Project Approval Documents
ACTEW has received all major planning approvals for the Enlarged Cotter Dam, having completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a Development Application (DA) and a Public Environment Report (PER).
Cotter Avenue - Development Application (DA) for installation of new bridge
The Cotter Avenue recreation area is being upgraded by ACTEW and will be reopened to the public upon completion of the Enlarged Cotter Dam. Cotter Avenue has been closed to the public since January 2010. The upgrade works include the installation of a new bridge across Cotter River to replace the historic bridge which was destroyed in the 2003 bushfires. Click here to learn more about the upgrade.
Click here to visit the ACT Planning and Land Authority website to view and comment on the DA.
Cotter Dam Discovery Trail
ACTEW completed a viewing trail and platform at the Cotter in spring 2010. The Cotter Dam Discovery Trail provides opportunities for the community to watch the progress of the Cotter Dam enlargement. Click here to learn more.
Click here to view the Discovery Trail Development Application.
Casuarina Sands
Upgrades to the Casuarina Sands Recreational Area are now complete and the area is open to the public. The upgrades include improvements to parking, facilities and provision for additional shade, BBQs and picnic tables. The Casuarina Sands Recreational Area will provide alternative recreation facilities while work is underway on the Enlarged Cotter Dam, and Cotter Avenue is closed.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Following a process that commenced with the lodgement of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in October 2008, the ACT Minister for Planning announced in June 2009 that the EIS for the Enlarged Cotter Dam was complete.
Click here to view the Environmental Impact Statement.
Development Application (DA)
The completion of the EIS allowed ACTEW to proceed with lodging a Development Application with the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA). ACTEW received approval of its Enlarged Cotter Dam DA.
Click here to view the Development Application.
Public Environment Report (PER)
The Commonwealth Government on 22 October 2009, approved with conditions the Public Environment Report (PER) for the Enlarged Cotter Dam.
The Enlarged Cotter Dam project required assessment by the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It was deemed a ‘controlled action' under this Act due to its likely impact on listed threatened species. Conditions to the approval include the regulation of environmental and downstream flows, and the management of fish species.
Click here to view the Public Environment Report.
Other approvals
There are a range of other licenses and approvals required by various parts of government including:
- Environment Protection Authority and Nature Conservation Act approvals
- Building Code Approvals
- Dam Safety Code Approvals
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Water Licensing Requirements
ACTEW has been obtaining these approvals at the appropriate steps in the construction process.
For more information contact us on (02) 6248 3111 or talktous@actew.com.au