Central Highlands Water addresses Goldfields Superpipe landowners’ concerns

Central Highlands Water has drawn up a document detailing its final position in relation to issues raised by the Goldfields Superpipe Landowners’ Group.

Central Highlands Water CEO Mr Neil Brennan said the document, which outlines the authority’s commitment to landowners and provides further information regarding construction on private land, was produced in direct response to landowners’ concerns.

“There have been robust discussions over the past four months with the landowners’ group regarding pipe depths, soil re-instatement, insurances, compensation and environmental management,” Mr Brennan said.

“We believe this document meets the needs of the majority of the landowners group and outlines in detail our commitment to landowners during and after the construction of the pipeline.”

Central Highlands Water commissioned highly qualified agricultural consultants to assess appropriate minimum pipe depths and to provide methods to minimise the impact of the project on landowners during and after construction.

“There have been extensive discussions and investigations regarding pipe depths, and Central Highlands Water has developed its position after expert advice to ensure landowners concerns and the authority’s interests are taken into account.

“The extra pipe depths will increase the project cost by up to $5 million. These costs form part of the contingency allowance originally outlined in the budget,” Mr Brennan said.

During the talks, insurance for landowners during and post construction and environmental concerns were also raised.

“The authority discussed issues of insurance with its insurers and has incorporated a number of topics raised by the landowners in the development of its Environment Management Plan which details how the project will be constructed in an environmentally sensitive manner.

“Central Highlands Water and its contractors have committed to meeting with individual landowners two weeks prior to commencing construction to discuss and gain a detailed understanding of individual landowner requirements and ongoing consultation will occur to ensure landowners are given every opportunity to discuss the project at length.”

The authority will provide all landowners with an easement protocol document detailing its long term commitment to the operation and management of the pipeline and related easement. This document also provides advice to landowners on their responsibilities within the easement.

Mr Brennan said the delivery of the Goldfields Superpipe in a timely and efficient manner was critical to securing Ballarat and district’s short and long-term water supply.

“The group’s approach to these discussions in not blocking the project and its commitment to seeking practical enhancements to address landowners concerns was very much appreciated.

“Through the consultation process with landowners the authority believes it has been able to address landowner concerns, which in turn has improved the overall scope of the project,” Mr Brennan said.