KESTREL WEST PROJECT I N FO R M AT I O N FO R CO M M U N I T Y A N D S TA K E H O L D E R S
KESTREL WEST NEWSLETTER November 2023
What is the Kestrel West Project?
Kestrel Coal Resources (Kestrel) has continued with initiating works and studies to assess the potential for the current mining operations to extend into parts of Mineral Development Licence (MDL)182. This project is an extension to current mining operations to optimise resources and utilise existing infrastructure. The project is referred to as Kestrel West because MDL182 is located immediately to the West of our current mining operations at the Kestrel Mine, adjoining Lilyvale Road. It is anticipated our current mining and resource extraction will be completed by approximately 2032. By extending operations into Kestrel West it will ensure the Kestrel Mine and associated operations can continue to invest in our local community and provide economic development opportunities for the next 25 years and beyond. These benefits include the ability to maintain secure and sustainable employment for our existing workforce, while continuing to deliver meaningful benefits to the Central Highlands community.
WE ARE HERE
KESTREL WEST PROJECT PHASES
Baseline Environmental Studies & Mine Design
Terms of Reference - State & Commonwealth inc Public Consultation
EIS Development
PROJECT TIMELINE
2021 – 2024
2023 – 2024
2023 – 2024
CURRENT PHASE OF PROJECT
Preparation of voluntary Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) application and ongoing Baseline Environmental Studies and Mine Design.
EIS assessments and reports
What is a Social Impact Assessment?
What is a Traffic Impact Assessment?
In maintaining Kestrel’s ongoing commitment for community consultation and to assist in the preparation of the SIA as part of the Kestrel West EIS, we are undertaking community and stakeholder engagement to:
The Kestrel West Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will incorporate a series of assessments and reports to support the application for the extension and inform the regulators decision in assessing the mining lease application. The environmental aspects addressed by the EIS include climate, land use, rehabilitation, water management, flora and fauna, air, noise and vibration, waste management, hazards and safety, cultural heritage, social, economic and transport.
One of the assessments recently commenced is the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA). The TIA is the process of compiling, analysing, gathering information and documenting the effect that a development is likely to have on the operation of the road network. The TIA also looks to demonstrate how these impacts can be avoided, reduced, managed or mitigated. A TIA assesses safety and efficiency impacts on users, as well as any impacts on the condition of transport infrastructure. Qualified engineers will assess the road network around the Kestrel Mine and its entry and exit points to establish baseline data for the TIA report.
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a process for the identification, analysis, assessment, management and monitoring of the potential social impacts of a project, both positive and negative. The social impacts of a project are the direct and indirect affects to people and their communities during all stages of the project lifecycle.
Gain a detailed understanding of who is likely to be impacted and how, Understand and identify the affected communities, Identify and assess the potential social impacts, both positive and negative, Develop management measures to mitigate adverse impacts and enhance benefits, and Support monitoring and reporting of social impacts.
Submitted to Government
Consultation & Engagement on EIS
State & Commonwealth Assessment
Application Determination & Approval Decision
2024
2024 – 2025
2025
2026
Ongoing assessments and reports
There are several other assessments currently underway in various stages of completeness. These reports include: Groundwater resource impact assessment Surface Water and flood impact assessment Soils and land suitability assessment The detailed nature of these reports takes time to ensure fullness and accuracy in their reporting. As many of these reports are interrelated, the most efficient and effective way to communicate the findings and analysis of these reports will be as a complete package. We will be in touch again in early 2024 once the various reports are finalised and able to be shared as a complete picture.
What works have been completed?
Terrestrial flora and fauna assessment
What works are currently underway?
Surface water and flooding impact assessment Traffic impact assessment Social impact assessment Air quality impact assessment Voluntary EIS application Noise and vibration impact assessment
What works are upcoming?
Stygofauna assessment
Infrastructure assessment
What you need to know if you are a ...
Near neighbour of Kestrel West You may see traffic engineers recording traffic movements along Lilyvale Road through late 2023 and early 2024. We would like to come meet with you at your property on either Wednesday 29th or Thursday 30th November at a time of your convenience. Employee or contractor with Kestrel With an approved extension to life of mine, Kestrel West will drive job security and opportunities to progress your career with Kestrel beyond 2032. Take advantage of Kestrel’s current employment opportunities to see your career grow as we grow. Secure your future with an employer that supports our local community. Member of our local community The project will provide employment and procurement opportunities for our community and businesses. Through payment of government rates and royalties, Kestrel West will continue to help fund local infrastructure maintenance, and investment in new infrastructure.
Contact
Phone: +61 (0) 7 3557 3000 Email: info@kestrelcoal.com Kestrel Coal Resources Address: Level 22, 10 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 Postal address: GPO Box 628, Brisbane QLD 4001
To our neighbours:
Having the opportunity to meet with our near neighbours to discuss the matters that are most important to our key stakeholders, is of the highest priority for everyone at Kestrel. To maintain this open exchange of feedback and connection with our neighbours, we are seeking to meet with our neighbouring landowners at their properties for in-person conversations. If you are interested in meeting with us face-to-face to discuss matters on your own terms, we have put aside Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th November. Our Manager of Sustainability, Colleen Fish and our Superintendent for Environment, Connor Jacklin will be at these meetings. Please respond to the invitation with the time that suits you best. If these dates are not suitable to you and you would like to take up the offer for an in-person discussion, please let us know an alternative time and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.