Planning Study

A formal planning study has commenced, as the department’s initial assessment of the feasibility and options for the new road is now complete. The planning process began in early 2008 and a broad range of community and stakeholder issues will be examined prior to determining the preferred route. It will include a full economic analysis, establish an environmental assessment process and outline an approach for design and construction.

The completion of the planning study enables the South Australian Government to make a submission to the Australian Government for funding under its important cost sharing grants program, the Land Transport Investment Program.

DTEI staff discussing the study area for the Northern Connector

What has been done to date?

Over the last 8 months, the planning team has been undertaking a range of technical and environmental investigations in addition to engaging with the local community and other stakeholders. Consultation with property and business owners, community and environmental groups, representative bodies and local government along with the investigations have generated a significant amount of information to assist in the route selection process.

While the information collected through these methods has gone a long way to informing the route selection process, the planning team has identified that further work is still needed before a preferred route is available for community comment.

All of this research and feedback is providing the information needed to come up with the preferred route.

Members of the project team discussing route options

When will the preferred route be determined and announced?

Final planning investigations are expected to be completed in the New Year and the preferred route for the Northern Connector’s road and rail corridor is anticipated to be known in early 2009.

After the preferred route is determined it will undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment. This assessment will take approximately 12 months. The Environmental Impact Assessment includes detailed investigations that assess the effects of the project of a variety of issues, including:

• Property and land use
• Local community and business
• Traffic and transport
• Noise and vibration
• Cultural heritage (indigenous and non-indigenous)
• Flora and fauna (including habitats)
• Visual quality and landscape character
• Air and water quality
• Hydrology, drainage and flooding
• Greenhouse and sustainability
• Geology and soils

At the end of the assessment to final route for the Northern Connector will be announced and property owners will once again be contacted.

What opportunities will there be to have a say on the preferred route?

Several opportunities will be provided to make comment on the preferred route. One-to-one meetings, community forums and staffed shopping centre displays will be widely publicised in the New Year. A plan showing the preferred route will also be included in a project brochure that will feature more information about the route. This will be distributed to you, assisting you to gain an understanding of what is being proposed and make informed comments.

Immediately the route is known an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be undertaken. As part of this process, any environmental impacts associated with the route selected will be identified along with mitigation measures that will be put into place to minimise these impacts.

Importantly, you will be invited to also make comment as part of the EIA process. Again, further information about when and how you can contribute your views will be widely promoted.

Your patience and cooperation during the planning study is truly appreciated. While the short delay in announcing the preferred route before the end of 2008 is regrettable, the Department is committed to ensuring that all issues and complexities of the project have been given full consideration. In early 2009, we are confident that we will release a route for public comment that provides the best overall transport, social, economic and land use benefits for the northern region and South Australia as a whole.

If you would like further information or have any questions about the project, please call 1300 793 458 (interpreter service available).