Project development

The development cycle of a large project can take more than seven years. During this period the RTA has to:

Set strategic project limits (where it is, how long, etc).
Identify all of the options and all of the constraints.
Choose a preferred option.
Carry out a detailed study of the preferred option.
Recommend a preferred solution, with supporting detail.
Carry out community consultation throughout the process.
Revise the proposal in light of community comment.
Take the proposal to appropriate agencies for concurrence.
Seek the approval of the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning.

The planning process is designed to ensure that all viewpoints are heard and considered, that all findings are documented and those important findings acted upon.

The subjects that need to be studied in an environmental impact assessment typically include:

Heritage studies (European and Indigenous).
Community studies (social needs and likely impacts).
Business studies (business needs and likely impacts).
Geotechnical investigations (rock and soil conditions).
Hydrology (river, creek and catchment regime).
Landform (survey leading to computer modelling).
Flora studies (identification of rare or threatened plants).
Fauna studies (identification of wildlife and their movements).
Fish studies (if rivers are affected).
Drainage design.
Road design.
Bridge design.
Design aesthetics (fitting the upgrade into the surrounding environment).
Environmental design (noise, air, water).
Hazard and risk (during construction and operation).
Finance and cost estimates.
Construction planning.
Environmental planning.
Program for construction and funding.