PROJECT SUMMARY:
Talis has assisted the Shire with the development of the Shire’s Broome Regional Resource Recovery Project (RRRP) from as early as 2014. This commenced with an extensive Site Selection Study and lead to providing ongoing technical support to narrow the options available to the Shire to two sites (referenced as Site G1 and D2). Talis was commissioned in November 2019 to progress the project into the next phase of works, which would see the assessment of two development options:
- Option 1: Integrated CRC and Landfill on Site D2; or
- Option 2: Network – CRC established on Site D2 and Landfill established on G1.
Sites D2 and G1 were assessed to determine their compliance with relevant criteria as determined by the relevant government agencies and complimented by some key factors relevant to the Shire. This allowed for a comparison of both sites across a range of set criterion to highlight the technical strengths and weaknesses as well as points of difference between each other.
In April 2021, following extensive community consultation, the Shire of Broome Council voted on the preferred location and approved Option 1 for an integrated Site D2 and further studies were progressed on this basis (https://www.rrrp.com.au/resources). A summary of the scope of works for both Sites included the following tasks:
- Preliminary Site Selection;
- Detailed Site Investigations;
- Community Engagement;
- Preparation of several documents as part of the Detailed Site Investigations, including: Development of Master Plan and preliminary cost estimates.
Following the Shire’s approval of Site D2, the Shire engaged Talis to proceed with progressing the project through preparation of designs, providing procurement assistance and to an approvals stage. The scope of works included the following tasks:
- Several Workshops with the Shire;
- General Project Management and Administration tasks, including:
- Preparation and submission of Clearing Permit Application for the CRC Works Approval Application;
- Review and revision of Master Plan and preliminary cost estimates;
- Preparation of several management plans to support the CRC Works Approval Submission,
- Development of the CRC Environmental Assessment and Management Plan to support the CRC Works Approval Submission;
- Development of CRC Conceptual Design and cost estimates, including supporting infrastructure i.e. Liquid Waste Facility, tyre monocell, surface water management system, road network etc.;
- Submission of CRC Works Approval Applications;;
- Landfill Conceptual Design and cost estimates; and
- Preparation of additional information (as required) to response to any Request(s) for Information from approval authorities.
Detailed Design
Talis is fulfilling the role of lead designer, providing engineering consultancy services for civil, waste & structural works. This is in addition to coordinating and managing sub-consultants for building designs and services engineering designs. As part of the works, Talis is preparing civil and structural detailed designs for all site infrastructure including internal public roadways and service lanes, stormwater drainage infrastructure, stormwater retention infrastructure, multitiered drop-off areas, a household hazardous waste facility, back of house workshop and wash bay, a reuse shop / education centre, a transfer station, Liquid Waste Facility, Tyre and Asbestos Monocells and the Landfill and supporting infrastructure.
Environmental Assessments, Plans and Approvals
Talis was engaged to support the Shire prepare two Works Approval Applications, one (1) for the CRC (as associated infrastructure) and the second (2) for the Landfill Works Approval Application. In general, the environmental assessments required to support the environmental approval applications include (at a minimum) the preparation of Environmental Noise Impact Assessment (ENIA), Odour Impact Assessment (OIA), Preliminary Surface Water Modelling, Bushfire Management Plan, Leachate and Surface Water Management Plans, Traffic Management Plan and, Environmental Assessment and Management Plans The Landfill CRC Works Approval Application (once finalised) will be submitted to the DWER, referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and will require a Licence amendment.
KEY ISSUES & MANAGEMENT
The key issues that arose during the project stages and management were:
Community Opposition – due to some opposition on the proposed Sites from a small group of local residents, extensive community consultation was undertaken to ensure that these members and the wider community was kept informed of project updates, findings of investigations and surveys, opportunities such as meetings and workshops to discuss concerns and raise questions. The Shire with Talis’ assistance provided as much information and technical advice on the Project to ease concerns and maintain transparency. The Shire established a webpage, which remains current (https://www.rrrp.com.au/). The Shire adopted a narrow and wide community consultation approach to ensure that as many community members and stakeholders were engaged. This method ensured that all feedback could be obtained, not just those that were opposed to the project.
Funding – At present, there are no waste management facilities located within the Kimberley region with the capacity to provide reuse, recycling, materials processing, and best practice disposal services. Given the significance and essential nature of this project, the Shire has limited long-term and cost-effective alternative options to provide waste management services to the Broome Community. As a result, the Shire is responsible for funding the Project. Talis was engaged to prepare a Cost-benefit Analysis Report to support the Shire’s Grant Funding Application, submitted in February 2022 to the Building Better Regions Fund. The Shire are awaiting the outcome of this application.
Design Changes – during the development of the Master Plan, concept and detailed designs, there have been instances where the scope of the works has changed from what was initially agreed to. As a result, Talis and the Shire have had to maintain open lines of communication to ensure that any changes (additional or otherwise) are discussed prior to works being undertaken. In some instances, Talis has been able to absorb these minor changes in the scope of works within the original budget without the need to request approval for a variation.
Approval Delays – the potential for approval delays has been considered in the overall project timeline. Talis has taken a proactive approach to approvals and recommended early engagement with key stakeholders and approval authorities to minimise approval delays that the Shire may incur. During the CRC Works Approval assessment, the DWER has submitted several Requests for Information (RFI) to the Shire. Talis has assisted the Shire in responding to the RFIs which, included preparation of detailed Technical Response Letters and additional management plans.
Procurement Planning – Due to the isolated location of the Project, the Shire are planning on undertaking a longer-term procurement strategy. It is anticipated that with a longer procurement timeline, the Shire will obtain more attractive and competitive offers from the market during the RFT process.
Cyclone season – the potential for cyclones and impacts during construction has been considered during the overall project timeframe. As a result, timing for construction has been agreed to be undertaken during the dry season (end of April – early November) to ensure that minimal delays would occur in the event of a cyclone during the wet season.