FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is Hinze Dam Stage 3?
- When will the Stage 3 project finish?
- How will boating, fishing, and general recreation activities be affected during construction and for how long?
- Will water supply be affected during construction?
- I understand Advancetown Road will be used as the primary access road for construction of the dam expansion. How will the Hinze Dam Alliance manage impacts associated with increased traffic volumes?
- Will Advancetown Road be upgraded to cope with the change in vehicle types using the road?
- How will increased noise levels be managed during construction activity?
- What will be done to ensure dust levels during construction are minimised?
- What happens if damage to houses occurs during construction as a result of blasting and ground vibration?
- Why is an Alliance the preferred approach to deliver the project?
- How will the Stage 3 project help with flood mitigation?
- Why do we need water supply if desalination and the Wivenhoe pipeline are being progressed?
- Why are development approvals needed for the dam?
- Has a formal consultation process been undertaken?
- What has happened with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Supplementary Report?
- How can I find out more about the HDS3 project?
The Hinze Dam Stage 3 project aims to reduce flooding in the lower Nerang River catchment, increase water supply to Hinze Dam to 225 million litres per day, and ensure the dam complies with new safety standards and guidelines.
In December 2003 the Nerang River Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee recommended that Council raise the Hinze Dam as the preferred physical flood mitigation option for the Nerang River Catchment.
Following this decision, Council expanded the scope of the project in November 2004 to include additional water storage, in line with Gold Coast Waterfuture project recommendations.
As a consequence, the project will reduce the number of existing properties affected in the Nerang River catchment in a one in 100 year flood by providing additional flood storage capacity.
The project will make the Hinze Dam compliant with State Government changes to dam infrastructure legislation that was passed in 2001, to ensure that the dam maintains its integrity even under the most extreme flood conditions that could reasonably be expected to occur in the dam catchment.
The Stage 3 project will be delivered by the Hinze Dam Alliance comprising Gold Coast City Council, Sinclair Knight Merz, Thiess Pty Ltd and URS.
2. When will the Stage 3 project finish?The Hinze Dam Alliance is currently on track to deliver a safe flood management solution and increased water storage for the Gold Coast Community by late 2010. Early site preparation work began in late 2007. Construction commenced in January 2008.
3. How will boating, fishing and general recreation activities be affected during construction and for how long?During early site preparation and construction activity, access to recreation activities that fall within the construction zone near the dam wall will be closed.
Due to this partial dam closure, it is necessary to restrict certain activities that fall within the construction zone, including:
- picnicking near the dam wall
- mountain biking
- walking, horse riding or cycling near the dam wall
- launching boats from boat ramps near the dam wall
- events such as rowing and dragon boat racing
Activities that occur at the upper reaches of the dam, such as horse riding, walking and mountain biking will remain unaffected by construction activities except near the upper intake tower while it is being raised.
The upper reaches of Hinze Dam will also remain open to water-based activities throughout construction. Due to the boat access closure at the lower end of the dam however, the Alliance will upgrade a boat access located on the upper eastern arms of the dam and construct a new boat ramp on the western reach of the dam during 2008.
Boating and fishing activities will remain open from facilities at the upper reaches of the Hinze Dam, accessible via Nerang-Murwillumbah Road (western reach) and Little Nerang Road (eastern reach) during construction.
4. Will water supply be affected during construction?No. The Stage 3 project will be undertaken in such a way as to mitigate against any impact on water supply. Most construction works on the dam wall will affect only the outer wall (away from the water).
Maximising the benefits of the Stage 3 project and minimising impacts that may occur during construction is a key priority for the Hinze Dam Alliance.
5. I understand Advancetown Road will be used as the primary access road for construction of the dam expansion. How will the Hinze Dam Alliance manage impacts associated with increased traffic volumes?Detailed traffic assessments have been conducted to ensure that any potential impacts are recognised and mitigated where possible and Advancetown Road residents have been and will continue to be consulted on an ongoing basis to ensure safety and accessibility on the road remains. As such, a series of measures will be implemented to ensure impacts from increased traffic volumes are minimised.
Mitigation measures include:
- a maximum speed limit along Advancetown Road for vehicles during the construction phase of the Hinze Dam expansion
- Advancetown Road will be open for construction and local traffic movements only. Public access will not be permitted thus decreasing the overall daily traffic volumes.
Although traffic movements at certain times of the day (morning and peak hour) will be higher than normal, the overall daily traffic volumes and noise on Advancetown Road is expected to reduce as result of the construction works.
6. Will Advancetown Road be upgraded to cope with the change in vehicle types using the road?To mitigate the increased use Advancetown Road is currently undergoing road works which include:
- improving road geometry
- installation of a pedestrian footpath
- improving road safety
The Hinze Dam Alliance is committed to managing any impacts on surrounding residents during the construction phase of the Hinze Dam expansion when and if they arise. Noise mitigation measures include:
- limiting heavy vehicle movements to the project construction hours during the daytime. This is expected to provide an acceptable level of noise amenity during the quieter evening and night time hours
- constructing haul roads for the even running of construction vehicles to avoid significant gear changes and braking (40km/hr advisory signage will also be placed along Advancetown Road)
- adopting a voluntary construction noise level goal aimed at assisting with the management of noise. The target has been set to allow normal conversation and daily activities to occur inside dwellings during construction works
- coordinating deliveries to site for the same time each day during the mid to late morning period to minimise the spread of vehicle movements
The Hinze Dam Alliance monitors dust to ensure the project operates within strict guidelines and maintain the health of near neighbours, the surrounding environment and the on-site workers.
Dust levels were measured prior to construction, using an air sampler, and these normal levels will be compared to any emissions generated by typical activities and construction traffic.
Recycled water is used preferentially for dust suppression during construction. The Hinze Dam Alliance is also assessing other water saving management measures such as the use of dust suppressants to reduce water wastage. Any feedback regarding potable water tank conditions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
9. What happens if damage to houses occurs during construction as a result of blasting and ground vibration?Damage to houses due to blasting activity is not expected. Structural condition surveys have been undertaken as a precautionary measure to assess and record pre-blast conditions of properties within one kilometre of any blasting activity.
Residents and business owners were able to request a building condition survey to be completed on properties outside the one kilometre radius and any structural changes reported during/post blasting will be compared to the pre-blasting assessment surveys.
The Hinze Dam Alliance is committed to managing any impacts on surrounding residents during the construction phase of the Hinze Dam expansion when and if they arise. Blasting is necessary to produce the material required for the raising of the dam wall.
10. Why is an Alliance the preferred approach to deliver the project?An Alliance is an incentive driven approach to project development based on close co-operation between all project participants. Performance of Alliance-based project teams to date has proven to be an effective and flexible means of delivering high quality infrastructure projects. This approach will provide the best opportunity to achieve the desired outcomes for the delivery of the project in its entirety. The Hinze Dam Alliance currently comprises of Sinclair Knight Merz, Thiess Pty Ltd and URS.
11. How will the Stage 3 project help with flood mitigation?The Stage 3 works on the spillway allows flood mitigation to occur by delaying the release of floodwater into the lower reaches of the floodplain by raising the dam wall and temporarily storing a greater volume of water. The new dam design will also incorporate a new spillway, designed to reduce the flow of water from the dam during large rainfall events.
By reducing the rate floodwater is released from the dam, peak flood levels and damage in the lower catchment can be reduced.
12. Why do we need water supply if desalination and the Wivenhoe pipeline are being progressed?Raising the dam wall for additional water storage is a key component of the Gold Coast Waterfuture Strategy (2006 - 2056), a blueprint for sustaining the City's water resources over the next 50 years.
A diverse range of water sources are required to best meet the city's future water needs. The Gold Coast population is estimated to reach around 1.2 million people by 2056, requiring an estimated 465 million litres of water per day. This level of consumption will be approximately double that of today's population of 504,000.
13. Why are development approvals needed for the dam?The Hinze Dam Alliance is required to obtain a number of approvals from both the Australian and Queensland Governments. The approvals process is designed to ensure that all relevant considerations, which could impact on the community, including environmental protection, are factored into the project.
Legislation and the approval process apply equally to government and the private sector. The approval process allows all relevant government agencies to understand the project and provide appropriate responses and approvals for project delivery.
14. Has a formal consultation process been undertaken?Yes. A formal consultation process has taken place as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment, addressing social, economic and environmental issues of interest to stakeholders and the broader community.
A Community Advisory Committee was also formed to facilitate community input into the project during the planning phase.
Consultation with relevant stakeholders will be ongoing throughout the project and people are encouraged to contact the Hinze Dam Alliance with any concerns.
For more information on the project or to raise any concerns, FreeCall 1800 993 413 or click on the related links below.
15. What has happened with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Supplementary Report?The initial EIS report was prepared in accordance with Terms of Reference (TOR) issued by the Coordinator-General.
Over 30 written submissions were received on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) during the public comment period between June and July 2007.
Each submission provided valuable feedback and assisted the Alliance to address issues raised in the EIS Supplementary Report. The purpose of the EIS Supplementary Report is to:
- provide comments and clarification on the EIS
- summarise EIS submissions and provide technical responses to any issues raised
- provide recommendations to the Coordinator-General in relation to the Hinze Dam Stage 3 project
The EIS Supplementary Report was prepared and submitted for approval by State and Federal Government agencies.
The Supplementary EIS Report was approved prior to site preparation works beginning at Hinze Dam in October 2007.
You can download your copy of the EIS Supplementary Report through our Publications page.
We encourage members of the community to contact the Hinze Dam Alliance via:
- Phone: 1800 993 413 (FreeCall)
- Email: info@hinzedamalliance.com.au
- Web: www.hinzedamstage3.com
