Sugarloaf Pipeline Project - Where Are We Now?
Where are we now?
The Sugarloaf Pipeline Project Team has been working hard in order to meet the ambitious timelines set for this project by the Victorian Government.
Unlike the usual linear process used on projects with longer timelines, the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project Team is working on a number of key activities simultaneously. Current activities include:
- Environmental Effects Statement not required
- Pipeline corridor selection process
- Constructor announced
- Landowner consultation and community engagement
Environmental Effects Statement not required
Planning Minister Justin Madden has decided that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) will not be required for the Sugarloaf Pipeline.
The Minister’s decision (PDF, 18kb) was announced on 28 December, 2007. It was made in accordance with relevant Ministerial guidelines and is consistent with decisions regarding other, similar Victorian pipelines, in not requiring an EES.
A condition of the decision was that further environmental assessments of particular elements of the project be conducted when the pipeline route is finalised and reported to an independent advisory committee in a Project Impact Assessment (PIA).
Reasons for EES decision (PDF, 26kb).
Pipeline corridor selection process
As we continue to work towards selecting an alignment for the pipeline route, we will be conducting more detailed field studies along the most likely corridors in the coming months. This will help us pick the best possible route for the pipeline by providing us with more detail about the on-the-ground realities of our preferred corridors.
Constructor announced
John Holland Group will deliver the $625 million Sugarloaf Pipeline Project, linking the Goulburn River to the Sugarloaf Reservoir. John Holland will work with Melbourne Water and existing alliance partners GHD and SKM, in the finalisation of plans for the pipeline construction, expected to begin as early as April 2008.
Media Release - Constructor Announced
Landowner consultation and community engagement
Much of the project team's work over the past two months has focused on the development of detailed environmental, heritage and planning studies and geotechnical investigations. This is being achieved with the cooperation and in consultation with affected landowners, local councils and other stakeholders.
Members of the project team have been visiting local landowners within close proximity to the current proposed pipeline corridors to provide them with further detail on progress to date and what actions are still to come.
An important part of this process is seeking approval from landowners to enter private property to collect data to support the studies that will lead us to a final pipeline route.
Where are we going?
Forthcoming activities include:
- Final pipeline corridor selection (early 2008)
- Planning and approvals decisions
- Continuing community engagement and landowner consultation
- Compensation assessments and negotiation
- Construction
- Reinstatement
With John Holland selected as the construction partner and the announcement of the Minister's decision on the Environmental Effects Statement (EES), work can progress towards determining a final pipeline corridor.
A timeline for delivering the pipeline can also be established in consultation with the state and federal governments. From there we will be meeting with individual landowners to determine the best possible route through their property.
At the same time, we will be working with an independent valuer to have them openly and transparently assess the value of impacted property, and to work in consultation with landowners to determine a fair and equitable compensation package for construction impacts and for the final easement.
Once construction begins, we pledge to continue to work closely with landowners to minimise impacts to their lives and livelihoods, and to begin reinstatement as soon as possible, and to their satisfaction.
Also see:
Contact us
For more information about the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project:
Call toll free - 1800 453 753 or contact us online.
For more information about the Food Bowl Modernisation Project:
Contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment Call Centre -136 186
For more information on The Next Stage of the Government's Water Plan:
Visit Our Water, Our Future
View the 12 month progress report