SURVEYING
ENGINEERING
IRRIGATION
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
9478 Murray Valley Hwy
PO Box 313 KERANG VICTORIA 3579
(03) 5452 2490 a (03) 5452 2566 'PI [email protected] www.pricernerrett.com.au
ABN: 62 903 527 353
ACN: 139 256 938
F8505
ige©aaltrffrica CONSUL TING
Junction Park Dam
Secretary's Environmental Impact
Assessment
•
Sanerra ONSULT [FIG
Version Doc version Written by Approved by Date issued
Original 1 Arundeep Saini Mark Carter 6/11/2019
Revised 2 Arundeep Saini Graeme Poole 18/11/2019
Project Details
Project Name Junction Park Dam
Client Canally Orchards
Report Authors Price Merrett
PMC Project Reference F8505
Author: Price Merrett Consulting Pty. Ltd. ©The design is copyright and owned by Price Merrett Consulting Pty. Ltd. (the designer). Any change to the design without the permission of the designer contributes a breach of copyright.
©Price Merrett Consulting Pty. Ltd. No portion of this report may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the authors.
Disclaimer: This publication has been produced as part of a process for a specific purpose and in response to specific instructions. It should not be used for any other purposes unless agreed in writing by Price Merrett Consulting P/L. No liability is accepted by Price Merrett Consulting P/L or co-authors to any party other than our client. This document remains the property of Price Merrett Consulting P/L.
The author disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from the use of any information in this publication.
FXXXX 18505 Junction Park Dam EIS Rev Page 2 of 25
* :;„ c sringiffa
Table of Contents
1 Statement of Compliance 5
2 Executive Summary 6
3 Introduction 7
3.1 Background and Current Land Use 7
3.2 Proposed Development 8
4 Location & Site Description 10
4.1 Proposed Location 10
4.2 Geological Province 10
4.3 Land System 10
4.4 General Site Description 10
4.5 Surface Water 11
4.6 Ground Water 12
4.7 Wetlands 14
4.8 Soils 14
4.9 Climate 16
4.10 Flora and Fauna 16
4.11 Cultural Heritage 16
5 Environmental Impacts and Management 17
51 Soil and Water 17
5.1.1 Surface Water Runoff 17
5.1.2 Soil and Topography 17
5.1.3 Groundwater 17
5.2 Biodiversity 17
5.2.1 Vegetation Clearing 17 5.2.2 Threatened Species 17
5.3 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 17
5.4 Traffic and Transport 18
5.5 Waste Management 18
5.6 Air Quality 18
5.7 Noise and Vibration 18
5.8 Visual Impacts 18
5.9 Weed Management 19
5.10 Site Preparation 19
5.11 Rehabilitation 19
5.12 Hazards and Risk 19
6 Planning Context 20
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 3 of 25
eONSUL TIN I
6.1 Legislation and approvals required 21
6.2 Relevant Policies 21 6.2.1 State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) 21
6.3 Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) 22
6.4 Determining Authority 24
6.5 Stakeholder Consultation 24
7 Summary of Impacts and Conclusions 25
prIgGinerrett OXSUL TING
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 4 of 25
•
pritmetrett ONSUL TING
1 Statement of Compliance
Project Name Junction Park Dam
Proponent Canally Orchards Pty Ltd
PO Box 52
Tooleybuc, NSW 2736
Report Authoris Mark Carter
Environmental Engineer
Price Merrett Consulting Pty Ltd
PO Box 313
KERANG VIC 3579
PMC Project Reference F8505
Price Merrett Consulting Pty Ltd (PMC) was engaged by Canally Orchards to prepare this Secretary's
Environment Assessment Requirements No. 1330.
Declaration by Person Preparing the Review of Environmental Factors
This Review of Environmental Factors has been prepared in accordance with Clause 6 and 7 of
schedule 2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 and contains all available
information that is relevant to the environmental assessment of the activity to which the statement
relates and the information contained in the statement is neither false nor misleading.
Signed:
Mark Carter
Managing Director
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 5 of 25
Dis-tance Tool
Total De.tance 28 11 Van Last Segment Distance: 53 in
,
Figure 1— Development location
putg@merrett ONS WING
2 Executive Summary
This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) identifies and assesses the environmental issues associated with the construction and operation of a proposed 420 mega litre (ML) dam for Canally Orchards Pty Ltd, Tooleybuc, NSW.
Canally Orchards are establishing an almond orchard at approximately 28km south-west of Balranald as shown in figure 1. Therefore, to ensure the ongoing sustainability of this orchard, it is critical that irrigation water is available when required.
The objective of this proposal is to construct a 420 ML on farm storage to:
ensure that adequate irrigation water can be stored on the Junction Park property for
irrigation on demand of the almond orchard,
ensure that the agricultural enterprise (the almond orchard) is developed in accordance with
best practice guidelines which will maximise the ongoing sustainability of the operation and
limit susceptibly to environmental impacts, and
minimise water losses.
The proposed farm storage will be located on Lot 6857 DP 48114 within the municipality of Balranald.
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 5 of 25
3 Introduction
3.1 Background and Current Land Use
CanaIly Orchards is developing a 750 hectare almond orchard at their Junction Park property (see
figure 2). To ensure the ongoing sustainability of this orchard by ensuring irrigation water is available
when required, it is proposed to construct a 420 ML on farm storage dam. The dam will be designed
to store the water pumped from the Murray River.
The property is currently being used as a dryland cropping.
Figure 2 —Highlighted area showing property known as 'Junction Park'
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Pogo 7 0125
•
ipetmeffedit ONSUI. TING
Figure 3- Image showing proposed works
3.2 Proposed Development
The objective of this proposal is to construct a 420 ML on farm storage to:
ensure that adequate irrigation water can be stored on the Junction Park property to ensure
efficient and precise irrigation of an almond orchard,
ensure that the agricultural enterprise (the almond orchard) is developed in accordance with
best practice guidelines which will maximise the ongoing sustainability of the operation and
limit susceptibly to environmental impacts
The proposed storage will be supplied by a pipeline connecting to the Murray River. The storage will
be constructed with banks and therefore no significant impact on the existing catchment.
18505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 8 of 25
Figure 2-shaded area showing the property known as 'Junction Park' situated on the Weimby Road with the Murray River to the south
The proposed on farm storage has the following characteristics (Table 1).
Table 1: Characteristics of the proposed on farm storage dam
Details
Coordinates GDA 94 MGA 54 E: 709179, N: 6152540
Storage Volume 420 ML
Dam footprint Area 22ha
Crest RL 60.80
FSL RL 59.6
Bed _ RL 55.20
Crest Width 5m
Freeboard 1.2m
Cut to Fill Volume Cut = 155,235m3 Fill = 155,235m3
Average water depth 3.9m
Bank height above surrounding
natural surface
3-4m
Storage Ratio 2.7
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 9 of 25
•
to 71::affigna e01/5U TING
4 Location & Site Description
4.1 Proposed Location
Junction Park is located approximately 25km south west of the township of Balranald. The property
extends for around 9 kilometres along the Kyalite-Weimby Road and is 1255 hectares in size. It has a
small frontage (approximately 500m) on the Murray River. The property known as 'Junction Park'
consists of a single leasehold allotment (Crown Land) being Lot 6857 DP 48114.
The site is within the Balranald Shire Council.
4.2 Geological Province
The proposed dam is located within the Murray Basin Geological province. The Murray Basin is a
shallow depression filled with marine and terrestrial sediments to a maximum depth of 600m over
the last 50-60 million years. Shallow seas have moved back and forth across the plains several times,
leaving traces of parallel beach ridges and limestone sediments under the dune fields.
4.3 Land System
The proposed dam is located in the Condoulpe Land System which consists of Sandplain between
dunefields and the Riverine Plain near Balranald. The site is in the border of the Wakool River Landscape which is part of the Murray River floodplains.
4.4 General Site Description
The topography of Junction Park is undulating. It has a gentle slope from the north to the south with
the eastern part of Junction Park being flatter. The proposed dam site is a dryland cropping property, with no current native vegetation on the dam site.
Photo 1- Showing proposed dam on the left side
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 10 of 25
40 :•:sA.,3L-Enewefi eONSUL TING
Photo 2— Facing north towards the proposed dam site
4.5 Surface Water
No permanent water bodies are located within the proposed site. The closest permanent water system is the Murray River, which is approximately 941m south west of the site. The surrounding land use is dryland cropping properties which are gradually being developed to irrigate orchards. Water is currently supplied to the property through Murray River.
o%
Figure 5 — Map showing the closest permanent water system from the proposed dam site
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page A of 25
75 78 77 78 79 BO 81 82 B3 84 85 88 87 88 89 90 191 192 1 93 1 99 95 86 97 99 99 00 01 02 03 09 05 08 11 8
4.6 Ground Water
Balranald is located in an area within the Lower Murrumbidgee Groundwater Sources. The Lower Murrumbidgee GMA lies within the eastern Riverine Plains province of the Murray Geological Basin. It is located between the towns of Narrandera, Booligal, Balranald and Jerilderie and is bounded by Billabong Creek and the Edwards River in the south, the Lachlan River to the northwest and exposed Palaeozoic bedrock to the east. It covers an area of approximately 33,000 km2 (3.3 million hectares).
NSW Department of Primary Industries Office of Water records groundwater data from throughout NSW. One groundwater discontinued bore is in the vicinity of the proposed dam site. The bore (GW501214) is approximately 839 meters to the north-west of the dam site.
At the location GW501214, recorded groundwater levels were:
From 1976 to 1999 water levels were from 8.8m to 11.4m
Wets rNSW WYPLOY./133 0i0d111001120111
Bore Water Level below Measuring Point (Metres) 01/01/1975 o 01/01/2007 1975.2008 — 0W501219 Manually Read Data - Hole 1 Pipe I Slotted Interval 11- 12 m
11.
10-
10.8
8
9.8
1.
Figure 6— Bore logs from site GW501214
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 12 of 25
BeninId Load Chau Environmwrial
Plan 2010
POParlai Land Map Walinnys 16Ip 0 - Sieei
COM2
ran- PlemeS1.••••••
P.P.p .t.-)gulli,g111111!
Figure 7- Balranald Shire Council LEP Groundwater Vulnerability Map showing groundwater
vulnerability overlays and wetlands
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 13 of 25
taDieeontinued Bore GW501214 C77
NNN.,
`‘.
AProposed Duni Locatior '40
411101V:ULTING
Figure 8 — Photo map showing the location pf the discontinued bore near the proposed dam location
4.7 Wetlands
The proposed dam is marked as a wetland in the Balranald Shire Local Environment Plan. Wetlands
are defined as supporting waterbird, fish, amphibian, reptile and plant species during important life
stages by providing roosting, nesting and feeding habitat as well as refuge during extreme weather
conditions. They also form corridor or stepping stone habitats that support the migration of species,
including waterbirds and marine mammals (Murray REP 2).
The proposed dam site does not reflect the definition of a wetland, it is cultivated and cropped, with no vegetation, as seen in photos land 2.
4.8 Soils
The proposed dam is located in the Condoulpe Land System which consists of Sandplain between dunefields and the Riverine Plain near Balranald.
Soil data collected from eSpade NSW indicates that soils and vegetation is plain and flats of
predominantly solonized brown soils and areas of red earths; dunes of deep brownish sands;
drainage basins of grey cracking clays; generally dense to scattered belah and mallee; areas of dense
edible chenopods; drainage basins of dense black box, nitre goosefoot and dillon bush; variable
speargrass, annual saltbushes and forbs (Soil data online, NSW Environment and Heritage).
F8505 Junction Park Darn SEAR 1330 Page 14 of 25
4,Firk@meniett ONSUL TING
Preliminary soil survey was undertaken by Sunraysia Environmental Pty Ltd in 2015 to determine the
suitability of growing almonds on the site. The results showed that the soil consists of alluvial
deposits which were unsuitable for almonds.
Figure 9 - Extract from sunraysia environmental crop suitability plan showing the proposed dam site is
unsuitable for almonds
Eight test pits were excavated across the site for the proposed water storage dam to depths ranging
from 1.5 to 3.1m. The borehole investigation revealed that the subsurface soil profile across the
proposed water storage dam site generally consisted of topsoil to 0.1m overlying natural alluvium
material comprising low and low to medium plasticity sandy clay/sandy silty clay, medium and high
plasticity sandy clay, medium to high and high plasticity clay, low plasticity sandy silt/sandy clayey
silt and fine to coarse grained silty sand and clayey sand, extending to the borehole termination
depths at 2.5 to 6.0m in BH1 to BH38 & 1P1 to TP8.
Natural low, low to medium plasticity sandy clay, sandy silty clay, sandy silt/sandy clayey silt and fine
to coarse grained silty sand & clayey sand were encountered in the lower profile at depths ranging
from 2.1 to 3.6m below the existing site level across the site. Silty sand/clayey sand and low to
medium plasticity sandy silty clay material was encountered in the upper profile extending to the
depths ranging from 0.2 to 0.35m below existing site level except in BH32 & BH33 where it extends
to 0.9m in BH32 and 1.3m (Aitken Rowe Geotechnical Engineering, 2019).
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 15 of 25
Proposed Dam Location
4.9 Climate
The average annual rainfall is approximately 324 millimetres per year. Rain occurs mainly during
winter months. Winters are cool with a moderate frost risk whilst summers are hot with
temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in January and February.
4.10 Flora and Fauna
A search of the NSW Threatened Fauna and Flora Species list indicated one vulnerable fauna species,
the Regent Parrot as being sighted within a 10km radius of 'Junction Park'. No threatened flora was identified in this search.
Legend •
Species records mapped as held
Category 3 sensitive spp. 0.010 (lkm) rounded
Figure 10 — Map showing sightings of fauna species in the 10km vicinity of the proposed dam site, with the location of the Regent Parrot shown as a blue dot
4.11 Cultural Heritage
In accordance with the 'Due Diligence Code of Practice for the protection of Aboriginal Objects in
NSW' a search of the AHIMS database was conducted for the proposed development. The search
found that no records of Aboriginal sites or places have been recorded or declared on or near the
location of the proposed on farm dam storage.
In addition, a comprehensive, independent Cultural Heritage assessment was undertaken by Dr Matt
Cupper of Landskape. The report conducted that there were no Aboriginal cultural heritage places or
objects near the proposed work area and no Aboriginal cultural heritage places or objects were identified during the current assessment.
18505 Junction Park Darn SEAR 1330 Page 16 of 25
5 Environmental Impacts and Management
5.1 Soil and Water
5.1.1 Surface Water Runoff
There would be no increase in surface water runoff from the construction of the dam.
5.1.2 Soil and Topography
Mitigation measures:
Dam walls to be top dressed and sloped to minimise erosion
Regular inspections during construction and operation
Survey burrow pit after construction to locate and potential problematic soil profiles and
porous soils
5.1.3 Groundwater
Historical data from nearby groundwater monitoring bores indicates that groundwater is found from
5-6m below ground level.
Mitigation measures:
Contractors to conduct daily prestart checks for leaks of oil, fuel and other liquids during dam
construction
Ensure adequate bunding is installed at any fuel storage tanks
The dam will be clay lined to reduce any risk of seepage
Monitor groundwater depth if possible at nearby monitoring bores
5.2 Biodiversity
5.2.1 Vegetation Clearing
There is vegetation on the proposed dam site to be cleared.
5.2.2 Threatened Species
An independent Biodiversity Assessment was completed by Dr Steve Hamilton and concluded that
the construction of the dam will not impact on the biodiversity.
5.3 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
An Aboriginal Cultural Assessment was undertaken by Dr Matt Cupper of Landscape in consultation
with the local Aboriginal community to fully assess the impacts of the proposed dam.
The assessment concluded that:
No Aboriginal cultural heritage places or objects were identified in or near the proposed
work area
The proposed irrigation dam construction be allowed to proceed because the works will not
harm Aboriginal cultural heritage
* 014SUL TING pirk@merrett
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 17 of 25
4.pfkinenett
5.4 Traffic and Transport
Access to the site is accessible from the existing access point of the Kyalite-Weimby Road. The impact on traffic at the proposed site and nearby access roads during construction is deemed to be negligible.
Construction Stage:
Float equipment to site for duration of works.
Material for dam construction will be sourced on site.
Ongoing Operations:
Around one vehicle per day is likely to access the dam once construction is completed.
5.5 Waste Management
The proposed development will not generate waste products during construction or operation therefore minimising the risk of waste contamination. Soil excavated from the internal borrow pit will be used for the embankments and no soil will leave the property.
Mitigation measures: Soil excavated from the internal borrow pit will be used for the embankments. No hazardous or dangerous materials to be utilised No foreign soil will be brought to the site.
5.6 Air Quality
The immediate and long-term impact on air quality from the proposed darn construction and operation is deemed to be negligible. Minor levels of dust may be generated during construction.
Mitigation measures: Soil excavated from the internal borrow pot will be used for the embankments No hazardous or dangerous materials to be utilised Water spraying to be available if dust becomes an issue
5.7 Noise and Vibration
The proposed dam is located in rural agricultural area and therefore the noise and vibration impact is deemed to be negligible. The closest residence appears to be more than 3km away.
Mitigation measures: The rural location of the site will mitigate noise from dam construction Consideration will be given to the hours of the day and days of the week allowable for construction purposes. All machinery and equipment used on site will have compliant noise and vibration reduction equipment.
5.8 Visual Impacts
The proposed dam is located in rural agricultural area and therefore the visual impact is deemed to be negligible.
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 18 of 25
•
amerrett SUL TING
5.9 Weed Management
As the site is currently used for cropping potential for weed spreading during dam construction is seen to be low.
As there are no noxious weeds in the work zone, no particular weed control actions will be required prior to commencing the earthworks. However weed hygiene control practices will be adopted to prevent new weeds arriving on site.
Mitigation measures:
Contractors to conduct inspections and wash downs of equipment entering and leaving site during darn construction.
5.10 Site Preparation
Site preparation for the proposed development will consist of:
Formally marking the proposed development area (including 'no go' zones) using pegs, flagging or bunting
Marking of trees to be retained outside of the development area
Marking of trees that will be removed in the development area
Stripping and stockpiling topsoil as required Establish cut-off drains or intercept drains to redirect stormwater away from cleared areas to stable (vegetated) areas, and Installing safety signs at the entrance and as appropriate around the proposal site for the
construction period.
5.11 Rehabilitation
Topsoil and unsuitable dam building material will be stripped and stockpiled during the construction of the storage. This will be used later to top dress the banks of the on farm storage to promote vegetation growth.
5.12 Hazards and Risk
Due to the current land use, the risk of bushfire starting and spreading at the proposed dam site is considered low. The dam will provide further protection once completed. The NSW Rural Fire Service Planning for Bush Fire Protection website shows that the proposal site is within a designated bush fire prone area. A review of AS 3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas found no requirements for dam construction.
Fire risks
The following mitigating measures for bushfires were adopted:
No burning of timber or other combustible materials will occur on site
All plant and equipment will be equipped with fire extinguishers All vehicles and plant will be regularly serviced, be in good working order
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 19 of 25
4440. pirk©merrett
ONSUL 1 IRO
Earthworks/Environmental risks
To manage stockpiles and batters during construction activities the following actions will be undertaken:
Minimise the number of stockpiles, and the area and the time stockpiles are exposed
Keep topsoil and under burden stockpiles separate
Locate stockpiles away from drainage lines and where they will be least susceptible to wind
erosion
Ensure that stockpiles and batters have slopes no greater than 2:1 (horizontal/vertical)
Stabilise stockpiles and batters that will remain bare for more than 28 days by covering with
mulch or anchored fabrics or seeding with sterile grass
Establish sediment controls around un-stabilised stockpiles and batters
Suppress dust on stockpiles and batters, as circumstances demand
6 Planning Context
This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared by Price Merrett Consulting on behalf
of CanaIly Orchards Pty Ltd. The purpose of this statement is to describe the proposal, to document
the likely impacts of the proposal on the environment and to detail protective measures to be implemented.
The Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) are intended to guide the
structure and content of the EIS and reflect the concerns of NSW government agencies in relation to the environmental assessment of this dam.
The following agencies were consulted by the Department of Planning and Environment during the development of the SEAR.
AMR/ Issue Summary
Office of Environment & Heritage Biodiversity assessment
Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment
Water NSW The development will likely require Water Supply
Work Approvals and/or Flood Work Approvals
under the Water Management Act 2000.
Transport Roads & Maritime Services Assessment of the traffic impacts
Department of Primary Industries Relevant approvals under the Water Management act will need to be considered by
WaterNSW.
Environment Protection Authority NSW Proposed activity is not scheduled under the Protection of the Environment Operations (P0E0) Act and the proposed works do not
require an Environment Protection Licence.
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 20 of 25
40,tON SO L I I N 4
6.1 Legislation and approvals required
The overarching state legislation in relation to this proposal is the Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
The Environmental Assessment Requirements were set out by NSW Planning and Environment and
the Environmental Impact Statement must meet the minimum form and content requirements in
clauses 6 and 7 of Schedule 2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
The proposal is both a designated and integrated development under Part 4 of the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and requires approval under the Protection of the Environment
Operations Act 1997.
The objectives of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act (1997) are to protect, restore
and enhance the quality of the environment in New South Wales, having regard to the need to
maintain ecologically sustainable development.
The Office of Environment and Heritage has required that an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (ACH)
assessment and a detailed biodiversity assessment are undertaken to assess any potential impacts of
the proposal. These assessments have been undertaken by specialist consultants and are included as
additional documents to this report.
In addition the proposal is assessed against the relevant environmental planning instruments,
including but not limited to:
State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007;
State Environmental Planning Policy (Primary Production and Rural Development) 2019;
State Environmental Planning Policy No 55-Remediation of Land;
Balranald Local Environmental Plan 2010; and
Relevant development control plans and section 7.11 (formerly section 94) plans.
6.2 Relevant Policies
6.2.1 State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs)
State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007
Under this planning policy the proposed development is not considered exempt and requires
consent.
State Environmental Planning Policy (Primary Production and Rural Development) 2019
Under this planning policy the proposed development requires consent because its storage capacity
will be more than 15 mega litres.
State Environmental Planning Policy No 55-Remediation of Land
Under this planning policy the proposal requires consent as it is a designated development and the
works are to be carried out on land that is in a wetland and a floodway area.
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 21 of 25
6.3 Local Environmental Plans (LEPs)
Under the Balranald Shire Councils LEP the proposal site is zoned:
RU1 Primary Production Protected riparian land on the Riparian Land Map Groundwater vulnerability as shown on the Groundwater Vulnerability Map A wetland on the Waterways Map and the Natural Resources Sensitivity Map Land subject to flooding on the Flood Planning Area Map showing the proposed dam is partly
located within the land subject to flooding overlay.
The relevant objectives of the zone are:
to encourage sustainable primary industry production by
maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base.
to encourage diversity in primary industry enterprises and
systems appropriate for the area.
to encourage development that is in accordance with sound
management and land capability practices, and that takes into
account the environmental sensitivity and biodiversity of the
locality.
to support rural communities.
The proposal complies with the RU1 zone and land use objectives by encouraging primary industry by maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base.
Part 2 RU1 Primary Production
Part 6 Additional local provisions
6.1 Biodiversity The objectives of this clause are to manage and maintain the integrity of identified areas of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity significance, including:
the biological diversity of native flora and fauna and their habitats, and
the ecological processes necessary for ecosystems health.
The proposed on farm storage site is located within land that has
been identified as a wetland. The land is not identified as being of
high conservation value native vegetation. The objective of this
provision is to minimise impacts on the native flora and fauna,
their habitat and their interrelationship with the environment. The
on farm storage site is in an area on the property that has
historically been cultivated and cropped. It is unlikely that the on
farm storage will have an adverse impact on the biodiversity at the
site. As there is no vegetation to be cleared in the construction of
this proposal, it is not considered likely to have an effect on any threatened flora or fauna.
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 22 of 25
••f://:::,.Pnn @,Nca eCHSUL 11116
6.2 Riparian land, waterways
and groundwater vulnerability
The objectives of this clause are to manage and maintain the integrity of identified areas of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity significance, including:
the biological diversity of native flora and fauna and their habitats, and
the ecological processes necessary for ecosystems health.
The proposed on farm storage site is located within land that has
been identified as a wetland. The land is not identified as being of
high conservation value native vegetation. The objective of this
provision is to minimize impacts on the native flora and fauna,
their habitat and their interrelationship with the environment. The
on farm storage site is in an area on the property that has
historically been cultivated and cropped. It is unlikely that the on
farm storage will have an adverse impact on the biodiversity at the
site. As there is no vegetation to be cleared in the construction of
this proposal, it is not considered likely to have an effect on any
threatened flora or fauna.
6.4 Flood Planning The objectives of this clause are as follows:
to minimise the flood risk to life and property associated with the
use of land,
to allow development on land that is compatible with the land's
flood hazard, taking into account projected changes as a result of
climate change,
to avoid significant adverse impacts on flood behaviour and the
environment.
The proposed dam is on the fringe of a floodway, therefore
minimal depths and flow rates are expected. The buildings and
infrastructure will be constructed on banks above the flood level.
6.5 Development on river The objectives of this clause are to: front areas
support the natural riverine processes, including the migration of
the river channel, and
protect and improve the bed and bank stability of rivers, and
manage and maintain the water quality of rivers, and
protect the amenity, scenic landscape values, cultural heritage of
rivers and public access to riverine corridors, and
conserve and protect riverine corridors, including wildlife habitat.
The closest river is situated approximately 941m south west to the
proposed dam. Therefore, the proposed dam will not compromise
the access to the site.
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 23 of 25
potl@i@merreit ONSUL TING
6.6 Development on riverbeds and banks
The objectives of this clause are as follows:
to manage and maintain the quality of water in rivers, to protect the environmental values, scenic amenity and cultural
heritage of rivers, to protect the stability of the bed and bank of rivers, to limit the impact of structures in rivers on natural riverine
processes and navigability of rivers.
The proposed dam will comply with the objectives under this provision. The proposed dam will not effect on the flora and fauna habitat.
6.7 Earthworks The objective of this clause is to:
to ensure that earthworks for which development consent is
required will not have a detrimental impact on environmental
functions and processes, neighbouring uses, cultural or heritage
items or features of the surrounding land
The storage will have no local catchment and will not disrupt or impede existing regional drainage patterns. This on farm storage will be established to store water only by pumping from the Murray River. The proposed construction will not change the likely future use or redevelopment of the land, except that it will allow Canally Orchards to grow a more productive horticultural crop.
6.4 Determining Authority
The determining authority is the Balranald Shire Council
6.5 Stakeholder Consultation
The following relevant stakeholders have been consulted on the proposal and their recommendations and requirements have contributed to the development of the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) where applicable, including:
Environment Protection Authority; Office of Environment and Heritage; Department of Primary Industries; Roads and Maritime Services; WaterNSW; Balranald Shire Council; and The surrounding landowners and occupiers those are likely to be impacted by the proposal.
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 24 of 25
pitg@meneit ONSUL TING
7 Summary of Impacts and Conclusions
Canally Orchards proposes to establish an agricultural enterprise based on almond production on
their property. For the efficient and precise irrigation of an almond orchard, a 420 mega litre on farm
storage is proposed to store irrigation water pumped from the Murray River. The dam site has been
chosen because of the topography — a depression, heavier soils more suitable for holding water.
This development will have no impact on cultural heritage, the environment or the neighbourhood
environment. It is intended to construct this on farm storage in accordance with best practice
guidelines which will maximise the ongoing sustainability of the operation and limit susceptibility to environmental impacts.
The establishment of an almond orchard development in the Balranald district will benefit the local
community through direct and indirect employment creation during construction and normal
operation. This dam is necessary to ensure security of supply of irrigation water for the almond plantation.
F8505 Junction Park Dam SEAR 1330 Page 25 of 25