RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN PERTH AIRPORT LOGO GUIDELINES

Transcription

1 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN i PERTH AIRPORT LOGO GUIDELINES RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN OCTOBER 2011

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3 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN iii executive summary This draft version of the Major Development Plan document outlines the case for the development of a new office building at Perth Airport, to be known as Rio Tinto Echo 2. This will continue the development of the commercial precinct and complement the existing Echo 1 office building and Rio Tinto operations centre building located on the corner of George Wiencke Drive and Dunreath Drive. It is presented in accordance with the requirements for Major Development Plans prescribed under the Airports Act 1996 (Cth). The office development is proposed to be occupied by Rio Tinto and represents their continuing presence at Perth Airport. Upon the completion of the development, the Echo 1 and 2 office buildings and the Rio Tinto operations centre building will be linked via a common corridor, allowing for internal access between the buildings. The proposed office development will accommodate more than 300 additional Rio Tinto employees and contractors, supporting Rio Tinto operations throughout Western Australia. The Airports Act 1996 requires that Perth Airport produces a Master Plan to guide the future strategic development and use of land. The proposed Rio Tinto Echo 2 office development is in accordance with WAC s development objectives as stated in the Perth Airport Master Plan 2009, in that the location of the development is on land identified as a commercial precinct for development, not required for long-term aviation services. There will be no significant environmental impacts as a result of the proposed development.»» As discussed in Section 10, Westralia Airports Corporation will engage in an extensive consultation process with key stakeholders and the public. Mining industry technology companies have been drawn to Perth Airport. Reasons cited include the Airport s capacity to facilitate easy access between overseas bases of personnel and remote project sites within Western Australia. The proposed development will allow for the productive use of land not required for aviation uses, to support economic development and employment creation in Western Australia. The key aspects of the Rio Tinto Echo 2 office development include: The construction of a three level, plus basement, building of steel and concrete. A gross floor area of approximately 5,753 square metres and a net lettable area of approximately 3,931 square metres. A basement level car park providing 31 bays and 34 bicycle bays, in addition to bicycle end of trip facilities.

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5 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN v Contents 1. introduction 1 2. legal framework Airports Act Master Plan Major Development Plan Environment Strategy Perth Airport Lease 3 3. planning overview Planning History Regional Significance Planning Rationale Consistency with State Planning Schemes CONCLUSION 6 4. development objectives SUPPORTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYMENT CREATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT 8 5. the development in detail Site and Land Description Rio Tinto Echo 2 Office Building Construction Employment Environmentally Sustainable Design Landscaping Security Environmental Management Plan Construction Phase Water Supply Power Gas Site Level environmental impacts Environmental Overview Land Use Planning and Conservation Existing Site Summary Heritage Issues Environmental Assessment and Management Construction Conclusion Monitoring Program Reporting Construction Phase Enforcement access and traffic management ON-AIRPORT ROAD NETWORK LOCAL SURFACE ACCESS AND TRAFFIC GENERATION CAR PARKING Noise and flight path issues Noise Exposure Levels Noise Impact on Communities Airspace Requirements Aviation Tower Line of Sight Risk Assessment consistency with perth airport master plan PRELIMINARY CONSULTATION consistency with the airports act references Sewerage Telecommunications 13

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7 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 1. introduction Perth Airport occupies a position as one of the most important infrastructure assets in Western Australia. It facilitates a large majority of the human traffic between Western Australia and other Australian States and Territories, and between Perth and overseas destinations. The isolation of Perth as a capital city and the vast distances between major regional cities in Western Australia makes Perth Airport an essential element in the day to day lives of the citizens of Western Australia. This state s position as the nation s major export income earner, through a burgeoning resources sector, relies on Perth Airport s capacity to efficiently process the thousands of workers engaged in construction and mining activities on remote resources project sites. In 1997, control of Perth Airport was transferred from the Commonwealth of Australia to Westralia Airports Corporation (WAC) under a 99 year lease, the first of a number of airports to be privatised. While the day to day management of Australian airports has been transferred to private operators, the Commonwealth Government continues to play an important regulatory and oversight role through the Airports Act 1996 and a number of associated Regulations. This statutory regime places a number of controls over the operation of airports to ensure that the public interest is always protected. Before WAC is able to proceed with the construction of the Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building, it is required under the Airports Act 1996 to issue a draft version of the Major Development Plan (MDP) for the proposal. The release of this document constitutes the draft version of the MDP for the Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building. After a period of public comment, a draft MDP is submitted to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport for final approval. Further details concerning the statutory arrangements covering MDPs are provided under Part 2 of this MDP document. This document also canvasses a range of other issues relevant to airport development, including environment, noise, urban planning, heritage, design, services and risks in accordance with the requirements for MDPs as prescribed under the Airports Act. The proposed Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building represents the continuation of the development of Commercial Precinct 1, complementing the existing Echo 1 office building and Rio Tinto operations centre building on the corner of George Wiencke Drive and Dunreath Drive, and the continuing presence of Rio Tinto at Perth Airport. Upon the completion of the development, all buildings will be linked via a common corridor, allowing for internal access between the buildings.

8 2 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2. legal framework 2.1 Airports Act 1996 The Airports Act 1996 is the principle statute regulating the ownership, management and conduct of major Australian airports. Part 5 of the Airports Act prescribes a number of controls over land use, planning and building at airports. 2.2 Master Plan Under section 69 of the Airports Act, each airport is required to produce a final master plan. The final master plan is one which has been submitted to, and approved by, the Minister as a draft master plan. Prior to submitting a draft master plan to the Minister, the airport is required to take into account public comments received on the preliminary version of the draft master plan. Subsequent developments at the airport must be generally consistent with the final master plan. Section 70 of the Airports Act requires that the purposes of a final master plan for an airport are to: establish the strategic direction for efficient and economic development at the airport over the planning period of the plan; provide for the development of additional uses of the airport site; indicate to the public the intended uses of the airport site; and reduce potential conflicts between uses of the airport site and to ensure that the uses of the airport site are compatible with the areas surrounding the airport. A new master plan may be developed every five years (section 77) and must relate to a planning period of 20 years (section 72). In accordance with these requirements, Perth Airport s first Master Plan was approved by the Minister on 18 May 1999, a second Master Plan was approved by the Minister on 15 July 2004 and a third Master Plan was approved by the Minister on 2 November Major Development Plan Under section 89 of the Airports Act, an MDP is required for each major development at an airport which, under section 91(1A)(b), must be consistent with the final master plan for the airport. Section 89(1) requires that an MDP be prepared where a new building is proposed that is not wholly or principally for use as a passenger terminal, and the cost of construction exceeds $20 million. The proposed building is to be used as an office and the cost of construction exceeds $20 million. The required contents of an MDP are set out in section 91 and include: the objectives of the proposed development; an assessment of the extent to which the future needs of civil aviation users of the airport and other users of the airport will be met by the development; a detailed outline of the proposed development; whether or not the proposed development is consistent with the airport s lease from the Commonwealth; whether or not the proposed development is consistent with the final master plan; if the proposed development could affect flight paths and noise exposure levels at the airport and the extent of relevant consultation with airlines and local government; and an assessment of environmental impacts and the plans for dealing with any such impacts. The contents of an MDP as prescribed under section 91 are addressed in this MDP document. Section 92 requires that the proposed major development plan must be drawn to the attention of the State Government Minister with responsibility for town planning, and be made available for public comment for a period of 60 working days.

9 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN Environment Strategy Section 115 of the Airports Act requires that airports develop a final environment strategy. Issues associated with the day to day management of the environment strategy are prescribed under Part 3 of the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations The purpose of the environment strategy is to: ensure that all operations at the airport are undertaken in accordance with relevant environmental legislation and standards; establish a framework for assessing compliance at the airport with relevant environmental legislation and standards; and promote the continual improvement of environmental management at the airport. The contents of the environment strategy are prescribed under section 116 of the Airports Act and include: the airport operator s objectives for the environmental management of the airport; 2.5 Perth Airport Lease WAC is the lessee of the 155 lots of land which make up the land comprising Perth Airport. The lease with the Commonwealth of Australia was executed on 1 July The term of the lease is for a period of 50 years, with an option of a further 49 years exercisable by the lessee. An essential term of the lease is that the lessee must comply with all legislation relating to the Airport site, including the Airports Act. Section 91(1A)(b) of the Airports Act requires that a major development is consistent with the airport lease for the airport. The proposal for the Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building contained in this MDP document is consistent with the Perth Airport lease, which permits the land comprising Perth Airport to be used for lawful purposes that are not inconsistent with its use as an airport. The lease also requires that any development is in accordance with an approved master plan. As discussed in Section 9, the proposed Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building development is consistent with Perth Airport s Master Plan 2009 in terms of the nominated land uses for the precinct. areas of environmental significance within the airport; the sources of environmental impact associated with airport operations and relevant studies and reviews; the measures to be used by the airport to lessen the environmental impact of the airport s operations; and details of consultations undertaken in preparing the strategy. Perth Airport s Environment Strategy 2009 was approved by the Minister on 15 September 2009.

10 4 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 3. planning overview 3.1 Planning History In early 1942, the area on which Perth Airport is now located was converted from the Dunreath golf course to an RAAF base, which operated until the end of World War II. Prior to this time the Maylands Aerodrome served as the primary aviation base in Perth. In 1943, the first runway was built by Western Australia s Main Roads Department for RAAF fighters, with a second strip being laid down a year later. In 1944, the Government agreed to allow Australian National Airways Pty Ltd (ANA) and Qantas to operate from this site in Guildford, as Maylands had become inadequate for their larger commercial aircraft. Guildford Aerodrome officially changed its status and name to Perth Airport in September In March 1953, the then new international terminal was completed at a cost of A$180,000, being built from second-hand wartime materials. The main domestic airlines moved out of their separate hangars in 1962 and into the first combined Domestic and International Terminal, which was opened to coincide with Perth s hosting of the 1962 Commonwealth Games. In November 1980, the Federal Transport Minister, Ralph Hunt, announced a new international terminal would be built in Perth. On 25 October 1986, Prime Minister Bob Hawke unveiled the A$60 million International Terminal Complex on the eastern side of the airport, complete with a new control tower. The Federal Airports Corporation (FAC) was formed in 1988 to manage the Australian Federal Civil airports as self-funding commercial entities. FAC implemented a major enhancement of retail outlets at the International Terminal and oversaw the redevelopment of the Domestic Terminal facilities by former Ansett and Australian Airlines. In 1997 control of Perth Airport was transferred to Westralia Airports Corporation under a 50 year lease with a 49 year option from the Commonwealth. Development of Perth Airport s land by WAC has been guided by the Master Plan 1999, 2004 and the Master Plan 2009 which were approved by the relevant Federal Minister in accordance with the requirements of the Airports Act. The Master Plan 2009 is considered to be relevant until 2029, which is the 20 year period specified under the Act. The Master Plan 2009 is the main planning instrument used by WAC to guide the development of airport land. The Act requires that development and an MDP be consistent with the Master Plan. 3.2 Regional Significance Perth Airport occupies a unique position in the economic and social lives of the Western Australian population. The size of Western Australia and the relative isolation of Perth and regional centres throughout the State makes Perth Airport a vital link to places beyond the State s borders and shores. The overwhelming majority of all journeys between Western Australia and other Australian States are facilitated through Perth Airport. Almost all international journeys commencing in Western Australia are facilitated through Perth Airport. The importance of Perth Airport to the people of Perth was recently confirmed through independent market research commissioned by WAC. The research reported that 87 per cent of Perth adults had visited Perth Airport at least once in the preceding 12 months. The research also reported that 79 per cent of those surveyed rated Perth Airport as Western Australia s most important transport infrastructure asset. This survey data is supported by Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics research which indicates that air travel between Perth and the eastern states is the dominant mode of transport. Approximately 92 per cent of journeys are by air. This share is forecast to grow to beyond 95 per cent by The commensurate figures for other Australian capital cities are 80 per cent for journeys between Sydney and Melbourne; 70 per cent for journeys between Sydney and Brisbane; and 50 per cent for journeys between Melbourne and Adelaide.1 Perth Airport plays an essential role in the Western Australian economy, particularly the resources sector. The strong reliance of the resources sector on fly-in fly-out workforces for mining, exploration and construction activities makes Perth Airport the focal point for workers commuting to and from many resources industry sites throughout Western Australia. Perth Airport is located centrally within the metropolitan area and close to the central business district, enabling convenient access for the majority of the population in the Perth region. Perth Airport is an important generator of employment and economic development. It has substantial land holdings including large areas not directly required for aeronautical operations. This non-aeronautical land is in the airport estate to ensure that its use 1 1 Bureau of Transport and Resource Economics, Information Sheet 26, Passenger movements between Australian cities, to

11 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 5 is controlled so that there are no impacts on aviation safety, security and capacity. The development of Perth Airport s non-aeronautical land has attracted businesses with a logistics focus that are drawn to the strong transport links with the Kewdale rail freight terminal and the road links to the ports of Fremantle and Kwinana. Mining industry technology companies have also been drawn to Perth Airport, citing the Airport s capacity to facilitate easy access between overseas bases of personnel and remote project sites within Western Australia. WAC and the Commonwealth control the development of all land within the Perth Airport estate. Some of this land may not be developed for aviation purposes in the short to medium term because it is reserved for long term future aviation purposes. The nature of developments on the land need to be tightly controlled to ensure there are no unacceptable impacts on aviation security, safety and capacity. 3.3 Planning Rationale Perth Airport is 2105 hectares in area, of which approximately 680ha has been identified for commercial development in the Master Plan The Master Plan 2009 set out the following objective for the commercial development of Perth Airport: Bring land not required for long-term aviation services into productive use to support economic development and employment creation in Western Australia. To achieve this objective the facilities are required to be: compatible with the core role of the airport to provide safe and reliable aviation services; compatible with land use planning in the communities neighbouring the airport; and of a nature that, wherever possible, maximizes the unique benefits provided by close proximity to the airport s aviation services. 3.4 Consistency with State Planning Schemes An objective of the Master Plan 2009 is to respect and support current regional and local planning principles as outlined in the Metropolitan Region Scheme and Town Planning Schemes STATE PLANNING STRATEGY The State Planning Strategy 1997 provides the strategic guide for land use planning within Western Australia through to the year The State Planning Strategy provides a vision and a set of principles by which co-ordinated, sustainable development will be implemented. The State Planning Strategy does not provide a specific land use plan for the Perth Metropolitan Region, but identifies as a principle the need to provide efficient transport routes and hubs. Specifically, the Strategy seeks to protect land for key transport hubs where air, road and rail transport is integrated DIRECTIONS 2031 Directions 2031 is the State s high level strategic plan that establishes a spatial framework and vision for the future growth of the Perth and Peel regions. Directions 2031 predicts a population increase of more than half a million people over the next 20 years, growing to a city of 3.5 million people after The plan identifies Perth Airport as a specialised centre, which provides an important and high level logistical function in the metropolitan region. Directions 2031 identifies that specialised centres have features in common with other activity centres and which will complement, rather than compete, with other activity centres. The plan notes that while Perth Airport provides specialised functions, many businesses or institutions related to, or supportive of, Perth Airport are also important contributors to the role of Perth Airport CENTRAL METROPOLITAN PERTH SUB-REGIONAL STRATEGY The Central Metropolitan Perth Sub-Regional Strategy has been developed in conjunction with Directions 2031 and sets out how the dwelling targets and urban growth for Perth and Peel, as identified in Directions 2031, will occur. The strategy states the following with regard to Perth Airport: Perth Airport has the potential to capitalise on already high levels of activity and access by creating a consolidated business and commercial hub. The creation of additional industrial land to complement the Welshpool-Kewdale industrial centre will generate important employment opportunities for catchments in the eastern metropolitan area. Planning is underway for access upgrades to major road connections and to extend the metropolitan rail network to service the area which is currently under-serviced by public transport.

12 6 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN The proposed office development is entirely consistent with the role of Perth Airport as identified in this strategy. The office building represents the further commercial development of land which is not required for long-term aviation services and the continuing presence of Rio Tinto at Perth Airport, creating an activity hub with the inter-connected existing Echo 1 and proposed Echo 2 office buildings and the existing Rio Tinto operations centre building STATE PLANNING POLICY 4.2 ACTIVITY CENTRES FOR PERTH AND PEEL Developed in conjunction with Directions 2031 and the Central Metropolitan Perth Sub-Regional Strategy, State Planning Policy 4.2 identifies Perth Airport as a specialised centre. The policy notes that a range of land uses that complement the primary function of Perth Airport will be encouraged on a scale that will not detract from other centres in the hierarchy. Notwithstanding the policy, it acknowledges that as Perth Airport is subject to Commonweatlh legislation, it is outside of the realm of the policy provisions, which address activity centre planning requirements. As outlined above, the proposed office development is entirely consistent with Directions 2031, the Central Metropolitan Perth Sub-Regional Strategy and State Planning Policy 4.2 Activity Centres for Perth and Peel, in that it comprises the further development of the commercial precincts of Perth Airport, as identified in the Master Plan The proposal continues the presence of Rio Tinto at Perth Airport and is of a scale such that it will not detract from the other centres in the hierarchy STATE PLANNING POLICY 5.1 LAND USE IN THE VICINITY OF PERTH AIRPORT The role of State Planning Policy 5.1 is to provide guidance to Local Government s in the vicinity of Perth Airport and the Western Australian Planning Commission when considering developments on land adjacent to the airport. As the proposed development is located at Perth Airport and will not generate any aircraft noise, there are no implications under this policy. The suitability of the development with regard to the Aircraft Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) contour is addressed in Section Eight KEWDALE-HAZELMERE INTEGRATED MASTER PLAN The Kewdale-Hazelmere Integrated Master Plan (KHIM) was released for public comment by the Western Australian Planning Commission in September Following consideration of the recommendations made by government and private sector stakeholders, the final KHIM was published in August The KHIM is an integrated transport and land use Master Plan for the Kewdale-Hazelmere region. The document is a strategic planning document that will guide the review of existing Local and Regional Planning Schemes. The Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building proposal is consistent with the KHIM METROPOLITAN REGION SCHEME The subject land is reserved for Public Purposes: Commonwealth Government under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS). The MRS does not provide for the permissibility of uses in the designated reservations. That is, under the provisions of the MRS, any use can be approved on any reserved land. The Public Purpose reservation does not prevent the approval of any use on the site, including (for example) commercial land uses. The proposed development is consistent with the provisions of the Metropolitan Region Scheme and is compatible with the surrounding zonings. Figure 1 indicates the MRS zonings and reservations CITY OF BELMONT TOWN PLANNING SCHEME NO. 14 The proposed Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building development is entirely consistent with the provisions of the City of Belmont Town Planning Scheme No. 14. The land uses identified for consideration in each of the commercial precincts, as included in the Master Plan 2009, were based on the provisions of the City of Belmont Town Planning Scheme No. 14. The proposed development is located within Commercial Precinct 1, within which the Master Plan 2009 identifies that an office is an intended use. 3.5 CONCLUSION The proposal is on land reserved under the MRS and is consistent with the MRS, the operative Local Authority Town Planning Scheme, State Planning Strategies and Policies and adjoining land uses, as demonstrated above.

13 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 7 Figure 1 - Perth Airport & Surrounding Areas Land Use under the Metropolitan Region Scheme

14 8 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 4. development objectives This section outlines WAC s overarching objectives which guide decisions in relation to planning and developing the Perth Airport estate. These objectives take into account the needs of all relevant stakeholders and the Company s statutory obligations. Westralia Airports Corporation s Vision is: To operate an outstanding airport business providing great customer service. The following corporate objectives guide Perth Airport s management: ensuring our facilities and services are safe and secure for all; helping our airline and other business partners develop their businesses; meeting the needs of our customers; conducting our business in a commercially astute manner; providing our employees with satisfying employment; conducting operations in an ecologically sustainable manner; identifying and managing risk; facilitating travel, trade and industry in Western Australia; and ensuring we are a responsible and caring corporate citizen. 4.1 SUPPORTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The proposed Rio Tinto Echo 2 office development is in accordance with WAC s development objectives as stated in the Master Plan 2009, in that the location of the development is on land not required for long-term aviation services. The proposed development will allow for the productive use of the land, to support economic development and employment creation in Western Australia. Specific to the proposed Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building, the objectives for the development are to: provide high-quality office accommodation for Rio Tinto employees and contractors; accommodate the growth of Rio Tinto s business at Perth Airport; and provide a 5 Star Green Star (version 2) building, including a range of environmentally sustainable design features and end of trip bicycle facilities to encourage alternative modes of travel to work. 4.2 EMPLOYMENT CREATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT The most direct economic impact of the proposed office development will be the accommodation of more than 300 additional Rio Tinto employees and contractors within the office building, supporting Rio Tinto operations throughout Western Australia. The number of additional employees and contractors represents the growing nature of Rio Tinto s business in Western Australia. Furthermore, it is estimated that 70 jobs will be generated in Western Australia during the construction phase of the development. Perth Airport is a major employer in the Perth metropolitan region. In 2009, direct employment at Perth Airport was estimated at 8,500, including those employed in aviation and by airport tenants. This equates to approximately 30 per cent of all employment in the City of Belmont. Airline activities are estimated to account for 20 per cent of the total direct employment, freight services are estimated to account for 20 per cent, administration and operation of the airport accounts for approximately 9 per cent and operations of tenants on the airport estate that are not directly involved in airport operations account for 41 per cent. The remaining employment is in the fields of aircraft workshops, air charter and support services (including hire cars and fuel supplies). In 2009, indirect employment as a result of the direct economic activity at the airport was estimated to be around 10,000 jobs in Western Australia, around 800 of which are outside the Perth region. Therefore, activity at Perth Airport contributes to a total of 18,500 jobs in Western Australia. The direct economic value of Perth Airport, or its contribution to Gross State Product (GSP), is $1.4 billion. Once the indirect contribution through the airport s linkages to the rest of the economy are added, the contribution to GSP rises to around $2.9 billion or just under 2 per cent of Western Australia s GSP. The proposed office development contributes towards this job creation and GSP figures, and represents support of the local economy through additional local employees being based on the site and the subsequent additional demand for incidental day-to-day goods and services. The proposed development is not considered to have any potentially detrimental economic impact on the surrounding employment centres. It represents the continued presence of the existing Rio Tinto employment base at Perth Airport, that would not otherwise be located off the airport estate, and is consistent with the State Government s strategic plan for Perth, Directions 2031.

15 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 9 5. the development in detail 5.1 Site and Land Description Perth Airport is located approximately 12 kilometres east of the Perth central business district. Perth Airport is one of three major airports in the Perth Region, the others being Jandakot and RAAF Pearce. Perth Airport is surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial, industrial and rural land uses. The site of the proposed Rio Tinto Echo 2 office development is located to the west of Terminals 2 and 3, and immediately southeast of the existing Echo 1 office building, within the area identified for commercial development within the Master Plan 2009, Commercial Precinct 1. The Rio Tinto Echo 2 development area is bounded by George Wiencke Drive to the northeast, the existing Echo 1 office building to the northwest, the existing Rio Tinto operations centre building to the west, and the Ngala Early Learning and Development Service to the south. The subject site is owned by the Commonwealth Government which granted in 1997 a 50 year lease plus 49 year option to WAC which is responsible for the management and development of Perth Airport. Perth Airport is operated WAC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airstralia Development Group Pty Ltd (ADG). The shareholders of ADG are: Utilities Trust of Australia (UTA) % Australian Infrastructure Fund (AIX) % Perth Airport Property Fund (PAPF) % Westscheme Pty Ltd (WS) 5.00% Officers Superannuation Fund (OSF) % Colonial First State Private Capital Limited (CFS) % The Infrastructure Fund (TIF) % Hastings Fund Management administers UTA, PAPF, AIX and TIF, which have a total equity interest of 89.6 per cent. Hastings Funds Management Limited is a specialist Australian infrastructure and investment company. 5.2 Rio Tinto Echo 2 Office Building The Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building will be a three level, plus basement, building of steel and concrete construction with a gross floor area of approximately 5,753 square metres and a net lettable area of approximately 3,931 square metres. The design of the building provides for three levels of office floor area, with a basement level for car parking. At its northern end, the building has been designed to connect to the existing adjacent Echo 1 office building via a corridor on all levels. Access from this common corridor is also provided to the Rio Tinto operations centre building. The proposed development will provide additional floor area for typical office activities, including administration and support functions for Rio Tinto operations throughout Western Australia. The basement level provides 31 car bays and 34 bicycle bays, in addition to end of trip bicycle facilities, comprising secure male and female showers, toilets, lockers and changerooms. Figure 2 shows the Rio Tinto Echo 2 site location on an aerial phtograph and Figure 3 shows the site in the context of the Commercial Precincts Plan. 5.3 Construction Employment It is estimated that during the construction phase of the Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building, 70 jobs will be generated in Western Australia. 5.4 Environmentally Sustainable Design The proposed development has been designed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star (version 2) rating and will incorporate, where practical, principles of environmentally sustainable design, including: energy efficient electrical appliances; and selection of high efficacy lamps with high frequency ballasts to reduce energy inefficiency. A number of measures will also be considered in relation to conservation of water resources: installation of 5 or 6 star (WELS rating system) rated appliances; and»» substituting scheme water with non-scheme water (including storm/rain water, groundwater, and grey water) where possible.

16 10 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN Figure 2 - Aerial Photograph Site Location PROPOSED ECHO 2 LOCATION

17 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 11 Figure 3 - Commercial Precincts Plan

18 12 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 5.5 Landscaping Landscaping will meet Perth Airport s objective of maximising the number of local native flora or other appropriate species while recognising aircraft safety regarding non-bird attracting plant species. 5.6 Security Both physical and electronic security will be provided to the proposed building. 5.7 Environmental Management Plan Construction Phase In keeping with the Environment Strategy 2009, an Environmental Management Plan for the construction of the Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building will be prepared and will include approaches to water and sediment control, dust management, noise and vibration impacts, and waste. Water and sediment control measures will include: procedures for the treatment and disposal of stormwater and waste water; proposed methods of water and sediment discharge; methods to prevent run-off from the site to neighbouring land; monitoring procedures to prevent sediment, waste and pollutants entering the street stormwater system; and measures to mitigate against soil and sediment run-off including maintaining erosion and sediment control measures at design capacity for the duration of the construction period. In relation to dust management, the plan will address: measures undertaken during the site preparation and construction works to minimize the generation of dust from the site; and Noise and vibration impacts will be addressed through procedures to ensure compliance with Australian Standard AS2436: Maintenance and Demolition Sites including: methods for minimizing noise and vibration impacts from construction including the use of silencing methods for the construction equipment; and procedures for noise and vibration monitoring. The plan will address waste issues through: procedures through which waste will be minimized, managed and recycled; and details of the removal of spoil and rubbish from the site associated with construction operation Dewatering Management Plan A dewatering management plan will be prepared for the construction of the Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building Operational Phase It is recognised that for the various sustainable design elements of the facility to continue to be of benefit, they need to be properly maintained. This is most efficiently achieved through their incorporation within the existing building maintenance procedures. 5.8 Water Supply The location of the proposed office development will allow for direct connection to the existing water main located in George Wiencke Drive. 5.9 Power The location of the proposed office development will allow for direct connection to the existing underground power located in Dunreath Drive. preparation of a dust management strategy which includes procedures for minimizing dust generation, procedures for monitoring and compliance.

19 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN Gas The location of the proposed office development will allow for direct connection to the existing high pressure gas main located in Dunreath Drive Site Level Excavation is required to accommodate the basement level car park. The finished floor levels of the proposed office building will match the existing floor levels of the adjacent Echo 1 building Sewerage The location of the proposed office development will allow for direct connection to the existing gravity sewer located in George Wiencke Drive Telecommunications The proposed office development will be connected to the existing telecommunication systems.

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33 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN environmental impacts 6.1 Environmental Overview The Existing Environment The site for the proposed development currently comprises an atgrade car park associated with the existing Echo 1 office building and Rio Tinto operations centre building. This area has already been earthworked as part of the development of the adjacent buildings, noting that the Echo 1 building contains a basement level car park Climate Rainfall and temperature are the most important climatic factors relative to understanding of the environment of the site, as these determine the seasonal rise and fall of the groundwater. The definite seasonality of rainfall in the Perth region is also a factor in stormwater, dust control and management strategies which will need to be designed for the proposed development. As the construction period is greater than 12 months, the impact of this seasonality will be addressed in the Construction Environmental Management Plan developed for the project. Perth has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool wet winters. The annual average rainfall is 890 millimetres with most of the rain falling between May and September. From December to March the climate is typically hot with mean daily maxima generally in the order of 29 C. With the end of rain each year and the onset of hot fine weather, the evaporation rates rise and, subsequently the water table falls. Winds are also an important factor in environmental assessments as strong winds can generate dust from construction sites. Perth is Australia s windiest city and experiences westerly gales in winter, and strong easterlies in the morning and sea breezes in the afternoon in summer. The annual mean wind speed of 15.5 kilometres per hour is about 30 per cent above those of other capitals and the maximum recorded gust of 155 kilometres per hour exceeds that of most other cities Landform and Geology Perth Airport, including the site of the proposed office building development, is located on the Bassendean Dunes of the Swan Coastal Plain. These dunes occur in a zone about 15 kilometres wide and typically consist of low relief sand hills with seasonal wetlands frequently occurring in low depressions. The sand dunes are part of the geological formation referred to as Bassendean Sand, which typically consists of light grey, fine to medium grained quartz sand with an iron cemented layer commonly encountered at water table depth. According to the logs, Bassendean Sand extends to a depth of approximately 5 metres and is underlain by clays and clayey sands of the Guildford Formation. The Bassendean Sand and the Guildford Formation are both referred to as superficial deposits and are approximately 30 metres thick in the area. They are underlain by siltstones and shales of the Kings Park Formation. Some peaty swamp deposits have accumulated in the low-lying surface depressions as a result of decomposition of organic material. These swamp deposits typically consist of dark grey peaty clay with varying amounts of sand Groundwater Hydrology The superficial (shallow) aquifer occurs in either Bassendean Sand or Guildford Clay. Bassendean Sand sediments in this area are relatively permeable with hydraulic conductivities of 5 to 10 metres per day (Davidson, 1985). Guildford Clay is typically less permeable, with an average hydraulic conductivity of 3.3 metres per day (Davidson, 1985). The variation in hydraulic conductivity within the Guildford Formation can be very high depending on whether the deposits are high permeability sands or low permeability clays. The superficial aquifer is approximately 30 metres thick in this area, with a base elevation of around 10 metres Australian Height Datum (AHD). On the Perth Airport estate, the depth to average maximum groundwater level ranges from approximately 6 metres underneath the dune ridges to surface discharge as groundwater flows into wetlands. According to Water and Rivers Commission (WRC) records, groundwater in the region flows towards the Swan River which is located approximately 3 kilometres to the west northwest.

34 28 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN Groundwater flow is both locally and regionally modified by the presence of the localised drainage systems and substantial urbanisation off the airport site. Bores for groundwater abstraction are established in parts of the Perth Airport estate. This groundwater is being used for the irrigation of landscaped areas. Any further bores will be localised to service individual developments. Water quality monitoring of groundwater has been conducted on an ad hoc basis for a number of years. In 2002, a structured program was established. As a result, water level and quality information is collected more than 20 bores across the airport on a quarterly basis. The results of the monitoring indicate that, in the subject area, groundwater is expected to be generally fresh with an average total dissolved salt level of 180 milligrams per litre and a neutral ph with an average ph of 7. The water is suitable to be used for irrigation purposes. It is proposed that the existing groundwater quality be used as the baseline for assessment of future impacts Surface Hydrology The subject land is of low relief with a shallow depth to groundwater. The location of the proposed office development is serviced with reticulated drainage, as currently provided to the existing adjacent buildings Flora and Vegetation The site has been cleared, substantially modified and subsequently developed for at-grade car parking as part of the construction of the adjacent Echo 1 office building. The approved Environment Strategy 2009 identifies the site as completely degraded, as shown in Figure 4, based on the condition rating scale from Bush Forever, an initiative of the State Government. The only flora on the site is domestic grasses and trees with no known noxious weed species Fauna The site has been cleared, substantially modified and developed and, therefore, does not constitute fauna habitat. 6.2 Land Use Planning and Conservation The area containing the proposed development has been the subject of previous environmental assessments as part of the development of the adjacent existing buildings. The proposed Rio Tinto Echo 2 office building is within Commercial Precinct 1 as identified in the Master Plan conservation precincts In accordance with the requirements of the Airports Act 1996 the Perth Airport Environment Strategy 2009 identifies areas of high natural and Indigenous conservation values on the Perth Airport estate established through site-specific survey work. These are incorporated within the Conservation Precincts. The areas set aside for conservation were selected on the basis of consultation and liaison with various community groups and Government and indigenous agencies, including consideration of the various State and Federal policies and recommendations. This process culminated in an approved master plan and environment strategy that identified land to be set aside for conservation. The subject land is within Commerical Precinct 1 and is not within a Conservation Precinct. 6.3 Existing Site Summary The area proposed for the office building development was identified in the Master Plan 2009 and the Environment Strategy 2009 as being suitable for development purposes, with no significant environmental attributes that would restrict development. This conclusion was based on numerous environmental studies undertaken into the character of the proposed site. Details of these studies can be found in the Environment Strategy 2009, in addition to those studies undertaken as part of the development of the adjacent existing buildings. The use of this land for development purposes was embodied within a land use plan that was approved by the Minister for Transport and Regional Services after receiving advice from the Federal Minister responsible for the environment. Subsequently, this land use plan has again been approved as part of the Master Plan 2009 and the Environment Strategy Advice from the Federal Minister for Environment and Heritage was also obtained prior to this approval being given.

35 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 29 Figure 4 - Vegetation Condition Plan

36 30 RIO TINTO ECHO 2 OFFICE BUILDING DRAFT VERSION MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN 6.4 Heritage Issues European A search of the Australian Heritage Commission s Register of the National Estate has revealed no built form places of heritage significance exist on the site Natural Heritage A search of the Australian Heritage Council s database has identified three registered sites of heritage significance on the Perth Airport site: Munday Swamp Bushland, which was registered on 26 October 1999; Munday Swamp and surrounds, which was registered on 26 October 1999; and Forrestfield Bushland, which was registered on 26 October The development does not impact on any heritage registered areas or nominated conservation sites within the Perth Airport estate Aboriginal Heritage WAC recognises that Aboriginal people have a special association with the land and acknowledges that there are a number of sites which are of particular significance to Aboriginal people on the airpot estate. The most important of these is Munday Swamp, which is important from both an archaeological and spiritual perspective. In order to ensure matters of Indigenous heritage are appropriately addressed in all aspects of WAC s activities, WAC has developed a Cultural Heritage Management Plan. This Plan has been developed with the assistance of the local Indigenous community, the Department of Indigenous Affairs (State Government) and the Commonwealth Government. 6.5 Environmental Assessment and Management The following environmental management approach was adopted as part of the development of this project: identify potential environmental impacts (construction and operational); design alternate work practices or control measures to eliminate or mitigate impacts; and develop a strategy for monitoring and reporting of commitments to ensure compliance. While the major potential environmental impacts and means for dealing with these impacts are identified in this document, details of proposed management actions will be provided in a construction environmental management plan (CEMP). The CEMP cannot be finalised until detailed design of the office building is undertaken following approval of the draft MDP. WAC will adhere to established environmental management commitments. Prior to activities commencing on the proposed site, WAC is required to prepare a CEMP that is acceptable to the Commonwealth Government. Other mitigation measures are dealt with as design elements of the building and, through the commitments made in this document, will be incorporated in the plans submitted to the Commonwealth for building approval. To ensure all appropriate elements have been included, a sustainability design statement will be submitted to the Commonwealth together with the application for building approval. This will include the application of environmentally sustainable design elements outlined in Section 5.4. In relation to the subject land, no sites of ethnographic or archaeological significance have been identified. This judgement is based on continuous review of the State Register of Aboriginal Sites and extensive surveys of the Perth Airport estate.