.

ENERGEX has considered all feedback provided during the consultation period, alongside other factors such as technical and economic considerations, to determine the preferred alignment through Reedy Creek. The preferred alignment involves constructing an overhead powerline through Reedy Creek on the eastern side of the Pacific Motorway, crossing over near Kingsmore Estate, to continue South to Elanora.

For a map showing the preferred alignment through Reedy Creek, click here.

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the CID process

The Community Infrastructure Designation (CID) process is the Queensland Government approval process for the Project. It is governed by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.

The CID Guidelines outline the process and specify the steps for environmental, socio-economic and technical assessments, and community consultation that must be followed to obtain approval under this process.

The CID process involves a number of steps to ensure key issues are addressed during project planning. These steps are:

Step 1 – Preparation of an Initial Assessment Report (IAR)
Step 2 – Initial consultation with stakeholders
Step 3 – Preparation of a Final IAR
Step 4 – Second consultation with stakeholders
Step 5 – Preparation of a Final Assessment Report (FAR) for Ministerial approval
Step 6 – Forwarding of FAR to the Minister.

The table below describes each of these steps and other key project milestones and indicates the proposed timing for each.

Milestone Description Proposed timing

Previous Milestone
Initial Assessment Report (IAR)

Detailed environmental study of the entire original corridor released for consultation.

ENERGEX received 1,153 submissions.

15 September - 10 October 2008

Previous Milestone
Infrastructure Cost Estimates Report

A special report explaining the costs of various overhead and underground options released for consultation.

ENERGEX received 892 submissions.

27 October - 21 November 2008

Queensland State Government election - 21 March 2009
As a result of the election, extensive changes were required to be made to the route, triggering a restart of the CID process

Previous Milestone Additional Consultation:
Reedy Creek options

Additional, voluntary consultation activity undertaken to determine the preferred alignment for the Project through Reedy Creek.

April 2010

CID Step 1
Preparation of an Initial Assessment Report (IAR)

Detailed study of the entire revised corridor investigating environmental, socio-economic and technical aspects of the proposal.

May - July 2010 we are here

CID Step 2
IAR Consultation

The IAR is released for public consultation for at least 15 working days. During this time, IAR submissions are accepted via email and post.
August – 20 August 2010
CID Step 3
Preparation of a Final IAR
The IAR will be updated to account for issues raised in the first round of consultation. If any changes are made to the proposed route, these will be outlined in this report.
Late 2010
CID Step 4
Final IAR Consultation
The Final IAR is released for public consultation for at least 15 working days. During this time, Final IAR Submissions are accepted via email and post. Late 2010
Easement Negotiations ENERGEX will commence negotiations with landowners to acquire the easements required to construct the project.
Late 2010 - late 2011

CID Step 5
Preparation of a Final Assessment Report (FAR)

The IAR and Final IAR will be summarised into a Final Assessment Report. This will include all submissions made by the public during the two consultation periods. Late 2010
CID Step 6
Forward the FAR to Minister
The FAR is submitted to the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy for consideration and approval.

Late 2010 – early 2011

Ministerial Designation
Project approval

Following consideration of the project and when satisfied with the proposal, the Minister will designate the corridor for the Project and approve it for construction. By mid 2011
Finalisation of Easements ENERGEX will finalise the land and easement acquisitions required for construction of the network upgrade. Late 2011

CID consultation

In line with Queensland Government requirements under the CID Guidelines, ENERGEX will consult with the community and stakeholders about the preferred route for the project. Consultation provides an opportunity for the community to share local knowledge and insight, and ensures their issues and concerns are considered during planning for the Project.

The IAR and Final IAR will be released for community comment. All feedback received during consultation will be provided to the Minister in the Final Assessment Report for the Project.

Since the CID process restarted, a number of communications have been undertaken to keep the community informed of project progress and, where relevant, encourage feedback.

Project Newsletter, July 2010

Distribution date:

18 – 23 July 2010

Distribution area:

Homes and businesses along the project corridor, Local elected representatives; Community Reference Group; Other interested stakeholders

Distribution quantity:

9,000

Summary:

This project newsletter contains information about the IAR, the IAR consultation process and an alignment route map as at 15 July 2010.

 

Reedy Creek Project Flyer: Consultation outcomes

Distribution date:

28 and 29 May 2010

Distribution area:

All homes and businesses in Reedy Creek and Old Burleigh Town; Local elected representatives; Community Reference Group; Other interested stakeholders

Distribution quantity:

3,500

Summary:

This project flyer identifies the preferred alignment through Reedy Creek.

 

Community Information Day

Event date:

17 April 2010, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Event location::

Corner of Snowwood Street and Cordyline Drive, Reedy Creek.

Event attendees:

55

Summary:

This event provided an opportunity for Reedy Creek residents and other interested stakeholders to speak directly with project staff about the Project, gain a better understanding of the two options for the alignment through Reedy Creek and provide feedback.

 

Reedy Creek Project Flyer: Options for consultation

Distribution date:

1 and 7 April 2010

Distribution area:

All homes and businesses in Reedy Creek and Old Burleigh Town; Local elected representatives; Community Reference Group.

Distribution quantity:

2,350

Summary:

This project flyer provides information about, and presents a list of issues of regarding, the options for the alignment through Reedy Creek. It also includes a feedback form that can be detached and returned by Reply Paid post.

 

Project Newsletter, April 2010

Distribution date:

30 and 31 March 2010

Distribution area:

All stakeholders on the project database (including local elected representatives); Community Reference Group; Selected areas along the corridor.

Distribution quantity:

8,000

Summary:

This project newsletter contains updated project information and an alignment route map as at 30 March 2010.

 

As the CID process continues, ENERGEX will continue to undertake a number of communication and consultation activities to keep the community informed and encourage their feedback.


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about the community reference group

The ENERGEX Southern Gold Coast Community Reference Group (CRG) is made up of local residents, elected representatives and special interest groups. All members of the CRG are volunteers who are committed to representing the views of their communities, agencies and organisations.

The CRG exists to help represent your views and opinions about the project.

The group is an important interface between ENERGEX and the community and enables group members and ENERGEX to raise issues concerning the proposed network upgrade.

Your local representatives are:

Community Reference Group (CRG) members
Name
Representative Area
Contact Number
Rose Adams GECKO 07 5534 9834
Beryl Bailey Resident - Currumbin 07 5525 6747
Ros Bates MP Member for Mudgeeraba 07 5569 0482
Peter Barrett Tugun Progress Association 0408 841 306
John Cooper STOP Action Group 07 5534 4539
Norm Jefferson Resident - Palm Beach 07 5598 2292
Greg Jenke CEO - John Flynn Private Hospital 07 5598 9008
Cr Daphne McDonald Councillor - Division 13 07 5581 6228
Bren Milsom Friends of Currumbin 07 5522 4880
Andrew Puffett Resident - Tugun 07 5598 2945
Neville Richardson Resident - Palm Beach 07 5535 7490
Cr Chris Robbins Councillor - Division 14 07 5581 5275
Christine Smith MP Member for Burleigh 07 5526 6024
Paul Smith Resident - Reedy Creek 07 5522 0792
Jann Stuckey MP Member for Currumbin 07 5598 1387
Lee Webster Resident - Old Burleigh Town 0434 431 541

 

The group last met on 27 May 2010 and will meet regularly throughout the year as the Project progresses through the CID process. The next meeting will be held prior to the release of the IAR.


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have your say

To provide feedback to ENERGEX, you can:

  • contact your local CRG representative on the details above
  • complete an online feedback form
  • contact the project team using the details below.


contact us

For more information about the project, please:

  • Call us on 1800 025 158 (freecall)
  • Email the Project Team

twitterFollow us on twitter.com/energex

interpreter For TIS National call 13 14 50

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publications

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maps

series maps

For information about previous publications, please visit archived information.


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