Opr rail Development Public Environmental Review

 
OPR Rail Development 
Public Environmental Review 
 
 
 
 
 
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Organisation 
Date(s) 
April 2010 Heritage Surveys for feasibility works 
Naaguja Peoples 
Ongoing, including heritage protocol and negotiation framework meetings. 
September 2009 Heritage Protocol and Negotiation Framework Agreement 
Signing 
February and April 2010 Heritage Surveys for feasibility works 
Wajarri Yamatji 
Ongoing, including meetings in April, May and August 2009 
Amangu People 
Ongoing, including heritage protocol and negotiation framework meetings. 
September 2009 Heritage Protocol Signing 
February and April 2010 Heritage Surveys for feasibility works 
 
Conservation Council 
Pending 
Wildflower Society 
Meeting in June 2010 
World Wildlife Fund – Australia 
Pending 
Professional / Industry 
Mid-West Chamber of Commerce and Industry 
Meeting in October 2009 and May 2010 
SIA consultation in July 2009 
Attendance at SIA Workshop in October 2009 
GIOA 
Community briefing in June 2009 
SIA consultation in July 2009 
Regional Service Providers including training 
and employment providers 
SIA consultation in July 2009 
Attendance at SIA workshops in October 2009 
Health Services Providers 
SIA consultation in July 2009 and May and June 2010 
Attendance at SIA workshops in October 2009 
Geraldton Property Team 
Meeting in July 2009 and May and June 2010 
SIA consultation in July 2009 
Attendance at SIA workshops in October 2009 
Chamber of Mineral and Energy WA 
September 2009 Regional Council Meeting 
Customers  
Ongoing, including meetings with Sinosteel Midwest Corporation, 
Crosslands Resources, Karara Mining/Gindalbie Metals, Golden West 
Resources, Cliffs Natural Resources, Cashmere Iron, Extension Hill, 
Ferrowest, Emergent Resources, Giralia and Royal Resources. 
Media 
Main-stream WA and Mid-West media 
(including Yamatji News, Geraldton Guardian, 
Mid-West Times, Radio MAMA (Mid-West 
Aboriginal Media Association), Shire 
publications, WA Business News, The West 
Australian, GWN TV, ABC Radio, Batavia 
Coast FM) 
Ongoing, including March 2009 Media Conference and June and November 
2009 Media site tour. 
Others 
Farmers Federation 
Meeting in October 2009 
Landholders Ongoing 
consultation regarding land access 
OPR Reputation Survey (300 people in 
Geraldton Greenough and WA’s Mid-West) 
August 2009 
Interested parties 
OPR sundowner in February 2010 
 
 
 

 
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6.3 ISSUES RAISED 
Issues  of  interest  to  stakeholders  and  the  community  were  categorised  into  themes,  based  on  an 
analysis of the OPR stakeholder engagement register (from May 2005 to present), information from 
the  Chapman  Valley  Coastal  Management  Strategy  (developed  in  2007)  and  SIA  investigations 
undertaken for OPR (by Coakes Consulting and Environmental Resources Management in 2009).  
The social profiling entailed the review of secondary data and interviews with local members of each 
of the affected municipal Councils relating specifically to the Proposal.  Although the specific issues 
varied between the communities, all cited a need for a greater focus on the attraction and retention 
of  a  skilled  workforce  within  their  municipal  district,  as  well  as  strategies  to  assist  in  addressing 
alcohol and substance abuse (Coakes Consulting, 2008, Reputation Survey, 2008/09). 
Stakeholder  comments  relating  to  environmental  impacts  associated  with  the  Proposal  are 
summarised  in  Table  6‐3.    A  summary  response  to  each  item  is  provided,  with  a  reference  to  the 
section of this document which addresses the comment in more detail.  Responses to these concerns 
will also be raised in future stakeholder engagements (refer to Section 6.4). 
 
 
Figure 6‐2  Stakeholder themes
 
 
 
Use of predominantly Fly in Fly out workforce
Medium 
High 
Low 
Ranking 
Local employment and training (especially for indigenous/Cray fishers)
Infrastructure development – power, water, roads
Housing – impacts of construction and residential workforce 
Stimulus to local business – local content, compensation for fishers 
Recreation / Tourism – loss of windsurfing/fishing
Service provision (health, education)
Indigenous training and employment
Planning with local agencies
Community development opp
Emissions – visual, dust, noise
Altered coastal processes

 
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Table 6‐3  Summary of stakeholder interests   
Stakeholder concern 
Stakeholder 
Response 
PER 
Section  
Potential impact on surface 
water flows, particularly in 
areas where vegetation is 
dependent on sheetflow.  
Farmers / 
Landholders 
Surface hydrology assessments have been conducted 
along the Study Area. In addition potential sheetflow 
dependent vegetation has been mapped. Engineering 
design including the location of bridges and culverts 
will maintain the existing natural environmental flows. 
7.5 
Salinity
 
State 
Government 
The Proposal is not expected to cause any significant 
salinity impacts due to the long linear nature of the 
proposed clearing 
7.2 
Potential groundwater 
overuse, water sources 
(desalination, groundwater) 
State 
Government 
OPR is investigating groundwater availability along the 
Study Area and abstraction will be licensed by DoW 
pursuant to the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 
(RIWI Act). Other potential sources include dewatering 
of ballast quarries or the OPR desalination plant (for 
western sections (desalination plant does not form part 
of this Proposal)). 
7.6 
Systemic planning of regional 
water use  
Farmers / 
Landholders, 
Community 
The water source for the Proposal will be from 
groundwater bores and potentially dewatering of 
ballast quarries or the OPR desalination plant (for 
western sections (desalination plant does not form part 
of this Proposal)).  At present it is expected that there 
will not be excess groundwater pumped for 
landowners, however this may be negotiated on a 
case by case basis.  Also negotiations may occur over 
access to water sources already developed by the 
landowner if required. 
7.6 
Disruption of the natural 
variation in flora/SREs 
State 
Government 
Planning of land disturbance locations has minimised 
the impact to significant flora species and short range 
endemic (SRE) habitat.  
7.2, 7.3 
Potential to ruin pristine areas 
and bushlands 
Community 
The Proposal will result in the clearing of 
approximately 6000 ha of native vegetation, however 
the Proposal been designed to avoid significant 
vegetation and flora where practicable.
 
7.2 
Weed control; concerns about 
introducing weeds to areas 
that currently do not have 
them (e.g.: Patterson’s curse) 
via soil movement. 
State 
Government 
Weed hygiene will be enforced on site.  Topsoil 
movement will be managed to ensure that weed seeds 
are not transported into previously unaffected areas.  
Vehicles will also be washed to ensure seeds are not 
transported via tyres or undercarriage.  
7.2 
Potential for ores such as 
uranium being exported 
through the port 
Community 
 
The Proposal will service operating and proposed 
mining operations within the Mid-West Region.  Future 
mining operations that may use Proposal infrastructure 
will need to obtain all relevant environmental and other 
approvals prior to development. 
1.5.5 
Indigenous cultural heritage.   
Impacts on sites of 
importance, rock art, song 
lines, camping and burial 
grounds. 
State 
Government 
OPR is undertaking surveys to identify sites of cultural 
and heritage significance within the Proposal Area. 
Sites will be avoided if practicable but if not, approval 
will be obtained under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 
1972 prior to disturbance 
7.12 
Increase in traffic volumes and 
railway noise 
Farmers / 
Landholders, 
Community 
Increased traffic on local roads will be confined to the 
Proposal construction phase and all Proposal-related 
traffic will comply with relevant statutory requirements. 
Construction of the Proposal will reduce heavy 
transport related pressures on the regional road 
network. 
Railway noise emissions will comply with State 
Planning Policy 5.4 and negotiations with affected 
landowners will occur to ensure that the noise levels in 
this policy can be met. 
7.14, 7.7 
Interaction between the rail 
and North West Coastal 
Highway 
Community 
 
It will be a road over rail arrangement.  A bridge will be 
constructed and then the road will be realigned to 
meet the bridge, allowing minimal disruption to those 
using the North West Coastal Highway.  Having the 
road over rail situation will increase safety. 
4.4.5 
Community group involvement 
Community 
OPR will rehabilitate construction areas no longer 
7.2, 9.2.3 

 
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Stakeholder concern 
Stakeholder 
Response 
PER 
Section  
in environmental projects 
required during Proposal operation.  It is likely that 
external parties may be involved in this process. 
Level and adequacy of 
vertebrate surveys to be 
conducted within the freehold 
land areas 
State 
Government 
A level 1 reconnaissance survey was recommended 
as the appropriate level of survey within freehold area.  
Targeted surveys were recommended in potential 
habitat for conservation significant fauna. 
5.2.2 
EPBC Act listed species – 
surveys undertaken, 
management actions, 
assessment process. 
Commonwealth 
Government 
A referral was submitted to DEWHA for consideration. 
DEWHA is satisfied with level of assessment and WA 
bilateral agreement process for the Proposal. 
8  
Flora and fauna surveys have 
not been conducted outside 
the SAC 
State 
Government 
Surveys of proposed disturbance areas which occur 
outside the Special Act Corridor (SAC) (such as some 
quarries and water supplies) will occur prior to 
disturbance 
7.2, 7.3 
Depth of excavation of ballast 
quarry sites. 
State 
Government 
Ballast quarries may extend below the groundwater 
table. A risk assessment for the potential impact on 
troglofauna and stygofauna will be undertaken in 
consultation with DoW as part of the RIWI Act 
approval process. 
4.4.3 
 
Ballast quarry operation and 
locations 
State 
Government 
It has not yet been determined whether the ballast 
quarries will be operated by OPR or a third party 
(contractor).  Regardless of the operator the quarries 
will be managed in accordance with the commitments 
in this Public Environmental Review. 
Quarry locations will be determined after detailed 
geotechnical surveys are completed.  Final decisions 
on the locations will take into account any 
environmental and heritage constraints. 
4.4.3 
Moresby Range Priority 
Ecological Community (PEC) 
– level of flora survey outside 
the SAC 
State 
Government 
To date flora surveys have focused on where the 
Study Area intersects the PEC. 
5.2.1 
Impact of the Proposal on the 
Moresby Range PEC. 
State 
Government 
Due to the engineering requirements for the Proposal 
alignment (predominantly grade) the Proposal will not 
significantly impact on the Moresby Range PEC (or 
any other PEC). 
7.2 
Likelihood of the rail being 
used for agricultural purposes 
– grain/livestock 
Farmers / 
Landholders 
It is unlikely in the early stages of the Proposal that the 
rail will be utilised for grain and stock movements.  
Nevertheless the Proposal is common user 
infrastructure; therefore it may occur in the future if 
deemed economically viable. 
- 
Increased potential for fire 
from rail wagons 
Farmers / 
Landholders 
Due to the dry and hot climate of the area fire control 
is an issue that needs to be managed.  Management 
measures have been developed and will be 
implemented throughout the construction and 
operational phases of the Proposal 
7.2 
Impact to visual amenity 
Farmers / 
Landholders 
Impacts on visual amenity are expected to be minimal 
due to the Proposal alignment predominantly following 
low points in the landscape. 
7.13 
Alienation of land/farm 
infrastructure (may increase 
operating costs for farmers, 
require additional fencing) 
Farmers / 
Landholders 
Landholders will be informed of the final Rail Corridor 
alignment and any potential issues will be discussed.  
Any concerns will be addressed at this stage. 
7.9 
OPR would not care about the 
environment 
Community 
OPR operates under an Environmental Policy and is in 
the process of developing an Environmental 
Management System (EMS) to ensure protection of 
the environment.  OPR is committed to management 
measures aimed at minimising the impact of the 
Proposal on the surrounding environment, landowners 
and indigenous heritage sites. 
7, 9 

 
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6.4 FUTURE ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY 
OPR  will  continue  to  consult  with  stakeholders  as  identified  in  Table  6‐2  and  other  relevant 
stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, throughout the Proposal construction and operational 
phases on a range of environmental issues. 
OPR  is  currently  implementing  a  Community  Stakeholder  Engagement  Plan,  to  ensure  that  future 
communication  and  consultation  will  take  place  with  key  stakeholders  through  mechanisms  as 
described in Table 6‐4. 
Table 6‐4  Future stakeholder engagement and consultation 
Mechanism 
Frequency of Use 
Council meetings 
As per Proposal milestones / approvals-based 
Stakeholder meetings and briefings 
As per Proposal milestones / approvals-based 
Briefings, including presentations 
As needs for relevant stakeholders 
OPR luncheons and sundowners 
Up to 4 per year 
OPR Mid-West Community Office 
Open 5 days per week 
OPR Mid-West Community Office Open Days 
2 per year 
Community Informational Sundowner 
Annual 
Visits to the proposed Proposal site and site briefings 
As needed for relevant stakeholders 
Community consultation and interviews 
As needed, up to 3 consultations per primary stakeholder group 
SIA Workshops 
As required, 3 workshops conducted in February 2010 
Direct mail via letterbox drops, e.g. OPR newsletter and 
Proposal update 
Monthly/quarterly 
OPR Newsletter ‘Oakajee Quarter’ 
Quarterly 
Media advertorials, OPR Proposal Updates 
Monthly 
OPR Media releases 
3 – 6 per year 
Media relations including briefings and media site visits 
Briefings as required, one media site visit per year 
OPR Fact Sheets 
Update as per Proposal milestones 
Mid-West Liaison Group 
Commencing Q4/2010 - quarterly 
Sponsorship and partnership Proposals 
Ongoing 
Information resources – displays, posters and websites; 
Ongoing 
Attendance at Mid-West functions 
Ongoing 
Display and information both at local agricultural shows 
Annual 
Presentations at industry and business conferences and 
events 
Ongoing 
Information/reporting line 
Ongoing 
OPR will  maintain an enquiries/reporting line, which will allow the  complaint to be directed  to  the 
appropriate  person.    All  complaints  will  be  investigated  as  an  incident,  with  the  complainant 
informed of the outcome of the investigation once it has concluded.  Exact details of each complaint 
response will differ on a case‐by‐case basis. 
 
 
 

 
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7 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT 
7.1 
IDENTIFICATION OF RELEVANT FACTORS 
Oakajee  Port  and  Rail  (OPR)  has  identified  the  key  environmental  factors  that  are  relevant  to  the 
assessment  of  this  Public  Environmental  Review  (PER)  in  consultation  with  the  Department  of 
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) 
and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).  Key environmental factors are those 
that  are  considered  likely  to  be  materially  impacted  by  construction  and/or  operation  of  the 
Proposal.    These  key  factors,  and  the  associated  scope  of  the  PER  with  respect  to  the  relevant 
factors,  was agreed  via  the  EPA  Board  and  DEWHA  approved  Rail  Development  Scoping  Document 
(OPR, 2010), as discussed in Section 1.2. 
The following environmental factors are considered to be the key factors relevant to the Proposal: 
• 
vegetation  and  flora  (including  Declared  Rare  Flora  (DRF),  Threatened  Ecological 
Communities (TECs), Priority Flora and Priority Ecological Communities (PECs)); 
• 
fauna  (including  vertebrate,  short  range  endemics  (SREs)  and  subterranean  invertebrate 
fauna); 
• 
surface hydrology; 
• 
groundwater; 
• 
noise, light and vibration; 
• 
air quality; 
• 
soil quality; 
• 
waste; 
• 
greenhouse gases; 
• 
visual amenity; and 
• 
other social and economic factors. 
For each issue, the EPA objectives, applicable standards and legislation, potential impacts, proposed 
management  and  mitigation  measures,  and  the  likely  outcomes  are  identified.    In  some  cases  the 
management measures may be similar; when this occurs the measures will be discussed in the factor 
section where the potential impact is the greatest.  An example of this is vegetation clearing, where 
the impact on vegetation and flora can also have a potential impact on fauna (habitat disturbance). 
OPR  has  completed  baseline  environmental  surveys  appropriate  to  the  nature  and  scale  of  the 
Proposal and has used the proposed Special Act Corridor (SAC) as its Study Area.  With more detailed 
investigations and planning some minor variations to the proposed SAC have been identified.   
The  level  of  survey  work  has  significantly  increased  the  regional  data  set  and  produced  additional 
location data for many species.  In areas where the final SAC alignment varies from the current Study 
Area, OPR will complete additional survey work to the required standard. 
The  findings  of  these  surveys  will  be  used  to  ensure  that  the  impacts  are  not  in  excess  of  what  is 
described in this PER.  If an increase in potential impact is unavoidable, an application to amend the 
approval will be submitted.  All management measures detailed in the PER will apply to all areas of 
the final alignment. 
  
 

 
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