Assessment sustainability principles
Assessment sustainability principles help to differentiate between the various corridor options and were included on community workshop rating forms.
Technical principles
Ensure the:
- transmission line is positioned close to future and existing power generators
- transmission line is positioned close to existing and possible future loads
- transmission line can be accessed via the local road network
- delivery of the project to the required deadlines in order to provide for natural power demand and future loads in the region where possible given timing constraints
- viable option has suitable soil and ground conditions
Avoid / reduce / mitigate the
- impacts of the transmission line on existing and proposed infrastructure in the region such as high pressure gas mains, telecommunications systems and monitoring equipment
Minimise
- exposure of the transmission line to adverse climatic conditions such as high winds and elevated salt levels
Environmental principles
Avoid / reduce / mitigate impacts on:
- wetland habitats/ impacts on migratory bird habitats
- declared rare flora and priority species
- native fauna species
- threatened native fauna species
- threatened ecological communities
- land as a result of erosion resulting from construction and operation
- river bank erosion
- the creation of construction noise and vibration (consider the environmental and social impacts of noise)
Maintain / enhance (where necessary):
- habitat condition and integrity (fragmentation, weeds, fire, disturbance)
Retain / protect:
- significant vegetation communities and species on site
Minimise the:
- quantity of greenhouse gases emitted by clearing of land, and through energy loss along the transmission line
Social / Cultural principles
Avoid / reduce / mitigate impacts on:
- local tourism in the region
- indigenous cultural heritage and encourage the restoration / rehabilitation of sites / areas where required
- European cultural heritage and encourage the restoration / rehabilitation of sites / areas where required
Minimise the:
- impact on existing and potential land use in the area of interest
- impacts on the made landscape/ local character of the 'area of interest'
- number of landowners affected by the transmission line
Ensure that:
- existing and future visual amenity impacts of the transmission line are minimised.
- access to recreational features is not inhibited
- existing structures such as buildings and irrigation systems are avoided as much as possible
- the transmission line does not unduly affect the cultural significance of areas subject to Native Title claims
Economic principles
Ensure the:
- capital costs of the transmission line are minimised
- operational costs of the transmission line are minimised
Avoid / reduce / mitigate:
- impacts on agricultural / horticultural / mining and industrial operation in the region
Related information
Project considerations
