Larapinta to Algester
Overview
Powerlink and ENERGEX have identified a new 275/110kV substation at Larapinta (south of the Logan Motorway) and a new 110kV transmission line to connect this substation with the existing Algester Substation, will need to be built by 2014 to meet forecast growth in the Brisbane South area.
As part of its annual network planning process, Powerlink has been monitoring electricity demand requirements and power flows on the network. Based on 2011 data, it has been identified the Larapinta to Algester project is now required by mid to late 2014, which will require construction to start in early 2013.
To meet this timeframe, Powerlink will soon start the next stage of its Government-approved process under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. This involves obtaining Ministerial designation, which is a planning approval process whereby Powerlink seeks the approval of a State Government Minister to identify land for ‘community infrastructure.’
Status
Powerlink has been working with Brisbane City Council, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail and Queensland Motorways Limited in relation to the precise location of transmission structures (steel poles and towers) to minimise potential impacts on road and rail movements.
There have also been changes to legislation, policies and plans since completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2008. These include the introduction of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and State Planning Policy 2/10: South East Queensland Koala Conservation (SPP 2/10) and the release of draft information for the Lower Oxley Creek and Paradise Wetlands Neighbourhood Plans by Brisbane City Council.
As part of the request for Ministerial designation, Powerlink is required to show how it has taken into account these changes to legislation, policies and plans. To do this, some minor additional work needs to be completed, including carrying out additional field surveys to count the number of koala habitat trees which require offsetting under SPP2/10. These field assessments are proposed for late 2011.
This additional work does not change the Final EIS as presented to the community through previously completed consultation, but shows how Powerlink has taken into account the recent changes to legislation, policy and plans.
The results of the additional work, along with the Final EIS, will be published and used to support the request for Ministerial designation.
Interested parties will be formally notified of Powerlink’s intention to seek Ministerial designation of the easements and substation land required in early to mid 2012, and will have the opportunity to make submissions on the proposed Ministerial designation at that time.
Powerlink recently met with directly-affected landholders to provide a more detailed project status and to arrange access for the additional field assessments and easement surveys.