Legislation and environmental approvals
Environmental Heritage Impact Assessment
As with other projects delivered by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, we are undertaking an Environmental and Heritage Impact Assessment (EHIA) process as part of our project planning and environmental due diligence.
We recognise environmental and heritage issues are an important part of the planning and design process. This assessment helps us identify the project’s potential impacts and ways to address them.
The EHIA process aims to:
- identify and assess potential impacts
- identify and implement opportunities to avoid, minimise, mitigate or offset impacts where practical
- determine which approvals, permits and authorisations are needed, including any considerations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Assessment findings
This assessment has identified key items that will continue to be considered as the design progresses and construction approaches. These include:
- an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage assessment
- self-assessment for Matters of National Environment Significance under the EPBC Act
- investigations to further minimise impacts on vegetation and fauna where practical
- spoil management planning
- rehabilitation and revegetation strategies.
This work is underway and is being supported by qualified environmental and heritage technical specialists. It will continue throughout the detailed design process.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act referral
The project is being delivered in line with all relevant environmental and heritage legislation. This includes the referral process under the EPBC Act.
Under the EPBC Act, the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water assesses potential impacts and management of Matters of National Environmental Significance. This includes listed threatened species, ecological communities and national heritage places.
As part of project planning, a self-assessment was completed using the EPBC Act and Significant Impact Guidelines.
Self-assessment findings
The assessment found the project is unlikely to have a significant impact on the relevant Matters of National Environmental Significance. As a result, a referral is not considered necessary. However, the project team has chosen to submit a referral so the Federal Minister can determine if further assessment or approval is required.
Referral process
The project supports a transparent environmental approvals process. Referrals are published on the EPBC Act public portal where anyone can provide feedback. The National Environment Protection Authority manages this process.
Once live, the assessment can be viewed on the EPBC Act Public Portal.
South Australian Motor Sport Act
The South Australian Motor Sport Act 1984 provides the legal framework for major motor sport events in South Australia. It allows major motorsport events to be held and managed in South Australia.
Under the Act, the Minister can:
- set a Declared Area in which motorsport activities and events can take place
- set a Prescribed Works Period during which the works required to deliver the events can be completed
- set a Declared Period when those activities and events can occur.
Construction for the project will take place within the gazetted Declared Area and Prescribed Works Period. Construction will be carried out in stages across key areas of the Declared Area. Public access to the Adelaide Park Lands will be maintained when areas are not required for construction.
The Act also requires the South Australian Motor Sport Board to consult with people affected by its activities and consider their feedback.
Managing impacts during construction
During construction, potential impacts will be carefully managed. This may include noise, vibration, vegetation, dust, night works and cultural heritage. Construction activities will be guided by a Construction Environmental Management Plan and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
We are partnering with the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, the Registered Native Title Body Corporate for the project area, to develop the Cultural Heritage Management Plan and explore opportunities to recognise, celebrate and share Aboriginal culture.