Gold Coast Waterways. Access Needs Study. Terms of Reference

Transcription

1 Gold Coast Waterways Access Needs Study Terms of Reference Queensland Transport Integrated Transport Planning Division Boating Infrastructure Branch Level 4, 200 Mary Street BRISBANE QLD 4000 Telephone: Facsimile: ABN

2 Contents Page Number 1. Introduction and background Introduction Background 1 2. Project aim and objectives Scope Study area Scope of tasks Consultation Items not in Scope 5 3. Deliverables... 5 Page ii

3 1. Introduction and background 1.1 Introduction Recent reports have highlighted a concern that the combination of traffic and inadequate depth/width of channels in the Gold Coast waterways is both restricting access and suppressing the capacity for growth for those marine related industries which rely on navigable channels for their custom. Limited funds are available for government sponsored channel maintenance purposes. The Boating Industry Association of Queensland (BIAQ) and other organisations have made representations to Government concerning options for funding a future regular dredging program for recreational boating activities. Accordingly, Government believes it is timely to conduct a joint government (state and local) and industry assessment of what level of commercial boating and large recreational vessel access can be sustained. This consultancy has been scoped to identify the need for channel improvements, to develop a recommended business model (government and private sector based) and to define a process required to realise channel improvements from this joint effort. 1.2 Background In 1998, Gold Coast City Council received the Waterway, Water Transport and Waterfront Industry Strategy. This report recommended a strategy for the area which included, amongst other items, "developing a hierarchy of channels (with stated depths/widths) to provide certainty to the public " Included in this report's strategy for developing waterfront industry was a recognition of the suitability of the Beattie Road precinct at Coomera. The Gold Coast Marine Precinct (GCMP) has subsequently developed into a premium marine facility serving domestic and international markets. At that time, the Gold Coast Harbours Authority (GCHA) was reviewing the future of the waterways from the perspective of ongoing dredging requirements, environmental and general ongoing management of the waterways to ensure they "maintain their potential as a world class recreational and environmental facility, taking into account both private and commercial interests". In 2002, the Gold Coast Waterways Management Group (an advisory body which replaced the GCHA) prepared a Strategic Action Plan for managing the Gold Coast Waterways. This plan recognised the needs of commercial and recreational interests and prepared six strategies for adoption. Included in these strategies was provision for commercial and recreational use of the waterways. These earlier studies have all dealt with the common theme of management of waterways. These have generally agreed channel depths (LAT) as follows: -4.5 metres LAT - seaway south to Southport Yacht Club -3.0 metres LAT- seaway to Gold Coast Marine Precinct (GCMP) -2.5 metres LAT - Brisbane to Southport Page 1

4 Investigations undertaken on behalf of Government have provided an estimate of quantities and costs for dredging to meet the above channel depths. These estimates as well as numerous internal Departmental briefings and correspondence will be made available to the successful consultant for reference during the course of the study. The issue of a suitable land site for dredging material not suitable for beach or sea disposal remains unresolved and is one that (for cost estimate purposes) will need to be addressed during this study. More recently, claims have been made that inadequate channel depth is adversely affecting the private sector by restricting the movement of large vessels between the Gold Coast Seaway, the Broadwater and adjoining waterways. While Government is committed to developing industry and the potential for additional employment opportunities in the state, it is mindful of the need to maintain a sense of balance when requests for Government assistance (such as is the case here) emerge. A key objective therefore is that any recommendations made need to reflect reality and that the responsibility for commercial dredging rests predominately with the private sector. 2. Project aim and objectives The overall aim of this project is to develop a channel dredging strategy that meets the ongoing needs of key stakeholders, has an agreed funding arrangement and responsibilities to provide for the successful implementation of this channel management strategy. The project objectives of this assignment are: 1. Identify current and future (within the next decade) industry requirements in relation to the demand for navigable channels and the depths required (where in excess of metres LAT, these are to be specified in detail). 2. Estimate the flow on benefits to industry from a channel dredging strategy that provides for navigable channels to meet industry s growing needs over the next decade. 3. Where dredging is deemed to be required to meet these current and future needs, document the dredging requirements for the next decade and develop a sustainable solution (channel dredging strategy) for the handling, storage (if required) reuse of or disposal of the dredged material. 4. Estimate the costs (capital and maintenance) of delivering this channel dredging strategy, develop a workable delivery model for the strategy where relevant stakeholder roles, financial contributions and resources are agreed to and committed. 5. Recommend a way forward to deliver the channel dredging strategy. In essence, the study requires an approach be made to industry and selected community interests to: understand industry and community stated needs prepare a capital and operating cost estimate for the delivery of these stated needs negotiate a strategy for private sector funding contributions for these stated needs. Page 2

5 2.1 Scope Study area The study area is shown in Figure 1 (see Appendix A). It is broadly described as that area from Latitude South (adjacent to Coochimudlo Island) and the mouth of the Logan River south to include the Coomera River upstream to the Gold Coast Motorway (M1) bridge, south to include the Gold Coast Broadwater, the Seaway (and navigable approaches), and the Nerang River upstream to the Ross Street bridge at Benowa. The broader Gold Coast and South East Queensland region may be included for industry context purposes Scope of tasks The scope of tasks shall include but not be limited to: Phase 1 Task 1: Project inception attend project briefing with Queensland Transport review relevant background reports and plan information to confirm currency and validity review the results of previous consultations undertaken in relation to this issue prepare draft study positioning statement for industry dissemination agree on project program and consultation protocols. Task 2: Establish need for channel improvements meet with industry, Gold Coast City Council, commercial boating, peak industry bodies and other relevant stakeholders to obtain relevant information and forward commitments affecting channel navigation needs review current usage requirements undertake additional survey counts to clarify waterway channel usage (if required) determine realistic levels of channel depths for the next decade review/confirm previous estimates of dredging requests to meet stakeholder needs estimate value (of meeting dredging requests) to industry and community develop a preliminary channel dredging strategy (extraction, handling, storage and disposal) which supports future stakeholder stated navigation needs during the next decade prepare preliminary total CAPEX and OPEX costs for the channel dredging strategy for the next decade Page 3

6 explore funding sources and options available (including user pays) for the channel dredging strategy based on the indicative CAPEX and OPEX estimates for the next decade prepare Briefing Report No 1 Phase 2 Task 1: Develop detailed channel dredging strategy review disposal site options and recommend preference review strategy with stakeholders prepare cost estimates for the extraction, handling, storage (if required) transportation and or disposal/reuse of dredge material during the next decade define a channel dredging strategy business model which would combine State, Local Government and private sector interests to fund, deliver and be responsible for the strategy prepare Briefing Report No 2. Task 2: Documentation prepare draft project report for consideration by key stakeholders consult with key stakeholders prepare final report Consultation Consultation will be an integral part of this study. The purpose of the consultation effort will be to identify what dredging strategy (quantities, timings and cost etc) stakeholders feel is required for their particular organisations needs, the sources of funding likely to be made available from these stakeholder organisations and who may be responsible for delivering the dredging strategy. The consultation effort shall include but not be limited to the following key activities: compile an agreed list of stakeholders (government, commercial and community groups) to be consulted prepare a positioning statement to forward to these stakeholders to advise them of the scope, purpose and timings of the study. This positioning statement shall include a statement of how they may become involved in and contribute to the outcomes of the study prepare a pro-forma questionnaire for distribution to and response by these stakeholders. This questionnaire should seek information which: Ì Ì defines future targets for expansion of industry and activity levels in the area estimates the value of these increases to commercial stakeholders Page 4

7 Ì records the level of importance/significance that these stakeholders attach to achieving these expansion plan targets. The value is to be expressed in financial as well as qualitative terms. distribute, retrieve and report on the responses to this questionnaire meet with key commercial stakeholders on an individual basis or on a small group basis to obtain relevant views and feedback for use in developing the dredging strategy financial option(s) describe a dredging strategy required to meet the stated needs of the commercial stakeholder responses and estimate preliminary costs of this dredging strategy provide a feedback loop to the stakeholders to enable them to adjust their priorities in accordance with their ability and/or willingness to contribute to the costs of the channel dredging strategy. This activity may be needed on more than one occasion during the course of the study. That is, this feedback loop may be an iterative process Items not in Scope The following items are to be considered out of scope: detailed modelling to confirm extent of dredging required detailed environmental assessment of proposed land storage sites and impacts of dredging per se detailed engineering design of infrastructure and processes required for the dredging strategy waterways outside of study area (as defined in Figure 1) economic impact of business model. 3. Deliverables The consultancy deliverables are as follows: Deliverable 1 engagement of industry and key stakeholders in the process of consultation Deliverable 2 Project Briefing Paper No 1 outlining the results of the consultation, an independent assessment of the validity of the issues raised in relation to the adequacy of the (nominated) channels for current and future (10 years into the future) community (industry and recreation) needs, stated benefits to users and an indicative estimate of costs associated with addressing any shortcomings identified. Deliverable 3 - Project Briefing Paper No 2 outlining a strategy for upgrading and maintaining channel conditions to meet current and future (10 years into the future) needs of the key stakeholder groups, the business model which addresses (amongst other matters) the role stakeholder groups should play (management, financial, monitoring) and a proposed timeline and budget cash flow for this strategy. Deliverable 4 Project Report summarising the results of the project investigations, describing the recommended channel maintenance strategy and the commitments required of stakeholders to deliver the strategy. Page 5