Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
State Planning Policy—state interest guideline
Energy and
water supply
April 2016
Great state. Great opportunity.
Preface
Using this state interest guideline
The Queensland Government established the State Planning
Policy (SPP) to define the specific matters of state interest
in land use planning and development. To support the
implementation of the SPP, each state interest in the SPP
is supported by a state interest guideline such as this one.
This state interest guideline must be read in conjunction
with the SPP.
The SPP does not prioritise one state interest over another
and thus provides flexibility for local governments to
respond to specific regional and local contexts. This allows
for the state interests to be considered as an entirety rather
than as individual competing or conflicting priorities.
The SPP guiding principles carry equal weight with the state
interests and must be considered by local government as
part of the integration of state interests as an entirety rather
than as individual policies. This supports decision making
which integrates and balances the economic, environmental
and social needs of current and future generations,
promotes innovative approaches to design and development
where consistent with the strategic intent of a planning
scheme and enables flexible and performance-based
decisions as part of the assessment process.
Where text in this guideline is in a coloured text box, it is
an excerpt from the SPP and is the state’s policy about a
matter of state interest.
In relation to making or amending a planning scheme, the
SPP quoted text defines what a local government should do
in preparing or amending a planning scheme (ie. the state
prefers this policy but will consider alternative approaches
based on specific local context or issues).
Content within this state interest guideline that is not an
excerpt from the SPP provides further context and explains
how the SPP policies can be applied. It does not introduce or
define any new policies which do not exist in the SPP itself.
The use of such guidance material is optional—it does not
form a statutory component of the SPP and hence is not a
mandatory requirement of the state.
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Producing a
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and prosperous
Queensland
Safety and resilience
Efficient
•Emissions and
hazardous activities
•Natural hazards, risk
and resilience
Economic growth
•Agriculture
•Development and
construction
•Mining and
extractive resources
•Tourism
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Environment and heritage
to hazards
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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• Energy and water
supply
• State transport
infrastructure
•
Strategic airports
and aviation
facilities
• Strategic ports
Pos
•Housing supply and
diversity
•Liveable communities
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Ac
Infrastructure
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and housing
•Biodiversity
• Coastal environment
• Cultural heritage
• Water quality
2
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Contents
PART A Background and core concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
PART B Integrating the state interest into planning schemes. . . . . . . . . . . . 7
PART C Application of interim development assessment requirements. . . . . . 9
PART D Model code provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1. Strategic framework—model provisions for energy and water supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2. Model code provisions for reconfiguring a lot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3. Model code provisions for regional infrastructure overlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4. Model code provisions for operational works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
PART E Supporting material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
1.
Mapping information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.
Guideline and technical resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
3
PART A
PART A: Background and core concepts
State interest—energy and water supply
Planning supports the timely, safe, affordable and reliable provision and operation of electricity and water
supply infrastructure.
Background
Core concepts
A strong and resilient network of electricity and water supply
underpins the standard of living and economic development
in Queensland. The reliability and operational integrity of
major electricity and bulk water supply infrastructure must
be maintained. It is also important that electricity and water
services are able to be supplied to consumers when needed
and at an affordable price. This means that infrastructure
must be planned, constructed and maintained in a timely
and cost efficient way.
Major electricity infrastructure
Depending on the type and function of major electricity
and bulk water supply infrastructure, the issues that may
be of concern include: visual amenity, noise, public safety,
routine and emergency maintenance and access and
easement-related restrictions (such as temporary traffic
interruptions). Effective integration of these infrastructure
networks in planning schemes is required to avoid or
mitigate these issues.
Corridors may traverse a wide variety of land holdings
and landscapes. Major electricity infrastructure generally
consists of overhead lines and some underground lines
with voltages over 66 kiloVolts (kV). Due to the very high
construction cost of underground cabling, overhead lines are
preferred by the electricity providers. Structures for overhead
lines vary and include steel towers, steel poles, timber poles
and concrete poles; some of which have stays.
Transmission lines take electricity from power generation
sources to main grid and bulk supply substations or
switchyards. Then major distribution lines take electricity
to zone substations for supply to the low voltage network.
Powerlink is the main transmission entity in Queensland,
while Energex and Ergon Energy are the main distribution
entities.
Examples of electricity transmission infrastructure.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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PART A
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Substations
Substations provide many functions within the electricity
grid, including transforming electricity from a higher to
lower voltage (referred to as stepping down the voltage).
Substations may be established in a wide range of forms
and sizes, including:
• high voltage yard, including switchyards which involve
a switching function rather than transformation, and
transition yards which involve a transition from overhead
to underground or vise versa;
• bulk supply substations—generally transforming 275 kV
to 132 kV, and 110 kV to 66 kV or 33kV;
• direct transformation substations—which might transform
bulk supply (e.g. 110 kV) to distribution level
(e.g. 11 kV);
Most substations in suburban and rural areas have
a combination of outdoor and indoor components.
Transmission substations are generally provided outdoors.
Some substations may be enclosed within the large
buildings they directly serve (for example in major centres).
Under the Sustainable Planning Regulations 2009, pole
mounted substations, transformers or voltage regulators, or
pad mounted substations are excluded from the definition
of a substation site (thereby avoiding triggering referral of
development near small-scale facilities)1.
Editor's note: Minor electricity infrastructure is not dealt
with in the SPP and is exempt from regulation by a planning
scheme under Schedule 4 of the Sustainable Planning
Regulation 2009. Minor electrcity infrastructure is generally
concerned with supply directly to customers.
• zone substations—transforming either 132kV, 110kV, 66
kV or 33 kV to 22kV or 11kV.
Examples of substations.
1.
The definition of substation sites is contained in schedule 26 of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009. In addition, schedule 4 makes pole
or pad mounted substations exempt from regulation under a planning scheme (provided they are less than 66 kilovolts).
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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Bulk water supply infrastructure
Bulk water supply infrastructure is defined within the State
Planning Policy (SPP) as infrastructure identified in the SPP
Interactive Mapping System. Features include pipelines,
pump station facilities, reservoir facilities, water quality
facilities and property containing bulk water facilities.
At this time bulk water supply infrastructure is applicable to
South East Queensland. The Department of Infrastructure,
Local Government and Planning is continuing
to update the SPP to include additional matters involving
water supply infrastructure. While not mandated by the SPP,
it is advised that local governments throughout Queensland
consider provisions to protect the supply of water for
their communities.
Examples of bulk water supply infrastructure.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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PART A
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
PART B
PART B: Integrating the state interest
into planning schemes
Policy 1
Considering the location of major electricity infrastructure and bulk water supply infrastructure.
Policy 2
Protecting existing and approved future major electricity infrastructure locations and corridors (including
easements), electricity substations and bulk water supply infrastructure locations and corridors (including
easements) from development that would compromise the corridor integrity and the efficient delivery and
functioning of the identified infrastructure.
Policy 3
Recognising the industrial nature of some bulk water infrastructure and electricity infrastructure such as
pump stations, water-quality facilities and electricity substations, and protecting this infrastructure from
encroachment by sensitive land uses where practicable.
This section outlines how a local government may reflect the
state interest when making or amending a planning scheme.
It is not intended to mandate the only solution in which
a local government may appropriately reflect the State's
interest.
It is important to identify and protect the existing and future
major electricity and bulk water supply infrastructure to
ensure these services continue to provide communities
with necessary electricity and water provisions well into
the future.
In some cases, electricity and bulk water infrastructure may
have operational features that conflict with sensitive land
uses. Some examples include visual amenity, noise, odour
and public safety concerns. These concerns can give rise to
'reverse amenity' issues where operational impediments are
placed on the infrastructure in order to avoid or minimise
potential impacts on sensitive land uses. It is therefore
important to minimise encroachment by sensitive land uses
through appropriate planning measures. This ensures the
continued supply of services, acceptable standards of living
for these communities, and minimises expensive retrofitting of infrastructure.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
How to appropriately integrate
the policy
1/2/3.1 Identify major electricity infrastructure (both
transmission and major distribution corridors),
substations, bulk water supply infrastructure and
future infrastructure corridors on strategic framework
maps.
1/2/3.2Identify major electricity infrastructure (both
transmission and major distribution corridors),
substations, bulk water supply infrastructure and
future infrastructure corridors on zoning or overlay
maps (if used) such as a regional infrastructure
corridors and substations overlay. In the mapping,
differentiation should be made between
infrastructure providers.
1/2/3.3 Ensure the strategic intent and relevant themes
within the strategic framework of a planning scheme
recognise, and are consistent with, the importance
of protecting and recognising major electricity
infrastructure and bulk water supply infrastructure.
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1/2/3.4In determining the zoning of land, it is desirable
to include existing and planned electricity
infrastructure in a specific zone which reflects the
nature of the infrastructure (for example within
community facilities or special purpose zones).
The zoning of this land can be used to reinforce
community expectations that the land is committed
to this purpose. Alternatively, infrastructure
(especially corridors) may remain in another zoning
designation (for example, rural) provided overlay
or zone provisions adequately deal with their
protection.
1/2/3.6Depending on the zoning and the ability to
satisfactorily deal with interface issues, higher levels
of assessment may be applied to incompatible or
sensitive land uses where they encroach on major
electricity or bulk water supply infrastructure through
the use of overlays.
1/2/3.5 Ensure that land close to major electricity
infrastructure, substations and bulk water supply
infrastructure is zoned for compatible forms of
development. Ideally, the zoning would avoid
the potential for intensification of sensitive uses.
However, where new development is to occur, an
effective approach to managing the interface should
be set out in the relevant code(s). For example, a
Major Infrastructure overlay code.
1/2/3.8It is desirable to deal with any special circumstances
or particular risks that are specific to the local
government area or region. For example, there may be
new facilities planned where particular objectives for
addressing nearby development could be expressed.
Consultation at an early stage with service providers
and the Department of Energy and Water Supply can
assist in identifying regionally and locally specific
issues.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
1/2/3.7 Major electricity infrastructure, substations and bulk
water supply infrastructure are all highly regulated
by other statutes. Consider assessment under a
planning scheme only where necessary and at the
lowest level of assessment.
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PART B
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
PART C
PART C: Application of interim development
assessment requirements
There are no interim development assessment requirements for this state interest.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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PART D
PART D: Model code provisions
Example model code provisions for the energy and water
supply guidance material have been prepared below that
may be adapted by a local government when making or
amending a planning scheme. Where a local government
seeks to adopt model code provisions, it should ensure
the provisions are suitable to local circumstances prior to
adoption.
1. Strategic framework - model
provisions
The following sections provide guidance on provisions
that a local government may adapt for inclusion in its local
planning scheme to integrate the state interest for energy
and water supply. It is not intended that a local government
would use these model provisions verbatim, as local context
and tailoring is an essential part of integrating the SPP.
Strategic outcome
• Infrastructure corridors and sites need to be identified
and protected from encroaching sensitive or conflicting
uses which may affect their ongoing safe and efficient
operation.
2. Model code provisions
This following content could appear in one code or may be
spread across two or more relevant codes (for example, the
provisions may be spread between strategic framework,
zone code and reconfiguring a lot code, or strategic
framework, zone and use or overlay code). Operational
works aspects should be applied to works associated with
a material change of use or reconfiguration, as well as works
in their own right.
Model code provisions reconfiguring a lot code
Include the following within the purpose and assessment
criteria of the reconfiguring a lot code.
Purpose
The purpose of the code will be achieved through the
following overall outcomes:
1. Infrastructure requirements are integrated in master
planning and subdivision of new development areas;
Specific outcomes
2. Effective separation and interface treatment is provided
to major infrastructure sites and corridors to avoid risk to
people and property and to minimise noise, odour and
visual impacts;
1. The community has access to a reliable and safe energy
and water supply.
4. Development does not compromise the safe and
efficient operation, maintenance or expansion of major
infrastructure; and
2. Infrastructure corridors and sites for energy and bulk
water supply are protected from development that would
undermine their safe, efficient and unencumbered
operation or expansion.
5. Development over or near major electricity infrastructure,
substations and bulk water supply infrastructure does
not compromise or interfere with the integrity of the
infrastructure.
Note: the following specific outcomes may relate to elements such
as design and sequencing, infrastructure networks and key site
corridors.
3. Easy access is provided to and along major infrastructure
sites and corridors;
3. Development near major electricity infrastructure,
substations and bulk water supply infrastructure is
compatible with the nature and potential impacts of the
infrastructure.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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Assessment criteria
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO1
Lot reconfiguration integrates major electrical infrastructure,
substations and bulk water supply infrastructure within
the overall neighbourhood layout. In particular, the
neighbourhood design:
No acceptable outcome is nominated.
Editor's note: Applicants should consult with the electricity
provider early in the master planning process to determine
electricity infrastructure requirements.
(a) ensures land of sufficient size and suitability is
located to accommodate the existing and future major
infrastructure network;
(b) minimises the likely visual prominence of major
infrastructure; and
(c) provides for an interface or relationship with
surrounding land uses that minimises the potential for
nuisance (including noise and odour), health and safety
concerns.
PO2
Landscaping is provided which substantively assists in
screening and softening poles, towers or other structures and
equipment associated with major electricity infrastructure.
AO2.1
A minimum 5 metre wide densely planted landscaped buffer
is provided, including provision for advanced trees and
shrubs that will grow to a minimum height of 10 metres.
Editor's note: Applicants may find further guidance in
Powerlink's 'Screening your home from powerlines - A guide
for planting trees and shrubs outside of easements to screen
powerlines.
PO3
Major electricity or bulk water supply infrastructure within
private land is protected by easements in favour of the
service provider.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
AO3.1
Existing easements are maintained and where none
currently exist, new easements are created which are
sufficient for the provider's requirements.
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO4
Reconfiguration does not intensify development within
an easement for major electricity or bulk water supply
infrastructure in a way that would impede access to the
infrastructure by a responsible entity.
AO4.1
The number of lots within an easement is not increased.
PO5
Development within a bulk water supply pipeline and buffer
identified on a Regional Infrastructure Overlay Map:
AO5.1
Buildings and structures (other than those associated with
electricity infrastructure) are setback a minimum of 20
metres from a bulk water supply pipeline as identified on a
Regional Infrastructure Overlay Map.
(a) is located designed and constructed to protect the
integrity of the water supply pipeline; and
Editor's note: The images below provide examples of
subdivision design near an easement.
(b) maintains adequate access for any required maintenance
or upgrading work to the water supply pipeline.
PO6
Where the reconfiguration involves a major electricity
infrastructure corridor, the corridor is incorporated within a
useable public open space network wherever possible.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
No acceptable outcome is nominated.
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO7
Where major electricity infrastructure is located within
public open space, the dimensions and characteristics of
the open space area are sufficient to accommodate the
electricity easement on site, in combination with compatible
recreational facilities and landscaping, which ensure:
No acceptable outcome is nominated.
Editor's note: The figures below provide examples of a wellintegrated transmission corridor.
(a) it has an open and expansive character, with landscaping
design which assists in breaking up the linear and
vertical dominance of the infrastructure;
(b) landscaping is located outside the easement area and
substantively screens and softens the appearance of
poles, towers or other structures;
(c) recreational facilities and landscaping are compatible
with the electricity infrastructure, having regard to safety,
height, the conductivity of materials and access to the
electricity infrastructure by the electricity provider; and
(d) the design is such that the function of the open space for
recreation purposes is maintained.
PO8
Where the reconfiguration involves additional lots
encroaching bulk water supply infrastructure, development
ensures there are no adverse impacts on bulk water supply
infrastructure.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
AO8.1
Development does not limit access to bulk water supply
infrastructure and maintains legal access from a public place
for the purpose of maintenance
AO8.2
Stormwater management does not cause an adverse impact
on drinking water quality.
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Model code provisions - Regional
infrastructure overlay code
Include the following within the purpose and assessment
criteria of the regional infrastructure overlay code.
Purpose
The purpose of the code will be achieved through the
following overall outcomes:
1. Existing and planned infrastructure facilities and corridors
are protected from encroachment by sensitive land uses
or incompatible development.
2. Development does not create any threat to the provision
of a safe and reliable supply of services to all users,
and avoids any potential interference with the ongoing
operation, maintenance and augmentation of the
infrastructure;
3. Development does not increase the potential for safety
concerns and minimises the need for measures to be
introduced in the operation of the infrastructure to reduce
potential impacts on surrounding areas;
4. Development minimises overlooking of and visual
exposure to the infrastructure sites and corridors; and
5. Development over or near major electricity infrastructure,
substations and bulk water supply infrastructure does
not compromise or interfere with the integrity of the
infrastructure.
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO1
Development does not increase:
Development involving a sensitive land use2 is separated as
follows:
(a) risk to community health or safety; or
For electricity infrastructure:
AO1.1
Buildings (other than Class 10 buildings) maintain a setback
of at least:
(b) risk to the operation and reliability of major electrical
infrastructure, substations or bulk water supply
infrastructure.
(a) 50 metres from a transmission substation;
(b) 10 metres from any other substation; and
(c) 30 metres from a transmission line easement.
For bulk water supply infrastructure:
AO1.2
Sensitive land uses are not established or intensified within
the buffer of a water treatment plant identified on the
Regional Infrastructure Overlay Map.
Development not involving a sensitive land use is
separated as follows:
For electricity infrastructure:
AO1.3
Buildings are not located within a transmission line
easement.
AO1.4
Buildings (other than Class 10 buildings) are not located
within an easement for a distribution line.
2. Sensitive land uses is defined in the SPP.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
AO1.5
Buildings (other than Class 10 buildings) maintain a setback
of at least 10 metres from any distribution substation.
AO1.6
Class 10 buildings and structures are only located within an
easement for a distribution line where:
(a) development is not a swimming pool;
(b) development maintains a safe clearance from the power
lines in accordance with Electrical Safety Regulation
2013; or
(c) development is not located in a vacant easement for a
future powerline or in a vacant section of a double width
easement.
Editor's Note: Applicants should contact the relevant
electrical provider for further information on whether an
easement is either a vacant easement for a future powerline
or a double width easement with a vacant section.
AO1.7
Class 10a buildings or structures and Class 10b structures
(excluding swimming pools) maintain a setback from the
fencing of any substation of at least 4 metres.
AO1.8
Class 10b structures that are swimming pools maintain a
setback from any substation of a distance of at least 10
metres.
PO2
AO2.1
Residential buildings, other than where they are separated
Windows and balconies of residential buildings do not face
from the infrastructure by a road, are oriented to avoid direct easements and infrastructure sites.
overlooking of major electricity infrastructure or substations.
AO2.2
Side views from residential buildings to infrastructure are
screened by devices attached to the building.
Editor's note: The figure below provides an illustration of
buildings oriented away from infrastructure
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
PO3
Development allows for sufficient space within the site
to establish landscaping which substantively assists in
screening and softening poles, towers or other structures
and equipment associated with major electricity
infrastructure and substations.
For electricity infrastructure
AO3.1
A minimum 3 metre wide densely planted landscaped
buffer is provided along the boundary adjoining the major
electricity infrastructure, including provisions for advanced
trees and shrubs that will grow to a minimum height of 10
metres.
AO3.2
A minimum 2 metre wide densely planted landscaping
buffer is provided along the boundary adjoining a
substation, including provision for advanced trees and
shrubs, that will grow to a height which blocks direct views
from habitable rooms to a substation.
Editor’s note: The figures below provide an example but
are not drawn to scale. Applicants may find guidance in
Powerlink's 'Screening your home from powerlines - A guide
to planing trees and shrubs outside easements to screen
powerlines.' Applicants should also note that vegetation will
need to maintain statutory clearances (for further guidance,
refer to Ergon's Standard for Vegetation Management and
Standard for Vegetation Clearance Profile)
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
PO4
Major electricity or bulk water supply infrastructure within
private land is protected by an easement in favour of the
service provider.
AO4.1
Existing easements are maintained and where none
currently exist, new easements are created which are
sufficient for the provider’s requirements.
PO5
Development does not compromise or adversely impact
upon the efficiency and integrity of major electricity
infrastructure, substations and bulk water supply
infrastructure.
For bulk water supply infrastructure:
AO5.1
For pipeline infrastructure, a development free buffer
distance of 20 metres is maintained.
OR
AO5.2
For pipeline infrastructure, development involving an
extractive industry or explosive blasting, major hazard
facility or an Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) is
setback 50 metres.
Editor's note: Where an easement exists, the distance
should be measured from the Seqwater easement boundary.
In cases where there is no easement, the buffer distance
should be measured from the pipeline.
No acceptable outcome is nominated for major electricity
infrastructure or substations.
PO6
Development is located and designed to maintain access
to major electricity infrastructure, substations or bulk water
supply infrastructure.
AO6.1
Development does not limit access to major electricity
infrastructure, substations or bulk water supply
infrastructure with:
(a) landscaping along boundaries of, or traversing existing
or proposed infrastructure easements;
(b) fences constructed along the boundaries of, or
traversing existing or proposed infrastructure
easements;
(c) storage of equipment or materials within or along
the boundaries of existing or proposed infrastructure
easements;
(d) construction of buildings within or along the boundaries
of existing or proposed infrastructure easements; or
(e) earthworks which alter levels along the boundaries
of or within easements by more than 100 mm and do
not cause any worsening of inundation to existing
infrastructure.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
4. M
odel code provisions operational works
Purpose
Include the following within the purpose and assessment
criteria of the operational works code.
1. Development over or near major electricity and bulk water
supply infrastructure does not compromise or interfere
with the integrity of the infrastructure.
The purpose of the code will be achieved through the
following overall outcome:
Assessment criteria
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO1
Development does not compromise or adversely impact upon
the efficiency and integrity of bulk water supply infrastructure
and is located, designed and constructed to:
For bulk water supply infrastructure:
AO1.1
For pipeline infrastructure, a development free buffer
distance of 20 metres should be maintained.
(a) protect the integrity of the bulk water supply
infrastructure; and
OR
AO1.2
(b) m
aintain adequate access for any required maintenance For pipeline infrastructure, development involving an
or upgrading work to the bulk water supply infrastructure. extractive industry or explosive blasting, major hazard
facility or an Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) is
setback 50 metres.
Editor's note: Where an easement exists, the distance should
be measured from the bulk water supply infrastructure
easement boundary. In cases where there is no easement,
the buffer distance should be measured from the pipeline.
PO2
Earthworks do not restrict access to major electricity
infrastructure corridors or substations.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
AO2.1
Earthworks do not alter levels along the boundaries of
or within existing or proposed easements by more than
100 mm and do not cause the worsening of inundation to
electricity infrastructure.
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO3
There is no worsening of flooding, drainage or erosion
conditions affecting the major electricity infrastructure,
substations or bulk water supply infrastructure.
No acceptable outcome is nominated.
Editor's note: The figures below illustrate the concept.
PO4
Development maintains a safe clearance from all powerlines.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
AO4.1
Development maintains the clearances required under
Schedules 4 and 5 of the Electrical Safety Regulations 2013 or
the current relevant standards.
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO5
Any earthworks are undertaken in a way which:
AO5.1
No earthworks are undertaken within:
(a) ensures stability of the land on or adjoining major
electricity infrastructure or substations;
(a) 20 metres of a transmission tower, pole or stay for
overhead transmission infrastructure;
(b) does not otherwise impact on the safety and reliability
of the major electricity infrastructure or substations;
and
(b) 10 metres of a tower, pole or stay for overhead
distribution infrastructure;
(c) does not restrict the placement or use of the electricity
provider’s equipment.
(c) 50 metres of a property boundary shared with a
substation site for transmission substations; or
(d) 10 metres of a property boundary shared with a
substation site for distribution substations.
Editor’s note: The figures below illustrate the concept.
AO5.2
No earthworks are undertaken, or other loading or
displacement of earth caused, within the easement of an
underground powerline.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
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PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO6
Any earthworks undertaken adjoining bulk water supply
infrastructure ensures no adverse impacts on bulk water
supply infrastructure.
AO6.1
Excavation and filling activities are undertaken in a manner
to minimise erosion and sediment movement.
AO6.2
There is no worsening of flooding drainage or erosion
conditions affecting the bulk water supply infrastructure.
AO6.3
No permanent barrier is to be constructed that limits access
to bulk water supply infrastructure and maintains legal
access from a public place for the purpose of maintenance.
PO7
Other services and infrastructure works (which may include
stormwater, sewerage or water) do not impact on the
safety and reliability of major electricity infrastructure or
substations.
AO7.1
Underground services are not located within:
(a) 20 metres of a tower, pole or stay for transmission
infrastructure;
(b) 10 metres of a tower, pole or stay for distribution
infrastructure;
(c) a vacant major electricity infrastructure easement; or
(d) 10 metres of a substation property boundary.
AO7.2
No valve pits occur within:
(a) 60 metres of a tower, pole or stay for transmission
infrastructure; or
(b) 10 metres of a tower, pole or stay for distribution
infrastructure.
AO7.3
Pipelines with cathodic protection systems, comply with part
13 of Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 or the current relevant
standard.
AO7.4
Underground services traversing an easement, cross at
angles between 60 and 90 degrees to the overhead or
underground lines.
AO7.5
Trenches for services are backfilled to be compacted in 150
mm layers to at least 95% modified dry density compaction
ratio.
AO7.6
Trenches under construction are not left open overnight.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
21
PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Performance outcomes
Acceptable outcomes
PO8
Vegetation does not pose a risk to the safety or reliability of
electrical infrastructure.
AO8.1
Where vegetation is planted within an easement of an
overhead power line or, where there is no easement, it should
be planted:
(a) not within 5 metres either side of the area directly below
the conductors where not within the area of influence of
a power line;
(b) within 20 metres of a power line structure, pole or stay;
and
(c) has a mature height of no more than 3.5 metres.
AO8.2
Vegetation planted within an underground powerline
easement does not have a mature root system greater than
150 mm in depth and is not located within 1 metre of the area
directly above the powerline.
AO8.3
Vegetation adjoining easements complies with the clearance
dimensions illustrated in the figures below.
AO8.4
Planting complies with (as relevant to the infrastructure
concerned) either:
(a) Energex's Safe Tree Guidelines;
(b) Ergon's Plant Smart brochures; or
(c) Powerlink's Screening Your Home from Powerlines
information sheet.
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
22
PART D
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
PART E
PART E: Supporting material
1. Mapping information
SPP Interactive Mapping System provides the plan making
maps in relation to bulk water supply infrastructure and major
electricity infrastructure as referred to within this guideline
www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/planning/state-planning-instruments/
spp-interactive-mapping-system.html
2. Guidelines and
technical resources
Energy Industry Guideline on Electricity infrastructure:
planning scheme making and development approval process
- contact Energex, Ergon or Powerlink.
Energex's Safe Tree Guidelines
https://www.energex.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_
file/0017/148121/0525.pdf
Ergon's Plant Smart brochures
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/safety/home-safety/
trees-and-powerlines/plant-smart
Powerlink's Screening Your Home From Powerlines
information sheet
https://www.powerlink.com.au/Landholders_and_Property/
Property_and_Easements/Screening_your_home.aspx
Photo credit: Images (pages 4 and 5) sourced from Urban Context Analysis Report—Corridors, GHD Pty Ltd for Energex (September 2012).
State interest guideline - Energy and water supply - April 2016
23
© The State of Queensland, April 2016. Published by the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, 100
George Street, Brisbane Qld 4000, Australia.
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For the most up to date version of the State Planning Policy, please refer to the Department of Infrastructure, Local
Government and Planning website www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/spp. To obtain a printed copy of this guideline, please contact us
via the contact details provided at the end of this guideline.
State Planning Policy
Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
PO Box 15009, City East, Queensland 4002
tel: 13 QGOV
email: SPP@dilgp.qld.gov.au
www.dilgp.qld.gov.au