Karabar Water Mains Upgrade - Review of Environmental Factors

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Consultation has concluded

Water mains in the Karabar area around Cooma Street are ageing and have high water pressure. As a result, water mains have failed several times in recent years, and each of these failures has disrupted water supply, traffic movement and public safety.

To fix the problem, Council has committed funds to construct approximately 2,000m of replacement water mains in Karabar, primarily along Cooma Street and Alanbar Road. The extent of the replacement is shown in the image in the photos tab. Completion of the works will result in a water network that is less prone to breakage and able to service the needs of the area for the coming decades.

What is a Review of Environmental Factors?

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) considers the potential environmental impacts of the proposed works, and sets out the actions and steps that need to be taken to manage the impacts. Environmental impacts, in this context, covers short- and long-term impacts to the environment, residents and the general public.

What are the expected short-term impacts of the works?

The following short-term impacts are expected during the construction works:

  • Changes to traffic conditions and arrangements such as temporary road/lane closures, traffic detours, loss of parking and footpath closures.
  • Changes to public and school bus routes and temporary relocation of bus stops. Council will liaise with the local bus companies on this matter.
  • Noise and vibration from construction vehicles and works.
  • Disruption to access to properties while trenches are excavated and pipes are laid. Disruptions are expected to be no greater than 8 hours at any one time, and access will be coordinated with individual properties as necessary.
  • Disruption to water supply when the new mains are connected and when property supplies are moved to the new main. Impacts to individual properties are expected to be less than 4 hours in total across the project period.
  • Changes to the collection time/days of domestic bins and impacts to kerbside bulky waste collections.
  • Potential short periods of nightworks to undertake critical tasks outside of peak traffic periods.
  • Potential closure of some parking areas near the Karabar shops for construction staging and storage for the duration of the works.

How are negative impacts being minimised?

Impacts from the works can be managed but cannot be eliminated entirely, and there will be some inconvenience while the works occur. The REF contains controls that will be implemented as part of the works to minimise inconvenience and danger to the public, the environment and property.

When disruption to property access or water supply is required, the contractor will make direct contact with the impacted properties/parties in advance of the works.

Specific controls can be found in the REF in the documents tab.

When will the works occur?

Council is planning to begin work between July and September 2024. Works are expected to take approximately 35 weeks to complete in total (weather permitting), however, the works will be staged so that individual properties/areas will be impacted for shorter periods than this.

The majority of works will occur between 6am – 6pm on weekdays and 8am – 1pm on Saturdays and with no works on Sundays and public holidays. There may be some short periods of works at other times to complete critical tasks or tasks that cannot be safely completed during the normal hours. When this occurs, additional controls will be implemented. Further information will be provided prior to the commencement of works.

Who has prepared the REF?

The REF has been prepared by a reputable environmental consultancy with significant experience in assessing and managing the impacts of infrastructure works such as these.

Have your say

  • By completing the survey below by Friday 12 April.
  • By email to council@qprc.nsw.gov.au referencing "Karabar Water Mains Upgrade" in the subject line
  • By mail to PO Box 90, Queanbeyan NSW 2620

What happens after comments close?

Comments will be reviewed, considered and addressed as necessary. The finalised REF will be included as part of the construction contract and the controls included will be actively managed by Council staff and the Contractor.

Water mains in the Karabar area around Cooma Street are ageing and have high water pressure. As a result, water mains have failed several times in recent years, and each of these failures has disrupted water supply, traffic movement and public safety.

To fix the problem, Council has committed funds to construct approximately 2,000m of replacement water mains in Karabar, primarily along Cooma Street and Alanbar Road. The extent of the replacement is shown in the image in the photos tab. Completion of the works will result in a water network that is less prone to breakage and able to service the needs of the area for the coming decades.

What is a Review of Environmental Factors?

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) considers the potential environmental impacts of the proposed works, and sets out the actions and steps that need to be taken to manage the impacts. Environmental impacts, in this context, covers short- and long-term impacts to the environment, residents and the general public.

What are the expected short-term impacts of the works?

The following short-term impacts are expected during the construction works:

  • Changes to traffic conditions and arrangements such as temporary road/lane closures, traffic detours, loss of parking and footpath closures.
  • Changes to public and school bus routes and temporary relocation of bus stops. Council will liaise with the local bus companies on this matter.
  • Noise and vibration from construction vehicles and works.
  • Disruption to access to properties while trenches are excavated and pipes are laid. Disruptions are expected to be no greater than 8 hours at any one time, and access will be coordinated with individual properties as necessary.
  • Disruption to water supply when the new mains are connected and when property supplies are moved to the new main. Impacts to individual properties are expected to be less than 4 hours in total across the project period.
  • Changes to the collection time/days of domestic bins and impacts to kerbside bulky waste collections.
  • Potential short periods of nightworks to undertake critical tasks outside of peak traffic periods.
  • Potential closure of some parking areas near the Karabar shops for construction staging and storage for the duration of the works.

How are negative impacts being minimised?

Impacts from the works can be managed but cannot be eliminated entirely, and there will be some inconvenience while the works occur. The REF contains controls that will be implemented as part of the works to minimise inconvenience and danger to the public, the environment and property.

When disruption to property access or water supply is required, the contractor will make direct contact with the impacted properties/parties in advance of the works.

Specific controls can be found in the REF in the documents tab.

When will the works occur?

Council is planning to begin work between July and September 2024. Works are expected to take approximately 35 weeks to complete in total (weather permitting), however, the works will be staged so that individual properties/areas will be impacted for shorter periods than this.

The majority of works will occur between 6am – 6pm on weekdays and 8am – 1pm on Saturdays and with no works on Sundays and public holidays. There may be some short periods of works at other times to complete critical tasks or tasks that cannot be safely completed during the normal hours. When this occurs, additional controls will be implemented. Further information will be provided prior to the commencement of works.

Who has prepared the REF?

The REF has been prepared by a reputable environmental consultancy with significant experience in assessing and managing the impacts of infrastructure works such as these.

Have your say

  • By completing the survey below by Friday 12 April.
  • By email to council@qprc.nsw.gov.au referencing "Karabar Water Mains Upgrade" in the subject line
  • By mail to PO Box 90, Queanbeyan NSW 2620

What happens after comments close?

Comments will be reviewed, considered and addressed as necessary. The finalised REF will be included as part of the construction contract and the controls included will be actively managed by Council staff and the Contractor.