FAQs
What is the project?
The Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer involves transferring 100 megalitres of water per day from the Murrumbidgee River through a 12 kilometre underground pipeline to Burra Creek in NSW. The water will then flow approximately 13 kilometres along Burra Creek into Googong Reservoir.
The following map demonstrates the pipeline route through the ACT and NSW.
Click here to view larger version.
Why was this project chosen?
The key challenge is to build additional water supply assets that can cope with reduced long term inflows into our dams and longer, more frequent droughts, without having to impose high-level water restrictions for extended periods. The continuing risk to water supply security for the region over the long term is confirmed by climate change studies conducted by CSIRO and the medium and long term outlook (i.e. beyond 2030) for water supply suggests a further decline to inflows.
The Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer is a component of a portfolio of water supply options being implemented and was chosen from a range of options as it will:
What is the impact on private properties?
ACTEW is committed to minimising the impact of construction on the community, particularly for people whose properties lie in the pipeline corridor. We are working closely with affected landowners to manage access, identify individual property requirements/issues and to complete Property Interaction Plans. We will continue to work closely with the local Burra and Williamsdale communities throughout the construction and operation of the project.
Prior to construction commencing on or near any property likely to be impacted, a Property Interaction Plan (PIP) will be completed. The completed plan will include detailed landscape reinstatement and construction plans. The Land and Compliance Manager together with the Construction Manager will:
-
meet with landowners and residents who will be impacted during construction and remediation works and make detailed notes on a range of issues such as access, future development plan, areas of significance, identify any health and safety concerns which may arise during construction, and any impact on stock, pets and children;
-
take photos/video of significant objects and places identified;
-
facilitate dilapidation surveys of property if required;
-
document all details and provide a formal copy to the resident which outlines the agreement reached and details of dates of construction.
How is the community being kept informed of progress and potential impacts during construction?
A detailed community information plan will ensure that the local community is notified of any construction impacts such as noise, dust and traffic delays before they occur. The team will ensure the community is aware of the construction schedule and will be available to address any issues.
For information, project updates, to provide feedback or register any complaints please call (02) 6248 3563, or for urgent matters phone 1800 211 242 (24 hours). Written feedback can be provided to Water Security Projects by email watersecurity@actew.com.au or by post at GPO Box 366, Canberra ACT 2601.
Who has approved this project?
To meet environmental requirements of the ACT, NSW and Commonwealth, ACTEW prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Preferred Project Report, Development Application (DA) and Public Environment Report (PER). These documents were finalised in response to issues raised by the community.
-
The project is a "critical infrastructure project" under Section 75 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the NSW Minister for Planning approved the project in April 2010 (more information on this is at
www.planning.nsw.gov.au).
-
In May 2010, the EIS was considered complete by the ACT Minister for Planning. The ACT Planning and Land Authority then approved the DA in August 2010.
-
The final PER was lodged with the Commonwealth in June 2010 after the draft was revised in line with public comments. Commonwealth approval was subsequently granted on 29 October 2010. The approval was granted by Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Hon Tony Burke, MP. Click here for ACTEW's media release.
The approvals are subject to a number of conditions being met. Copies of all approval documentation are available here.
How will ACTEW protect the environment?
ACTEW is committed to meeting conditions of government approval and is working with the community, local environment groups and agencies to ensure a high standard of environmental management for the construction and operation of the project.
Comprehensive investigations have been undertaken and environmental assessments prepared to assess potential environmental impacts. These include specialist assessments of hydrology, ecology, heritage, soils and groundwater, landscape and visual amenity, noise and vibration, climate, green house gas, social, traffic, transport and health. The environmental assessment concluded that with appropriate mitigation measures applied there are unlikely to be any significant residual impacts as a result of the project.
Comprehensive construction environmental management plans, rehabilitation and monitoring plans have been prepared and endorsed by ACT, NSW and Commonwealth agencies and will be implemented throughout the life of the project. You can read the complete reports of all environmental assessments here
ACTEW will develop an adaptive management program to monitor and improve the health of the Murrumbidgee River and Burra Creek. The monitoring program will be based on ACTEW's successful Cotter catchment monitoring over the last 10 years. It will support other ecological management projects, such as ACTEW's source water protection program.
We are also building a mini-hydro electricity generator (located within the Burra Creek discharge structure upstream of the Williamsdale and Burra Road junction) to recover the energy required to transfer the water and reduce associated operating costs.
Heritage program
ACTEW is undertaking a cultural heritage mitigation program and pre-construction surveys are commencing to ensure valuable cultural heritage is recorded and protected during and after construction.
Flora and fauna
ACTEW is commited to protecting the environment and has commenced weed spraying and surveys to identify sensitive flora and fauna habitat. A management plan is in place for the protection of the Box Gum Grassy Woodland, Pink-tailed Worm Lizard, Trout Cod, Macquarie Perch and Swainsona Recta (Purple Pea).