The SunCoast power project

SunCoast Power Project—ENERGEX network upgrade in Maroochy Shire

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,
• Conducted community reference group 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. 

The independent consultant, GHD has also developed compatible Environmental Management Plans for construction (CEMPs).  Derived from the EIS, these CEMPs are designed to prevent or minimise any possible or perceived impacts from the construction or operation of the new electricity infrastructure.  This Final EIS and associated CEMPs can be downloaded from ENERGEX’s website through the link below.

approval process moving forward

ENERGEX’s next step will be to seek designation of the identified land for community infrastructure in accordance with the provisions of the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA). Further public consultation including advertising in local and metropolitan newspapers of the proposed designation of land for community infrastructure will occur in the near future. Once this occurs, interested parties and directly affected landowners may make submissions to ENERGEX regarding the proposal. Each submission will be separately assessed and replied to before a copy of both the submission and the response are included in ENERGEX’s Final Assessment Report which will be forwarded to the Minister for consideration

 

making a feedback submission

We welcome your feedback on our SunCoast Power Project. Please fill out the feedback form below or email suncoast@energex.com.au

Any submissions will be considered by ENERGEX and a response will be given to each respondent on the issues raised.

• feedback form
• Final EIS - Volume 1 (38 Mb)
• Final EIS - Volume 2 (19 Mb)