Planning due diligence for North Victorian telecommunications alignment

Challenge

Our client was engaged to design and construct telecommunications infrastructure for a major client. The telecommunications alignment will run approximately 300km in Northern Victoria.

During initial desktop investigations, our client identified Cultural Heritage and protected vegetation areas of concern that may affect the build. SLR were engaged for expertise and advice on how to avoid areas of concern or recommend measures to mitigate potential legislative permits/approvals.

Solution

As part of the preparation of the Cultural Heritage Statement, the team reviewed the proposed activity in relation to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018, Heritage Act 2017 and local council planning policies.

As part of the preparation for the Biodiversity Assessment Report, the team reviewed the proposed activity in relation to the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, clause 52.17 of the local planning schemes, and federal legislation such as the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Impact

Our team project managed the Aboriginal Desktop Assessments and Biodiversity Assessment Reports working with design to meet the requirements of State and Commonwealth legislation, obtaining consent where required including negotiating a Heritage Agreement. Obtaining approval from Authorities for works in ecological sensitive areas for the proposed works including submarine cables.