Water and Energy Abstracts
Year : 2004, Volume : 14, Issue : 1
First page : ( 16) Last page : ( 17)
Print ISSN : 0021-1672.

36. Gaining Development Approval and Public Acceptance: The Basslink Project

Locher H., Scanlon A.

(Proceedings, Hydro 2003, Vol. I, Croatia, pp. 171–178).

Abstract

In 2000–01 Hydro Tasmania was a party to the most rigorous approval process for any energy development proposal seen to date in Australia. Basslink is an undersea power cable that will connect Tasmania to the mainland of Australia, thus joining Hydro Tasmania to the National Electricity Market. Hydro Tasmania was responsible for investigation of one aspect of the development, the impacts arising from projected increases in peaking operations from its major power stations, including the Gordon Power Station adjacent to Tasmania's Southwest Wilderness World Heritage Area. Increases inpeaking operations raised particular concerns for riverbank stability, riparian vegetation and instream biota downstream of the power stations. Three mitigation measures – a minimum environmental flow, a ramp-down rule, and construction of re-regulation storage – were committed to by Hydro Tasmania accompanied by a nine-year monitoring program and a commitment to Tasmania's management approach included starting investigations early (prior to release of guidelines), ensuring thorough research (drawing upon independent and nationally recognised researchers), obtaining expert reviews for critical issues, and utilising Hydro Tasmania's internal scientific expertise to ensure that research efforts were contained to the agenda. Hydro Tasmania put considerable effort at regular stages into identifying potential issues and risks and ensuring pro-active responses. The conclusion of the year-long assessment process was approval of the project, including acceptance of the scope and outcomes of the Hydro Tasmania investigations and mitigation measures.

Top

Keywords

Energy development, Peaking operations, Riparian vegetation, Identifying potential issues.

Top