Gwandalan State Significant Site Listing - Rio Tinto Coal Australia

THE SUITABILITY OF THE SITE
The degree of social impact by the additional population from the proposed development on services or
social infrastructure is considered to be positive. Where necessary, a range of contributions will be
made to facilitate the augmentation of key infrastructure in order to accommodate the future
population’s needs.
A Draft Statement of Commitments is included with the Concept Plan submitted for the site. This details
the various monetary contributions, additional studies, applications and works the proponent commits to
undertake in association with the project. This may involve the implementation of various VPAs
between Coal & Allied and the State and local government prior to final approval of a construction
certificate for subdivision.
In addition, Coal & Allied has allocated an amount of $5 million for initiatives associated with the
delivery of social infrastructure to support the existing and future communities at Gwandalan, Nords
Wharf, and Catherine Hill Bay (Middle Camp). The $5 million allocation is directed at initiatives that
would not ordinarily be provided as part of the development of a new residential estate and accordingly,
are considered to be ‘over and above’ what is reasonably necessary to satisfy State and Local
Government approval requirements.
The $5 million allocation may be used for sustainability initiatives for future residents, additional
infrastructure to support existing and future residents, educational and or community programs.
The final list of initiatives for Gwandalan is incorporated into the Concept Plan proposal for the
Gwandalan site and is subject to on-going consultation and final approval by the Coal & Allied Board.
3.3 Economic
An Economic Impact Assessment has been prepared by Sphere to support the Concept Plan for the
site and is discussed further in Section 6. The report concludes that the proposed development of
Gwandalan will result in a net direct benefit to the economy in terms of capital investment, direct and
indirect job and flow on economic effects.
It is therefore deemed that the site is suitable for development in terms of its economic impact.
3.4 Ecologically Sustainable Development
3.4.1 Rio Tinto Coal Australia sustainability commitment
Rio Tinto Coal Australia is committed to sustainable development. The three principles of Rio Tinto Coal
Australia’s approach are:
Social wellbeing
• Protect human health and safety.
• Stakeholder engagement and transparency.
• Communities.
• Education.
Environmental stewardship
• Resource stewardship.
• Pollution prevention.
• Product stewardship.
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Gwandalan SSS Listing_November 2010