Cowarra Water Supply Scheme

See attached document

I have reviewed the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme's EIS dated 21/6/2024 and support the project for the following reasons:
1. the existing Port Macquarie Hastings LGA water supply system is projected to not reliably meet demand for potable water from about 2031-32. Hence a solution to address this critical issue is needed in the very near future.
2. the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme is the most feasible option for providing this solution because:
(1) its current projected timeline is to complete by the end of 2027 and it is expected to meet demand for at least the next 30 - 40 years
(2) plus the Scheme will be able to be implemented with an acceptable level of impact to our natural and social environments and heritage
3. I believe that the EIS has identified all the possible natural and social environmental and heritage impacts, and possible cumulative effects with other concurrent projects, and acceptably explained in Appendix D how they will be managed, both during construction and then in the ongoing operation of the Scheme

Please explain where this new water processing plant is going to receive its water supply from?
If it is to be pumped from the current supply line from the Hastings River, what other Dams are being constructed to supply fresh water to the new plant, in times of drought?
Our last drought left Council with its inability to pump water from the Hastings River due to insufficient water level at the source of pump, resulting in severe water supply restrictions placed upon all residents in the Port Macquarie LGA.

This project is needed due to existing infrastructure will not meet the population growth projections. The clear water reservoir needs to increase to a volume of 20ML, need to duplicate the existing Raw water storage and need to raise the dam wall by 10m due to population growth projections

This submission has been prepared on behalf of Mr & Mrs J & G Newton and J. Newton Construction Pty Ltd as the registered proprietors of Lot 27 DP 1281196 and Lot 86 DP 1312049 respectively and identifies site-specific potential impacts of the proposed development on that land that have not been adequately considered and addressed.

I have attached a Word document.

As a resident of the Port Macquarie area and someone with a strong interest in the well-being of our community and environment, I am writing to voice my objection to the proposed Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) as part of the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme. While I appreciate the importance of long-term water infrastructure planning, I am deeply concerned by the scope and nature of the NATM proposal and its likely impacts—particularly as key risks appear to be either underestimated or not properly addressed. I therefore object the project and suggest a far better alternative that indeed exists
________________________________________

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) component of the project. While I recognise the importance of securing our region’s water future, I believe the project—particularly in its current form—presents a range of serious environmental, social, and safety risks that have not been properly considered or communicated.

Impact of the Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) on Saint Columba Anglican School

The construction of the Cowarra WSS’s Northern-Arm Trunk Main, particularly the use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), raises significant concerns for Saint Columba Anglican School:

Noise and Vibration Impact: The HDD process is expected to produce continuous noise and vibration levels (~150 dB or higher) for an estimated 3–4 months, operating 24/7. Despite the severity of this impact, there has been inadequate assessment or communication with stakeholders, including the school, students, and parents.
Proximity to School Facilities: The drilling rig is proposed to operate within 50 metres of active classrooms. How can a high school function under these conditions? Has relocation of students or temporary cessation of classes been considered?
Lack of Transparency: The Social Impact Assessment and Noise & Vibration Assessment failed to fully evaluate the implications for the school. In addition, the community was not properly informed, and key stakeholders were not consulted.
Concealed Overlaps: A proposed school car park expansion is planned for the exact location designated for the drilling rig. This project overlap was not disclosed to regulators or the public, raising concerns about transparency.
Traffic and Safety Impacts: Restriction of current school car park areas, used for student drop-off and pick-up, will cause further disruption to school operations and community traffic flow.
Impact on the Googik Fire Trail – NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS), and the Public

The proposed NATM alignment and construction activities will obstruct key access routes, including:

NSW Rural Fire Service Access: The obstruction of the Googik Fire Trail, which is vital for emergency operations, has not been adequately addressed in the project’s amendment report or responses to public submissions.
NSW Parks and Wildlife Operations: Limited access to conservation areas and parks will impede routine management and emergency responses.
Public and Student Access: The Googik Trail is regularly used by the community, including students, for recreation and commuting. The use of heavy drilling machinery will restrict access, presenting safety hazards and disrupting community activity.
Impact of the NATM on Lake Innes Nature Reserve

The proposed NATM poses significant environmental risks to the Lake Innes Nature Reserve, a sensitive ecological area:

· Risk of Chlorinated Water Discharge: Potential leaks or failures in the trunk main could result in the discharge of chlorinated water into the reserve, adversely affecting water-dependent ecosystems. This threat is heightened by past incidents, such as the long-term leakage of untreated sewage from an existing PMHC sewer main into the reserve, which has already demonstrated the vulnerability of the area.

· Salvinia Infestation Threat: The construction corridor includes a lot to the east of the reserve known to contain Salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant species. The ecological assessments conducted by Council and GHD failed to identify or address this major biosecurity threat. Activities such as pipe storage, poly welding, large-scale pipe relocation, and vehicle movement will likely facilitate Salvinia contamination / transfer. Infestation of Lake Innes would lead to irreversible ecological degradation—a Significant Irreversible Impact (SII)—that was neither detected nor assessed / mitigated.

Failure of Council and GHD to Investigate Safer, Less Impactful Alternatives

Council and its consultant, GHD, failed to consider or assess an alternative route for the NATM along Lake Road and John Oxley Drive. This alternative:

· Would avoid impacts on Saint Columba School, the Googik Fire Trail, and Lake Innes Nature Reserve.

· Would eliminate the need for deep directional drilling through sensitive subsurface aquifers.

· Would be more cost-effective through standard trenching along existing roads.

The lack of exploration of this route reflects a failure of foresight and due diligence, prioritizing a more environmentally damaging alignment.

Major Unassessed Changes to Project Footprint

The amended NATM alignment includes over 6 km of rerouting—approximately 40% of the original proposal. Despite the scale of change, only two components of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) were updated: the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR). Other critical areas were left unassessed, including:

· Traffic and transport impacts

· Soil and contamination risks

· Aquatic ecology

· Flood hazard

· Noise and vibration

· Social impact

· Bushfire risks

· ….

It is the responsibility of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to require reassessment of these changes and ensure the public has an opportunity to respond.

Construction Method Changes and Hydrological Risks

A key construction method for the NATM at Karikeree Creek was altered from trenching to aqueduct installation. This change introduces new risks:

· Flooding due to debris accumulation under the aqueduct

· Visual intrusion requiring large-scale fencing

· Potential obstruction of natural water flow in the creek

These impacts were omitted from both the amendment report and the responses to submissions.

Concealment of Valve Locations and Associated Impacts

The locations of air-valves and scour-valves along the NATM—and the associated access roads—were not disclosed to relevant stakeholders, including:

· Transport for NSW

· NSW Parks and Wildlife Service

· Forestry Corporation NSW

· Local residents and road users

The discharge of chlorinated water from scour valves could harm downstream creeks and low-lying ecosystems, yet this risk was not properly assessed or communicated.

Overlooked Impacts South of Cowarra Dam

Trenching works for installation of optic fibre and conduits (approx. 1.6 km) south of Cowarra Dam—linking the Cowarra Pump Station and the future Water Treatment Plant—were omitted from the EIS. No assessment was conducted for:

· Environmental and ecological impact

· Erosion and sedimentation risks to Port Macquarie’s water source

· Cultural heritage implications

It is unacceptable that such a major component of the project was neither surveyed nor reported.

Inadequate Assessment of Vegetation Clearing and APZ Extension

As part of the project amendment, the Asset Protection Zone (APZ) was extended to the Cowarra access road. However:

· Associated vegetation clearing credits were not accounted for.

· The area includes critical koala habitat and supports diverse avian species.

· GHD misleadingly labelled the extended APZ as having "no impact." APZ require ongoing clearing and maintenance and ongoing and perpetual impact on environment, extension of APZ is not “Zero Impact”.

· Social impact assessment and visual impact due to extra clearing were not reassessed (Incorrect assessment)

Furthermore, the Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) was deferred until post-approval—a procedural failure that prevents a meaningful assessment of ecological impacts.



Summary of Key Concerns

In light of the newly identified issues, the concerns regarding the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme and its Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) are broader and more severe than previously reported. These include:

· Unassessed ecological risks to Lake Innes Nature Reserve, including potential chlorine contamination and Salvinia infestation.

· Omission of alternative routes that would significantly reduce community and environmental impacts.

· Unassessed changes to project footprint and methodology, affecting over 6 km of the pipeline.

· Neglect of entire project components, such as optic fibre trenching works near Cowarra Dam.

· Lack of transparency and community consultation regarding key infrastructure components, including air-valve locations and clearing of sensitive habitats.

· Failure to comply with EIS standards, such as submitting complete vegetation and sediment management plans pre-approval.

Request to DPHI

Given these substantial omissions and the major modifications to the project's footprint and environmental impact since the original EIS submission, we respectfully request the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to:

1. Require Council to undertake all missing assessments and revise the EIS accordingly.

2. Extend the time for public exhibition

Yours sincerely,
Mary Smith

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) component of the project. While I recognise the importance of securing our region’s water future, I believe the project—particularly in its current form—presents a range of serious environmental, social, and safety risks that have not been properly considered or communicated.

Impact of the Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) on Saint Columba Anglican School

The construction of the Cowarra WSS’s Northern-Arm Trunk Main, particularly the use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), raises significant concerns for Saint Columba Anglican School:

Noise and Vibration Impact: The HDD process is expected to produce continuous noise and vibration levels (~150 dB or higher) for an estimated 3–4 months, operating 24/7. Despite the severity of this impact, there has been inadequate assessment or communication with stakeholders, including the school, students, and parents.
Proximity to School Facilities: The drilling rig is proposed to operate within 50 metres of active classrooms. How can a high school function under these conditions? Has relocation of students or temporary cessation of classes been considered?
Lack of Transparency: The Social Impact Assessment and Noise & Vibration Assessment failed to fully evaluate the implications for the school. In addition, the community was not properly informed, and key stakeholders were not consulted.
Concealed Overlaps: A proposed school car park expansion is planned for the exact location designated for the drilling rig. This project overlap was not disclosed to regulators or the public, raising concerns about transparency.
Traffic and Safety Impacts: Restriction of current school car park areas, used for student drop-off and pick-up, will cause further disruption to school operations and community traffic flow.
Impact on the Googik Fire Trail – NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS), and the Public

The proposed NATM alignment and construction activities will obstruct key access routes, including:

NSW Rural Fire Service Access: The obstruction of the Googik Fire Trail, which is vital for emergency operations, has not been adequately addressed in the project’s amendment report or responses to public submissions.
NSW Parks and Wildlife Operations: Limited access to conservation areas and parks will impede routine management and emergency responses.
Public and Student Access: The Googik Trail is regularly used by the community, including students, for recreation and commuting. The use of heavy drilling machinery will restrict access, presenting safety hazards and disrupting community activity.
Impact of the NATM on Lake Innes Nature Reserve

The proposed NATM poses significant environmental risks to the Lake Innes Nature Reserve, a sensitive ecological area:

· Risk of Chlorinated Water Discharge: Potential leaks or failures in the trunk main could result in the discharge of chlorinated water into the reserve, adversely affecting water-dependent ecosystems. This threat is heightened by past incidents, such as the long-term leakage of untreated sewage from an existing PMHC sewer main into the reserve, which has already demonstrated the vulnerability of the area.

· Salvinia Infestation Threat: The construction corridor includes a lot to the east of the reserve known to contain Salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant species. The ecological assessments conducted by Council and GHD failed to identify or address this major biosecurity threat. Activities such as pipe storage, poly welding, large-scale pipe relocation, and vehicle movement will likely facilitate Salvinia contamination / transfer. Infestation of Lake Innes would lead to irreversible ecological degradation—a Significant Irreversible Impact (SII)—that was neither detected nor assessed / mitigated.

Failure of Council and GHD to Investigate Safer, Less Impactful Alternatives

Council and its consultant, GHD, failed to consider or assess an alternative route for the NATM along Lake Road and John Oxley Drive. This alternative:

· Would avoid impacts on Saint Columba School, the Googik Fire Trail, and Lake Innes Nature Reserve.

· Would eliminate the need for deep directional drilling through sensitive subsurface aquifers.

· Would be more cost-effective through standard trenching along existing roads.

The lack of exploration of this route reflects a failure of foresight and due diligence, prioritizing a more environmentally damaging alignment.

Major Unassessed Changes to Project Footprint

The amended NATM alignment includes over 6 km of rerouting—approximately 40% of the original proposal. Despite the scale of change, only two components of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) were updated: the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR). Other critical areas were left unassessed, including:

· Traffic and transport impacts

· Soil and contamination risks

· Aquatic ecology

· Flood hazard

· Noise and vibration

· Social impact

· Bushfire risks

· ….

It is the responsibility of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to require reassessment of these changes and ensure the public has an opportunity to respond.

Construction Method Changes and Hydrological Risks

A key construction method for the NATM at Karikeree Creek was altered from trenching to aqueduct installation. This change introduces new risks:

· Flooding due to debris accumulation under the aqueduct

· Visual intrusion requiring large-scale fencing

· Potential obstruction of natural water flow in the creek

These impacts were omitted from both the amendment report and the responses to submissions.

Concealment of Valve Locations and Associated Impacts

The locations of air-valves and scour-valves along the NATM—and the associated access roads—were not disclosed to relevant stakeholders, including:

· Transport for NSW

· NSW Parks and Wildlife Service

· Forestry Corporation NSW

· Local residents and road users

The discharge of chlorinated water from scour valves could harm downstream creeks and low-lying ecosystems, yet this risk was not properly assessed or communicated.

Overlooked Impacts South of Cowarra Dam

Trenching works for installation of optic fibre and conduits (approx. 1.6 km) south of Cowarra Dam—linking the Cowarra Pump Station and the future Water Treatment Plant—were omitted from the EIS. No assessment was conducted for:

· Environmental and ecological impact

· Erosion and sedimentation risks to Port Macquarie’s water source

· Cultural heritage implications

It is unacceptable that such a major component of the project was neither surveyed nor reported.

Inadequate Assessment of Vegetation Clearing and APZ Extension

As part of the project amendment, the Asset Protection Zone (APZ) was extended to the Cowarra access road. However:

· Associated vegetation clearing credits were not accounted for.

· The area includes critical koala habitat and supports diverse avian species.

· GHD misleadingly labelled the extended APZ as having "no impact." APZ require ongoing clearing and maintenance and ongoing and perpetual impact on environment, extension of APZ is not “Zero Impact”.

· Social impact assessment and visual impact due to extra clearing were not reassessed (Incorrect assessment)

Furthermore, the Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) was deferred until post-approval—a procedural failure that prevents a meaningful assessment of ecological impacts.



Summary of Key Concerns

In light of the newly identified issues, the concerns regarding the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme and its Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) are broader and more severe than previously reported. These include:

· Unassessed ecological risks to Lake Innes Nature Reserve, including potential chlorine contamination and Salvinia infestation.

· Omission of alternative routes that would significantly reduce community and environmental impacts.

· Unassessed changes to project footprint and methodology, affecting over 6 km of the pipeline.

· Neglect of entire project components, such as optic fibre trenching works near Cowarra Dam.

· Lack of transparency and community consultation regarding key infrastructure components, including air-valve locations and clearing of sensitive habitats.

· Failure to comply with EIS standards, such as submitting complete vegetation and sediment management plans pre-approval.

Request to DPHI

Given these substantial omissions and the major modifications to the project's footprint and environmental impact since the original EIS submission, we respectfully request the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to:

1. Require Council to undertake all missing assessments and revise the EIS accordingly.

2. Extend the time for public exhibition

Yours sincerely,
Hugh Smith

1
I have strongly objected to the Thrumpster waste water scheme and believe that both projects are dependant upon eachother
My objections therefore mostly relate to the wastewater facility see attached

2
Other issues are the impact to Saint Columba Anglican school students and surrounds regarding noise and vibration of drilling and access to car parks drop offs for our students - how long this will continue for and how we will keep the children safe and permit study in this disruptive environment
3
I believe that the corowa dam presinct has known naturally containing asbestos. This I believe will be used as fill for the proposed Thrumster Waste water project
This I believe will lead to asbestos contamination to the Thrumster wetland and bore water and this asbestos dust and contamination will affect the nearby residents
4
What are the risks if chlorine leaks in the trunk main discharging chlorinated water into the Lake Innes Nature Reserve and adversley affecting the water dependant ecosystems

Thank you for accepting my objection to this project
1/ Proximal to St Columba Anglican School - the drillling rig proposed will be 50m from the school operating 24 hours per day for 3-4 months. How can the noise and vibration allow the school to function in a meaningful way. Also there will be safety issues and further traffic congestion to an already congested area
How will children who ride and walk on the Googik track daily get to school, is there an alternative for these children that doesnt increase the traffic congestion?
2/ this project overlaps with the Thrumster waste water scheme. I believe the site of the Cowarra water scheme contains a naturally occurring asbestos deposit. Will this asbestos contaminate our drinking water and will the dust containing asbestos contaiminate neighbouring properties?
Thank you
Debra King

Impact of the Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) on Saint Columba Anglican School
The construction of the Cowarra WSS’s Northern-Arm Trunk Main, particularly the use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), raises significant concerns for Saint Columba Anglican School:
• Noise and Vibration Impact: The HDD process is expected to produce continuous noise and vibration levels (~150 dB or higher) for an estimated 3–4 months, operating 24/7. Despite the severity of this impact, there has been inadequate assessment or communication with stakeholders, including the school, students, and parents.
• Proximity to School Facilities: The drilling rig is proposed to operate within 50 metres of active classrooms. How can a high school function under these conditions? Has relocation of students or temporary cessation of classes been considered?
• Lack of Transparency: The Social Impact Assessment and Noise & Vibration Assessment failed to fully evaluate the implications for the school. In addition, the community was not properly informed, and key stakeholders were not consulted.
• Concealed Overlaps: A proposed school car park expansion is planned for the exact location designated for the drilling rig. This project overlap was not disclosed to regulators or the public, raising concerns about transparency.
• Traffic and Safety Impacts: Restriction of current school car park areas, used for student drop-off and pick-up, will cause further disruption to school operations and community traffic flow.
________________________________________
Impact on the Googik Fire Trail – NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS), and the Public
The proposed NATM alignment and construction activities will obstruct key access routes, including:
• NSW Rural Fire Service Access: The obstruction of the Googik Fire Trail, which is vital for emergency operations, has not been adequately addressed in the project’s amendment report or responses to public submissions.
• NSW Parks and Wildlife Operations: Limited access to conservation areas and parks will impede routine management and emergency responses.
• Public and Student Access: The Googik Trail is regularly used by the community, including students, for recreation and commuting. The use of heavy drilling machinery will restrict access, presenting safety hazards and disrupting community activity.
________________________________________
Impact of the NATM on Lake Innes Nature Reserve
The proposed NATM poses significant environmental risks to the Lake Innes Nature Reserve, a sensitive ecological area:
• Risk of Chlorinated Water Discharge: Potential leaks or failures in the trunk main could result in the discharge of chlorinated water into the reserve, adversely affecting water-dependent ecosystems. This threat is heightened by past incidents, such as the long-term leakage of untreated sewage from an existing PMHC sewer main into the reserve, which has already demonstrated the vulnerability of the area.
• Salvinia Infestation Threat: The construction corridor includes a lot to the east of the reserve known to contain Salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant species. The ecological assessments conducted by Council and GHD failed to identify or address this major biosecurity threat. Activities such as pipe storage, poly welding, large-scale pipe relocation, and vehicle movement will likely facilitate Salvinia contamination / transfer. Infestation of Lake Innes would lead to irreversible ecological degradation—a Significant Irreversible Impact (SII)—that was neither detected nor assessed / mitigated.
________________________________________
Failure of Council and GHD to Investigate Safer, Less Impactful Alternatives
Council and its consultant, GHD, failed to consider or assess an alternative route for the NATM along Lake Road and John Oxley Drive. This alternative:
• Would avoid impacts on Saint Columba School, the Googik Fire Trail, and Lake Innes Nature Reserve.
• Would eliminate the need for deep directional drilling through sensitive subsurface aquifers.
• Would be more cost-effective through standard trenching along existing roads.
The lack of exploration of this route reflects a failure of foresight and due diligence, prioritizing a more environmentally damaging alignment.
________________________________________
Major Unassessed Changes to Project Footprint
The amended NATM alignment includes over 6 km of rerouting—approximately 40% of the original proposal. Despite the scale of change, only two components of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) were updated: the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR). Other critical areas were left unassessed, including:
• Traffic and transport impacts
• Soil and contamination risks
• Aquatic ecology
• Flood hazard
• Noise and vibration
• Social impact
• Bushfire risks
• ….
It is the responsibility of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to require reassessment of these changes and ensure the public has an opportunity to respond.
________________________________________
Construction Method Changes and Hydrological Risks
A key construction method for the NATM at Karikeree Creek was altered from trenching to aqueduct installation. This change introduces new risks:
• Flooding due to debris accumulation under the aqueduct
• Visual intrusion requiring large-scale fencing
• Potential obstruction of natural water flow in the creek
These impacts were omitted from both the amendment report and the responses to submissions.
________________________________________
Concealment of Valve Locations and Associated Impacts
The locations of air-valves and scour-valves along the NATM—and the associated access roads—were not disclosed to relevant stakeholders, including:
• Transport for NSW
• NSW Parks and Wildlife Service
• Forestry Corporation NSW
• Local residents and road users
The discharge of chlorinated water from scour valves could harm downstream creeks and low-lying ecosystems, yet this risk was not properly assessed or communicated.
________________________________________
Overlooked Impacts South of Cowarra Dam
Trenching works for installation of optic fibre and conduits (approx. 1.6 km) south of Cowarra Dam—linking the Cowarra Pump Station and the future Water Treatment Plant—were omitted from the EIS. No assessment was conducted for:
• Environmental and ecological impact
• Erosion and sedimentation risks to Port Macquarie’s water source
• Cultural heritage implications
It is unacceptable that such a major component of the project was neither surveyed nor reported.
________________________________________
Inadequate Assessment of Vegetation Clearing and APZ Extension
As part of the project amendment, the Asset Protection Zone (APZ) was extended to the Cowarra access road. However:
• Associated vegetation clearing credits were not accounted for.
• The area includes critical koala habitat and supports diverse avian species.
• GHD misleadingly labelled the extended APZ as having "no impact." APZ require ongoing clearing and maintenance and ongoing and perpetual impact on environment, extension of APZ is not “Zero Impact”.
• Social impact assessment and visual impact due to extra clearing were not reassessed (Incorrect assessment)
Furthermore, the Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) was deferred until post-approval—a procedural failure that prevents a meaningful assessment of ecological impacts.
________________________________________

Summary of Key Concerns
In light of the newly identified issues, the concerns regarding the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme and its Northern-Arm Trunk Main (NATM) are broader and more severe than previously reported. These include:
• Unassessed ecological risks to Lake Innes Nature Reserve, including potential chlorine contamination and Salvinia infestation.
• Omission of alternative routes that would significantly reduce community and environmental impacts.
• Unassessed changes to project footprint and methodology, affecting over 6 km of the pipeline.
• Neglect of entire project components, such as optic fibre trenching works near Cowarra Dam.
• Lack of transparency and community consultation regarding key infrastructure components, including air-valve locations and clearing of sensitive habitats.
• Failure to comply with EIS standards, such as submitting complete vegetation and sediment management plans pre-approval.
Request to DPHI
Given these substantial omissions and the major modifications to the project's footprint and environmental impact since the original EIS submission, we respectfully request the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to:
1. Require Council to undertake all missing assessments and revise the EIS accordingly.
2. Publicly exhibit the amended project plans, so that the community has a fair and informed opportunity to provide feedback on this State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) project with far-reaching environmental and social implications.