The Northern Pipeline Interconnector (NPI) - Stage 2 involves the construction of about 48km of underground reverse-flow pipeline from the Noosa water treatment plant to the NPI - Stage 1 at Eudlo.

Q: What are the timeframes for the project?
A: Construction commenced on 15 February 2010 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

Q: How does this pipeline work?
A: The pipeline is designed to carry 18 megalitres per day (6500 ML/a) of potable water from the Noosa water treatment plant.
Reverse-flow means water can be moved from either the Brisbane region or the Sunshine Coast. It will also allow water to be moved within the Sunshine Coast for the first time between Noosa, Caloundra and Maroochy. In other words we can shift water around to the areas where it is needed most.

Q: Why is this pipeline necessary?
A: The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland. This growth is increasing demand for essential services such as water.
To meet the needs of residents and businesses in these communities and to ensure the region’s sustainability, additional water infrastructure is required.
This is a vital piece of infrastructure designed to help secure the water supply for South East Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast.
The NPI - Stage 2 will deliver more than just water. It will provide additional jobs and help stimulate the local Sunshine Coast economy.

Q: Hasn’t this project been going for some time? Has this project changed in some way?
A: The NNA has been engaged to plan, design and construct NPI - Stage 2. The NNA consists of LinkWater Projects, McConnell Dowell, Abigroup and KBR. Construction commenced on 15 February 2010. Prior to the start of construction, the NNA has undertaken a vigorous environmental impact statement process. The project is due to be completed by 31 December 2011.

Q: What is an environmental impact statement?
A: The EIS examines the potential impacts and benefits of the project. It also identifies the actions that will be taken to ensure any potential impacts are avoided or minimised for the construction, operation and maintenance of the project.

Q: When was the environmental impact statement undertaken and what did it involve?
A: In September 2007, NPI - Stage 2 was declared a significant project under the State Dfevelopment and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 for which an EIS was required.
The Terms of Reference (ToR) was publicly released in December 2007.
The EIS was released for public comment on 17 January this year (2009). The public comment period closed on 9 March 2009.

A supplementary environmental impact statement (SEIS) was prepared and forwarded to the Coordinator General and the Australian Government in December 2009.

The NNA received federal government approval for the EIS on 12 February 2010.

About the corridor

Q: Where is the pipeline corridor?
A: The pipeline corridor extends from the Noosa water treatment plant to the NPI - Stage 1 at Eudlo.

Q: How was the pipeline corridor selected?
A: The pipeline corridor largely follows existing public utility easements, roads and other public areas. This is done in order to minimise landowner, community, social, environmental, cultural and construction impacts.

Q: Why can’t the pipeline corridor follow the Bruce Highway?
A: Due to the Queensland Department of Main Roads’ future planning requirements, the pipeline would have to be located outside the current highway easement and a new easement taken on private property.
Following the Bruce Highway would also mean a significant increase in the number of bores or tunnels to cross the highway. This means an increase in project cost and construction timeframes.
Construction close to high speed traffic corridors also presents safety risks to both workers and motorists.

Environment

Q: There are protected bird and animals on my property. Won’t the pipeline disturb them?
A: Maintaining and protecting the environment around the pipeline corridor is integral to the project.
The NNA will be taking steps to help reduce the potential impact of construction. Some of these measures include:

• desktop and field surveys to identify endangered plant species and potential native fauna
• fauna spotters and relocaters are in place to relocate any fauna
• open trenches are checked daily to ensure no animals are trapped
• access ramps, natural ladders and shelters are used in the trench to help them escape.

Q: Do you have a plan for maintaining the corridor land?
A: The NNA will closely monitor the progress of the corridor for 12 months after construction and will undertake additional works where necessary to ensure rehabilitation is successful.

Construction

Q: What will happen when construction begins? Will I be contacted?
A: You will be notified before construction begins. A construction reminder will be issued before work starts.

Q: What will happen during construction?
A: For information on how the pipeline is constructed, please refer to the ‘Constructing a pipeline’ fact sheet.

Q: Who do I talk to if I have any problems or concerns?
A: If you have any concerns or issues, please contact the NNA communication team directly via our freecall number 1800 243 998.

After construction

Q: What can I do on the easement once construction is completed?
A: Activities such as planting crops and building structures will require LinkWater consent prior to work starting. For further information and a copy of the consent guidelines, visit the LinkWater website www.linkwater.com.au