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SunCoast power project
ENERGEX network upgrade on the Sunshine Coast
Electricity usage on the Sunshine Coast has been growing at around six per cent per annum as new houses and businesses are built and existing residents and industry continue consuming higher levels of energy. This demand growth is not likely to slow in the foreseeable future, with the Sunshine Coast area predicted to expand by a further 150, 000 people within the next 15 years.
To address both this predicted growth and existing demand for electricity, ENERGEX plans to spend more than $150 million on new electricity infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast over the next few years. A key component of this new electrical infrastructure investment is the requirement for a major injection of electricity to the rapidly expanding areas north of the Maroochy River, including Marcoola, Twin Waters, Mudjimba, Pacific Paradise and Coolum. Known as the Suncoast Power Project, this new electrical infrastructure investment project will enhance the quality and security of supply to homes and businesses in the Sunshine Coast region.
what is an Environmental Impact Study (EIS)?
Almost all community infrastructure developments, including roads, airports and powerlines, have an impact on the environment. An environmental impact study (EIS) is a detailed environmental assessment that defines the effects of the proposed development on the environment and the community.
ENERGEX has completed the following detailed community consultation as part of the development of the Suncoast EIS:
- Public displays of proposed route and perceived impacts at community locations,
- Consulted with key stakeholders and directly affected land owners,
- Initiated and participated in community reference panel meetings with community advocates,
- Advertised details of the public displays in local newspapers.
All responses received from the above consultations have been considered by independent consultants, GHD and the relevant assessments included into the final EIS.
working with the community
ENERGEX will be seeking Community Infrastructure Designation under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA) to obtain development approval for the SunCoast Power Project.
As part of the process, there will be a formal community consultation period and you are encouraged to provide feedback on the project.
The CID process has six steps:
| Step 1: | ENERGEX completes an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) which looks at a broad range of factors including social, economic, environmental and land use impacts along the chosen corridor |
| Step 2: | The Draft EIS is made available to state and local government, and the community for comment. |
| Step 3: | ENERGEX finalises the EIS. |
| Step 4: | The final EIS is available to the wider community for final submissions. |
| Step 5: | A Final Assessment Report is prepared, taking into account all prior consultation and submissions. |
| Step 6: | The Final Assessment Report is submitted to the Minister for Mines and Energy for Community Infrastructure Designation approval. |
contact us
We welcome your feedback on our SunCoast Power Project. If you would like to receive project updates, register your name and address on our feedback form or email us with your enquiries or comments.
Any submissions will be considered by ENERGEX and a response will be given to each respondent on the issues raised.