Seqwater will be seeking feedback from stakeholders and the local community in August and September 2018 to better understand the potential impacts of the Lake Macdonald Dam Safety Upgrade and identify ways to avoid or reduce these impacts. There are several ways people can provide feedback, both online or in person.
As of 1 August, Seqwater are launching an online engagement tool at yourseqwater.com.au. Here people will find information about the project including FAQs, fact sheets, maps and images.
Engagement activities will include:
• Online interactive impacts map – provide feedback on the impacts we have identified (pinned) on the map or add your own localised impacts in areas such as traffic, noise and dust, recreation and environment.
• Online discussion forum – provide comments or ask a question about a key topic such as construction traffic routes and local roads.
• Online business impacts survey – tailored survey for business owners and operators to understand the perceived impacts to the local economy.
• Social impact survey – answer a series of questions, online and in person, to help us better understand the perceived impacts the project may have on your way of life.
• Information stand at the Cooroy Library – visit the library any time during opening hours to find out more about the project and fill out a feedback survey in person. Staff will also be available to collect feedback and answer questions at the library on 4 August, 14 August, 18 August and 21 August 2018.
Notification letters and emails will also be distributed from July 31 to local residents (including people living around the lake and along the proposed traffic routes), local businesses, recreation users, community groups, environmental groups and key stakeholders.
Temporary Lake Lowering
One aspect of the project that will have an impact on the natural environment and local community will be the temporary lowering of the lake level. The water level will be lowered about 5-6 metres (that is about 5% of the full supply level) before construction begins (see attached map showing the approximate temporary water level). Once the upgrade is complete, the dam will be allowed to naturally refill to its original full supply level.
Seqwater will require the advice and support of several key stakeholder agencies and local experts in planning the temporary lake lowering, which will involve salvaging and relocating aquatic species in the lake prior to construction. We are planning to hold workshops later this month to explore the potential impacts of this and the lake lowering management strategy.
If you have any questions about the upcoming engagement process or temporary lake lowering, please contact the project team at lakemacdonald@seqwater.com.au