Landscape and Visual ImpactGas Import Jetty and Pipeline ProjectExpert Witness Statement: Visual Impact – Hayden Burge

Principal Landscape Architect and Visual Impact Consultant

Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Limited

Level 11, 452 Flinders Street

Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Basis of my review

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Review the EES Requirements relevant to Landscape and Visual Impact;

Reviewed available project information suitable to undertake a site visit;

Undertook a site visit on 29 July, 2020;

Reviewed the Ethos Urban LVIA and relevant report chapter;

Reviewed submissions relevant to my area of expertise;

Prepared my own photomontage;

Review the potential for views and visual impacts to form my views of the project and to consider key concerns raised in submissions (where possible);

Sought additional detail of the project;

Reviewed the mitigation measures proposed by the previous LVIA and make any further recommendations or changes; and

Reviewed evidence of other submitters.

Key Project Components

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Key visual components:

Permanent mooring of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) berthed at the existing Crib Point Jetty (FSRU);

New gas handling infrastructure on the existing jetty;

Gas Receiving Facility at Crib Point (CPRF);

~60km gas pipeline (Crib Point to Pakenham);

Mainline Valves (MLVs)

Delivery facility located at Pakenham East (PDF); and

End of line scraper station (EOLSS).

Submissions

Landscape and Visual Impact

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Submissions Received

6000+ submissions comprising individual, template/proforma and agency submissions. Key themes:

Amenity and visual impact to recreation areas

Woolley’s and Jacks Beach

Foreshore areas and reserves

Warringine Park and Bittern Coastal Wetlands

trails;

Impacts to the landscape character of the locality due to further industrialisation

Increase in shipping and boat traffic within Western Port

Visual bulk of the FSRU

Night time lighting

Site Visit

29 July 2020

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Locations Visited

EOLSS

General Pipeline Alignment

Alignment through Hastings

Western Edge of Warringine Park

Nearby Beach and Foreshore Areas

Stony Point Jetty

Locations Visited

EOLSS

Pakenham Delivery Facility

General Pipeline Alignment

Alignment through Hastings

Western Edge of Warringine Park

Nearby Beach and Foreshore locations

− Jacks Beach

− Woolleys Beach

− Woolleys Beach South

The Esplanade

Stoney Point Jetty

Review of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Ethos Urban

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Methodology Review: Ethos Urban

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The assessment methodology adopted by Ethos Urban is based upon the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (the Guidelines) (LI & IEMA 2013).

UK Guidelines are often referred to as there is no formal or set guidance specific to Australia.

The methodology considers Landscape Impacts and Visual Impacts as separate metrics, and outlines the flowchart for each assessment methodology (Landscape Impact methodology) (Visual Impact Methodology)

Ethos Urban: Methodology

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Viewshed / Study area was not clearly defined

Statutory/Planning review did not appear to fully inform landscape character

Landscape Character and sensitivity identified four LCA’s

− LU01 – Western Port Lowlands – Coastal Foreshore

− LU02 – Western Port Lowlands – Urban Settlement

− LU03 – Western Port Lowlands – Agricultural Plains

− LU04 – Dandenong Ranges – Southern Foothills

Views from Warringine Park, Locations along Woolley's Beach South and Stony Point Jetty

Photomontages

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Photomontages

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Technical Accuracy 3D Computer Generated Model Registered to existing background

Perceptual Accuracy Lens length 60º horizontal 15º +/- field of view Alignment to the view

Photomontage Locations

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Urban Circus Photomontage Locations

Victorian Maritime Centre

Woolley’s Beach

Submarine Lookout

The Esplanade

The Pinnacles (French Island)

Ethos Urban

The Esplanade / Jacks Beach

MLV1 / 2

Photomontages

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Urban Circus Photomontages

Prepared using client supplied models

Background imagery high smoke haze

Technically Accurate

Provide limited context of the view

Ethos Urban Montages

Limited technical basis

Some imagery overstate project impacts

Woolley’s Beach - Urban Circus

MLV 2 – Ethos Urban

Photomontage Review - Technical

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Existing View

Photomontage

Wireframe

Photomontage Review - Perceptual

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Photomontage - 60º

Additional Detail

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Additional Detail

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MLA Technical Drawings

Flaring and Lighting at the MLV

Existing Fencing at the CPRF Site

Vegetation Removal / Retention at the CPRF

Intention of MM-LV03 Materials and Finishes

Pipeline Alignment North of the Princes Freeway

Review of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Ethos Urban

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Planning considerations

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Land Use: The FSRU is proposed to be permanently moored at the existing Crib Point Jetty. The Jetty has been in place and continually used as a commercial liquid fuels import facility since the 1960s. The proposed-on shore receiving facility is located within an area to the north of an existing fuel facility, which has also been part of an operational port since the 1960s.

Strategic Documents: Several policy and strategic documents determine the future use of Crib Point Jetty is to be retained for port uses.

These strategic port, transport and land-use studies contemplate and support an increase in port-related activities in the region and the recommendation for various landside upgrades to supporting road and rail infrastructure.

Several submissions have raised concerns relating to the visual impact of an increase in ship movements resulting from the approval of the Project at Crib Point.

It is apparent that the visual impact relating to increasing ship movements is not only commensurate with the nature of an active shipping lane and port, but this increase is also contemplated at various stages of planning and strategic reviews and by many departmental agencies.

FSRU and Jetty Works – Viewshed and Zones of Visual Influence

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The tallest element associated with the FSRU is the 50 m high exhaust stack, projecting above the bridge and control centre.

CPRF – Viewshed and Zones of Visual Influence

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The tallest element associated with the CPRF is the 20 m high liquid nitrogen storage tanks and vaporiser towers.

MLV’s – Viewshed and Zones of Visual Influence

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The MLV’s will be enclosed within 3.0 m high perimeter fencing. The height of the fencing has been used to establish the viewshed for the MLVs.

MLV1

MLV2

PDF – Viewshed and Zones of Visual Influence

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The largest component of the delivery facility would be the safety lighting at 10 m in height and vent outlets at 7 m high. The following calculations are based on a 10 m high vent stack.

Landscape Units

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The LVIA undertaken by Ethos Urban for the project identified four landscape character units

− LU01 – Western Port Lowlands – Coastal Foreshore

− LU02 – Western Port Lowlands – Urban Settlement

− LU03 – Western Port Lowlands – Agricultural Plains

− LU04 – Dandenong Ranges – Southern Foothills

Additional Landscape Units :

− LU 05 - Rural Residential

− LU 06 - Industrial and Port Related Units

− LU 07 - Ramsar Wetlands

− LU 08 - Recreation and Open Space

Key Views and considerations

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View Assessment – Publicly accessible locations

12 Viewpoints FSRU and CPRF4 Viewpoints Pakenham Delivery Facility / EOLSS

MLVs

VP 02 – Woolleys Beach Reserve

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VP 02 – Woolleys Beach Reserve

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Existing View

Photomontage

Wireframe

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VP 12 – Warringine Park

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HDD

HDD

Open Cut trenching

HDD

Open Cut trenching

VP 07 – The Pinnacles

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The assessment of this view is based upon information included in the assessment undertaken by Ethos Urban within the EES and my observations from the broader area.

I have not visited this location due to the travel restrictions.

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Crib Point Jetty/FSRU Long Island Point

The FSRU and the CPRF would be visible but not visually dominant features.

Boats are commensurate with the context of this view

The visual impact of the FSRU permanently moored alongside the existing Crib Point Jetty would be negligible to low.

The visual impact CPRF would be seen over the existing crib point jetty when boats are not moored at Berth 1.

When visible, the visual impact would be negligible to low.

MM-LV03 would further assist to reduce visual contrast of the CPRF

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Crib Point Jetty

Long Island Point

Source light trends light pollution map

Long Island Point

Crib Point Jetty

Crib Point

Crib Point

Night Lighting

The Esplanade – Existing Lighting

Pinnacles – Existing Lighting

Night Lighting The Esplanade

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The Esplanade – Existing Lighting Berth 1

The Esplanade – Existing Lighting

The Esplanade Project Impacts

FSRUBerth 1

Berth 1

Visual Impact Assessment Comparison

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The overall visual impact is similar or the same for the landscape units identified within the Ethos Urban Assessment

The overall visual impact of the project in views from the additional landscape units would be low.

Mitigation Measures

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POS – VS EPR

Mitigation Measures for the whole of project summarised at Chapter 25 of the EES

Six Mitigation measures were proposed to manage / mitigate the visual impacts of the project which applied to area around the CPRF and Pipeline components

The statutory approvals of the Gas Import Jetty works are subject to the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Proposed Mitigation Measures would form part of a planning permit and would be referenced in the Planning Scheme. It is preferable that Mitigation Measures are described as Environmental Performance Requirements (EPR’s).

Mitigation Measures Relevant to the Gas Import Jetty Works will be referred to MM/EPR’s.

The Pipeline component is subject to approvals under the Pipelines Act 2005. Planning permission is not required in respect to the Pipelines Act. Mitigation measures relevant to the Pipeline works are to form part of the Performance and Objectives Standards (POS). Mitigation Measures under the Pipelines Act are given effect as part of a CEMP. It is therefore preferable that these be more prescriptive.

Mitigation Measures Relevant to the Gas Import Jetty Works will be referred to MM/POS.

Gas Import Jetty Works - Environmental Performance Requirements – MM/EPR’s

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Mitigation Measures are appropriate for the Gas Import Jetty Works

MM-LV01 relates primarily to the pipeline works. This is still relevant to the perimeter and site frontage

MM-LV02 – Vegetation will be retained where practicable and introduced to screen facilities within the viewshed of roads (such as The Esplanade) and where possible residences, if reasonably requested by affected landholders and with any necessary approvals granted.

It is noted that land based components of the Gas Import Jetty Works are to be designed to comply with Australian Standard AS 4282:2019 Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting.

Pipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POS

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MM-LV01 Reinstate Ground Surface –MM/POS – LV01

CEMP R12 Habitat features removed during construction such as large hollow logs and large rocks will be returned to the ROW during rehabilitation if consistent with rehabilitation objectives at a particular location. Landholder requirements will be considered prior to returning habitat features to the ROW

CEMP R13 Rehabilitation by assisted natural regeneration will be undertaken on the ROW, except within four metres of the pipeline, in areas where there is an increased risk of habitat fragmentation (as identified in the Environmental Line List (Attachment G)).

CEMP R16 Following completion of reinstatement, written agreement will be sought from landowners (and occupiers, managers or government agencies as applicable) of the satisfaction of the reinstatement works.

Pipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POS

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MM-LV02 Landscape Screening – MM/POS-LV02

CEMP Reference A2

CEMP Reference A5

CEMP Reference A6

CEMP Reference new A12 as per Technical note 24

Pipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POS

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MM-LV03 Materials and finishes – MM/POS-LV03

CEMP Reference A13 Selection of materials and finishes will appropriately respond to the environment and be complimentary to the setting

Pipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POS

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MM-LV05 Reflective Surfaces – MM/POS-LV05

CEMP Reference A14 Reflective surfaces on infrastructure will be minimised to reduce reflection of artificial light where practicable

Pipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POS

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MM-LV06 Vegetation outside construction footprint – MM/POS-LV06

CEMP Reference B1 - All vegetation clearing works will be confined to the RoW. The boundary of the RoW will be clearly demarcated with survey pegs. If there is any loss of native vegetation outside of the RoW, it will be replaced.

CEMP Reference B2 - Clearing of native vegetation will be offset in accordance with the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP 2017) prior to the clearing commencing.

CEMP Reference B3 - No native vegetation to be retained will be cleared. Environmental features to be retained within or directly adjacent to, the construction footprint, will be clearly demarcated and identified on site (Attachment G – Environmental Line List).

Conclusions

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The change in views and visual impact brought about by the project will be noticeable but will not be unacceptable.

This change is commensurate with the types of views that would be expected within an active port’s precinct.

At over 10 km from the FSRU, views and visual impact from Phillip Island would be commensurate with the context of existing views.

The FSRU will be visible from French Island. Views towards the project and the FSRU are over open water and have historically included similar sized boats and landside infrastructure. In this context, the change to the view is the permanent presence of a boat, moored alongside at the existing jetty.

The CPRF will be visible from a short section of the Esplanade. Views will be confined due to road geometry and the surrounding vegetation. This vegetation will screen views from the surrounding recreational sites (including, Jacks Beach, the Bittern Boardwalk and extended coastal trails in the area)

In views from open water, the receiving facility will be visible, however, it would be in views that are over the existing jetty and against a backdrop that includes the Port of Hastings and remaining tanks along the eastern edge of the former BP Refinery Site.

Conclusions

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Increased shipping traffic was a common concern for submitters. In the context site, these elements would not only be commensurate with the nature of an active shipping lane and port, but this increase is also contemplated at various stages of planning and strategic reviews and by many departmental agencies.

Policy and strategic reviews, confirm the desired future use of the existing Jetty and associated land is to be protected and retained for ports related uses while recognising the sensitivities of the surrounding areas. The proposed use is consistent with these objectives.

Impacts to nearby recreational areas was a common concern amongst submitters. The proposal will not impact on the current permissible access and circulation pattern of Woolley’s Beach Reserve, the foreshore areas and coastal trails to the south, the submarine trail and lookout, or Jack Beach Reserve further to the north.

The primary change in views from nearby recreational reserves would alter to include a boat permanently moored along side the existing Crib Point Jetty, rather than one that is infrequent. This visual change is consistent with the existing setting and use of this area.

Conclusions

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The majority of the pipeline would be constructed using open-cut trenching, which is to be backfilled and rehabilitated to match the existing and surrounding area.

The remaining sections of the pipeline would be constructed using horizontal boring machines limiting impacts to sensitive vegetation and uses.

There are no landscape mitigation measures would be provided within Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP).

Construction impacts will be temporary and short in duration as evidenced by existing pipelines.

Landscape and Visual Impact�Gas Import Jetty and Pipeline Project�Expert Witness Statement: Visual Impact – Hayden BurgeBasis of my reviewKey Project ComponentsSubmissionsSubmissions ReceivedSite VisitLocations VisitedLocations VisitedReview of Landscape and Visual Impact AssessmentMethodology Review: Ethos UrbanEthos Urban: MethodologyPhotomontagesPhotomontagesPhotomontage LocationsPhotomontagesPhotomontage Review - TechnicalPhotomontage Review - PerceptualAdditional DetailAdditional DetailReview of Landscape and Visual Impact AssessmentPlanning considerationsFSRU and Jetty Works – Viewshed and Zones of Visual InfluenceCPRF – Viewshed and Zones of Visual InfluenceMLV’s – Viewshed and Zones of Visual InfluencePDF – Viewshed and Zones of Visual InfluenceLandscape UnitsKey Views and considerationsView Assessment – Publicly accessible locationsVP 02 – Woolleys Beach ReserveSlide Number 30VP 02 – Woolleys Beach ReserveSlide Number 32VP 12 – Warringine ParkVP 07 – The PinnaclesSlide Number 35Night LightingNight Lighting The EsplanadeVisual Impact Assessment ComparisonMitigation MeasuresGas Import Jetty Works - Environmental Performance Requirements – MM/EPR’sPipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POSPipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POSPipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POSPipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POSPipeline Works – Performance and Objectives – MM/POSConclusionsConclusionsConclusions