What we're doing
Enlarged Cotter Dam takes next step in planning approval process
Construction of the Enlarged Cotter Dam officially commenced on Monday 23 November 2009.
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).
Click here to view Enlarged Cotter Dam approval documentation.
Viewing Platform
ACTEW has submitted a Development Application (DA), which would allow us to build a viewing platform and trail at the Cotter. The platform would provide opportunities for the community to watch the progress of the Cotter Dam enlargement.
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.
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.
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.
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 will be applying for these approvals at the appropriate steps in the construction process.
For more information contact us on (02) 6248 3563 or at watersecurity@actew.com.au.