Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes. Date of Publication: 9 May, 2017 Document Number: SM01-SC-CC-0002

Transcription

1 Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes Date of Publication: 9 May, 2017 Document Number: SM01-SC-CC-0002 ReNu Energy Limited, Level 1, 9 Gardner Close, Milton, QLD 4064 Phone: Fax: info@renuenergy.com.au ABN:

2 Document Revision Rev Date Details Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by /05/2017 Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes for Website Publication Friederike Graser Gregory Wong Gregory Wong Document Approval Prepared by: Friederike Graser Date: 09/05/2017 Signature: Reviewed by: Gregory Wong Date: 09/05/2017 Signature: Approved by: Gregory Wong Date: 09/05/2017 Signature: Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 2

3 Contents 1 Introduction 4 2 Project Background 4 3 Summary of Community Consultation Activities and Outcomes 6 4 Southern Meats Consultation Activities Required under Environment Protection Licence 8 5 Community Consultation Plan Identification of all key stakeholder groups, including local communities that are potentially affected by the Activity Proposed community consultation processes to be undertaken Public notification of meetings Itinerary of meetings to be conducted, groups involved and agenda Provision of information at meetings and local information sites Documentation of attendees, questions and answers and follow-up issues required arising from meetings How stakeholders can access the latest information in respect of community consultation matters How community consultation activities align with Milestones Process for maintaining an up-to-date record of complaints and questions arising Monitoring and updating the Community Consultation Plan and the community consultations undertaken Reporting to the Recipient's internal management 12 Figures Figure 1 Site Location 5 Figure 2 Site Location Plan 6 Figure 3 Extract from Noise Study identifying nearest residential houses 7 Appendices Appendix A Promotion of the project in the Goulburn Post 14 Appendix B Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) 17 Appendix C Pre Lodgement Meeting Minutes 18 Appendix D Noise Study 20 Appendix E Development Application with Council 21 Appendix F Public notification by Council 22 Appendix G Promotion of the project and notification of the open submission period in the Goulburn Post 23 Appendix H Public Forum at Goulburn Mulwaree Shire Council Meeting 25 Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 3

4 1 Introduction This report documents the community consultation undertaken by SM Project Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of ReNu Energy, in relation to the Goulburn Bioenergy Project. 2 Project Background Street Address: Mazamet Road, Goulburn NSW, Australia 2580 Lot and DP: Lot 42 DP and Lot 23 DP Southern Meats is a sheep abattoir, processing 4,000 to 4,500 sheep per day. The plant is located at Southern Meats, Mazamet Road, Goulburn, NSW 2580 (Latitude: , Longitude: ). The Project will be developed under a Build Own Operate and Maintain (BOOM) model with SM Project Company as the Project owner. The Project is located at and will integrate with the existing Southern Meats abattoir facility. The Project will convert the abattoir waste into biogas via anaerobic digestion for the purposes of generating electricity via reciprocating gas engines reducing site energy costs, reducing methane emissions, and increasing effluent quality. The new anaerobic digester will be a covered in-ground lagoon style digester, producing biogas, which will accumulate under the digester cover. The digester will be collecting the wet waste stream (effluent) produced by the processing of sheep at the plant and will be located adjacent to the existing effluent collection lagoon. The gas will be harvested, scrubbed, de-watered and transported via underground pipeline to the newly constructed generator building, where it will be utilised in gas generators. The electricity produced will be fed into the Southern Meats processing plant, to offset grid-supplied electricity. For economic optimisation minimal electrical energy should be exported to the power grid, but the system will need to operate in parallel with the grid, and export capability is desirable for flexibility. Therefore, subject to network connection approval conditions the system should be capable of exporting. The Project is eligible under the Federal Government s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) to generate Carbon Credits (CC) and under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) to generate Large Generation Certificates (LGCs). Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 4

5 Figure 1 Site Location Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 5

6 Figure 2 Site Location Plan 3 Summary of Community Consultation Activities and Outcomes The following community consultation and related activities were undertaken: Promotion of the project in the Goulburn Post May 2015 Draft Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) prepared for discussion with Goulburn and Mulwaree Shire Council (Council) January 2016 Pre-lodgement meeting with Council and NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) February 2016 Conducting of Noise Study April 2016 A key outcome of the Pre-lodgement meeting was a requirement from EPA to complete a noise study prior to lodging Development Application As identified in the noise study there are limited residences in close proximity to the abattoir (see Figure 1) Update of Statement of Environmental Effects for Development Application submission April 2016 Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 6

7 Submission of Development Application with Council April 2016 Public notification by Council of requesting submissions on the Development Application May 2016 Council referred the Development Application to Water NSW and NSW EPA for comment May 2016 Promotion of the project and notification of the open submission period in the Goulburn Post June 2016 Public forum to consult on the Project and the Development Application at Goulburn Mulwaree Shire Council Meeting 21 June As advised by Council a number of calls were received in relation to the Development Application but no formal submissions were received June 2016 Development Approval Consent was granted by Council September 2016 with subsequent modifications granted March 2017 There are NIL consultation actitivies required by the Conditions of Consent Figure 3 Extract from Noise Study identifying nearest residential houses Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 7

8 4 Southern Meats Consultation Activities Required under Environment Protection Licence Under Southern Meats Environment Protection Licence 4047, Southern Meats is required to maintain a record of pollution complaints. Note ReNu Energy will be operating under Southern Meat Environment Protection Licence. Thus should ReNu Energy receive any pollution complaints these should be forwarded to Southern Meats such that the pollution complaint can be appropriately resolved: info@southernmeats.com.au Phone: M4 Recording of pollution complaints M4.1 The licensee must keep a legible record of all complaints made to the licensee or any employee or agent of the licensee in relation to pollution arising from any activity to which this licence applies. M4.2 The record must include details of the following: a) the date and time of the complaint; b) the method by which the complaint was made; c) any personal details of the complainant which were provided by the complainant or, if no such details were provided, a note to that effect; d) the nature of the complaint; e) the action taken by the licensee in relation to the complaint, including any follow-up contact with the complainant; and f) if no action was taken by the licensee, the reasons why no action was taken. M4.3 The record of a complaint must be kept for at least 4 years after the complaint was made. M4.4 The record must be produced to any authorised officer of the EPA who asks to see them. M5 Telephone complaints line M5.1 The licensee must operate during its operating hours a telephone complaints line for the purpose of receiving any complaints from members of the public in relation to activities conducted at the premises or by the vehicle or mobile plant, unless otherwise specified in the licence. M5.2 The licensee must notify the public of the complaints line telephone number and the fact that it is a complaints line so that the impacted community knows how to make a complaint. M5.3 The preceding two conditions do not apply until 3 months after: the date of the issue of this licence. Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 8

9 5 Community Consultation Plan 5.1 Identification of all key stakeholder groups, including local communities that are potentially affected by the Activity The site has been used as an abattoir since the 1950s with Southern Meats Pty Ltd owning and operating the abattoir since It is understood that prior to this the abattoir was owned and operated by Council. As identified in the noise study there are limited residences in close proximity to the abattoir (see Figure 1). The abattoir is one of the largest employers in the Goulburn region. Key stakeholders include: Near-by residents Goulburn businesses Council NSW EPA Water NSW As the project is an improvement to the environmental performance of the abattoir the stakeholders will be positively affected by the activity, not negatively affected. 5.2 Proposed community consultation processes to be undertaken As an activity that requires consent from Council, community consultation is required by Council as part of the Development Application. All members of the community are invited to make submissions on the project to the Council. Section 74C(1)(c) of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 specifies the way the Council will publicly exhibit and notify development applications pursuant to Section 79A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act The proposal was notified by Council in accordance the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 for a period of 30 days. The application was publicly notified between 24 May and 23 June As required under Section 1.7 of the Goulburn Mulwaree Development Control Plan 2009: The adjoining and/or adjacent property owners were sent a notification letter from Council, Notices (describing the development) were placed in a local newspaper; Details of the development application were placed on Council s Website; and Details of the development application were placed with the public notices at Council s offices and any relevant neighbourhood centre. Note: Division 7 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2000 sets out the information requirements for the notification and advertising of development proposals. No submissions were received in response to the notification process. As part of the consent process Council advised an open to the public presentation to Council, including a questions and answers session, was required to be conducted at a Council Meeting. This open to the public presentation and question and answer session was hosted by the Council on 21 June Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 9

10 5.3 Public notification of meetings The activity requires consent from Council. As part of the consent process Council advised an open to the public presentation to Council, including a questions and answers session, was required to be conducted at a Council Meeting. This open to the public presentation and question and answer session was hosted by the Council on 21 June Notification of the Council Meeting and Council Meeting Public Forum was undertaken by Council Council Meetings Two meetings of Council are held each month between February and December. Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month; with the exception of November when the meeting is held on the first Wednesday, and on the third Tuesday of the month. All Council Meetings commence at 6pm and are open to the public, with members of the public being encouraged to attend. Public Forums are held at each Council Meeting and members of the public are welcome to address the Council. For further information on the Public Forum or if you would like to register to speak please contact Council's Executive Department on or amy.croker@goulburn.nsw.gov.au. Council is streaming live video and audio of our Council Meeting and Special Council Meetings. Live Streaming and recordings can be accessed from this link. Upcoming meeting notices are advertised in the Post Weekly newspaper, on the Goulburn Mulwaree Council Information Page. The Goulburn Post also attends the meetings and reports on information of interest to residents. 5.4 Itinerary of meetings to be conducted, groups involved and agenda Council determined the appropriate number of meetings to be conducted depending on the level of interest and engagement from the community. As part of the consent process Council advised an open to the public presentation to Council, including a questions and answers session, was required to be conducted at a Council Meeting. This open to the public presentation and question and answer session was hosted by the Council on 21 June Council Meetings are open to the public with all interested parties welcome to attend. Council publishes an agenda for their meetings in advance of their meeting on their website. It is Council s responsibility to determine there is a high level of interest and engagement from the community then Council will require additional public meetings such that concerns and issues raised during the consultation period can be appropriately addressed. Following the 30 day public notice period, no submissions were received in response to the notification process. Hence Council determined no additional public meetings were required. 5.5 Provision of information at meetings and local information sites As part of the Development application process, Council makes available plans and supporting information. The public is able to inspect the plans and supporting information for the project at the Civic Centre, Bourke Street, Goulburn during office hours or by visiting Council s website (clicking on On Exhibition ). Plans and supporting information are available for a period of two weeks prior to the submission close date. Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 10

11 5.6 Documentation of attendees, questions and answers and follow-up issues required arising from meetings Council meetings are minuted and available from Council s website. Council Officers such as General Manager, Director Growth Strategy and Culture ensure concerns raised by the public are further considered as appropriate as part of their assessment of the Development Application. Should significant issues be raised, Council advise ReNu Energy who will need to respond accordingly, with follow up potentially including further community consultation. As no significant issues were raised during the public notification, ReNu Energy no further community consultation was required. 5.7 How stakeholders can access the latest information in respect of community consultation matters ReNu Energy is an ASX listed company and has continuous disclosure obligations. As the project is an important part of ReNu Energy s business the company will be regularly updating progress on the project. A project overview will be included on ReNu Energy s web site ( including a copy of the Statement of Environmental Effects, the Consultation Plan and contact details for obtaining more information. Contacts for further information are: ReNu Energy info@renuenergy.com.au Phone: Southern Meats info@southernmeats.com.au Phone: Goulburn and Mulwaree Council /Web Portal General Enquiry: Phone: After Hours Emergency Contact: How community consultation activities align with Milestones Council requires community consultation prior to giving its consent to the Development Application. Without consent the project cannot and will not proceed. Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 11

12 5.9 Process for maintaining an up-to-date record of complaints and questions arising During Public Notification Period Council meetings are minuted and available from Council s website. Council Officers such as General Manager, Director Growth Strategy and Culture will ensure concerns raised by the public are further considered as appropriate as part of their assessment of the Development Application. Should significant issues be raised, Council advise ReNu Energy who will need to respond accordingly, with follow up potentially including further community consultation. As no significant issues were raised during the public notification, ReNu Energy no further community consultation was required General ReNu Energy has a public address (info@renuenergy.com.au). This is monitored at least daily with questions responded to accordingly. This includes any community questions with regards to the projects ReNu Energy is undertaking. ReNu Energy will maintain a written record of the date and time of the complaint; the method by which the complaint was made; any personal details of the complainant which were provided by the complainant or, if no such details were provided, a note to that effect; the nature of the complaint; the action taken by ReNu in relation to the complaint, including any follow-up contact with the complainant; and if no action was taken by the licensee, the reasons why no action was taken. Southern Meats abattoir also has a public service ( and is able to respond to any community questions or forward those to ReNu Energy as appropriate such that questions can be responded to accordingly Monitoring and updating the Community Consultation Plan and the community consultations undertaken Should a high level of interest and engagement form the Community be identified during the community consultation process, then this Community Consultation Plan will be updated accordingly. Should a moderate level of interest and engagement from the Community be identified then this Community Consultation Plan will be reviewed annually. If during operations, in response to complaints, or additional impacts or stakeholders identified, then this Consultation Plan will be updated to reflect this and any new engagement requirements arising in response Reporting to the Recipient's internal management Council requires public participation prior to giving its consent to the Development Application. Without consent the project cannot and will not proceed. Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 12

13 Note the consent was granted from Council in the form of the Notice of Determination of a Development Application received 15 September 2016, a subsequent consent was granted in the form of the Notice of Determination of a Modified Development Application was received from Council 10 March ReNu Energy will maintain a written record of the date and time of the complaint; the method by which the complaint was made; any personal details of the complainant which were provided by the complainant or, if no such details were provided, a note to that effect; the nature of the complaint; the action taken by ReNu in relation to the complaint, including any follow-up contact with the complainant; and if no action was taken by the licensee, the reasons why no action was taken. Material complaints will be reported tointernal management at Executive meetings, in Board Reports and at Board meetings. Executive meetings are held weekly and Board meetings at least bi-monthly. Any complaints will be reported to Southern Meats as soon as possible to ensure Southern Meats complies with its obligations under its Environmental Protection Licence. ReNu Energy must immediately notify ARENA of any notifiable incidents or accidents (being an incident which is notifiable under WHS Law), injuries or damage to property of a serious nature that occurs in connection with the Project ( contracted@arena.gov.au). Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 13

14 Appendix A Promotion of the project in the Goulburn Post Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 14

15 Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 15

16 Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 16

17 Appendix B Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) Separate Attachment Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 17

18 Appendix C Pre Lodgement Meeting Minutes Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 18

19 Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 19

20 Appendix D Noise Study Appendix to Statement of Environmental Effects Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 20

21 Appendix E Development Application with Council Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 21

22 Appendix F Public notification by Council Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 22

23 Appendix G Promotion of the project and notification of the open submission period in the Goulburn Post Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 23

24 Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 24

25 Appendix H Public Forum at Goulburn Mulwaree Shire Council Meeting Presentation attached as a separate document. Screenshot of the live webstream. Goulburn Bioenergy Project Community Consultation Plan and Outcomes 25