The Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture has carried out rigorous technical and environmental investigations to ensure minimal impact to the surrounding area.
In December 2010, the Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture received environmental approval from the Queensland Government to proceed with the proposed new railway to link the Western Railway System, near Wandoan, with the Moura Railway System, near Banana.
The Coordinator General’s Report evaluating the complete Environment Impact Statement (EIS) contains 115 conditions and recommendations for the construction and operation of the project including weed and pest management, coal dust management and local industry participation.
Environmental Impact Statement
An EIS identifies and assesses the potential adverse social, environmental and economic impacts of the project and where necessary recommends appropriate prevention or mitigation measures. The EIS document is based on the draft Terms of Reference.
The Surat Basin Rail EIS comprised 14 technical studies that describe the existing environmental conditions and values within the study area. An EIS identifies and assesses the potential adverse social, environmental and economic impacts of the project and where necessary recommends appropriate prevention or mitigation measures. The EIS document is based on the draft Terms of Reference.
The Coordinator-General received 36 submissions on the EIS, consisting of 17 from members of the public and 19 from advisory agencies. Following an evaluation of the submissions, it was determined that a supplementary EIS (SEIS) report was required to address matters raised during the public comment period.
The Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture developed a SEIS report addressing the issues raised which was made available for advisory agency review and comment from 4 March 2010 until 19 April 2010. Eleven submissions were received on the SEIS by the Coordinator-General, including two from members of the public and private organisations, which is a testament to the success of Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture’s proactive engagement approach.
