site appraisals and reconnaissance, conducted in October 2008, to capture photographic images of the existing visual environment;

15. Visual Amenity 15.1. Introduction This Chapter provides a description of the existing landscape character and visual amenity of the Project area. It also identifies potential visual impacts of the Project and mitigation measures proposed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts. 15.1.1. Methodology The methodology for the visual impact assessment included: site appraisals and reconnaissance, conducted in October 2008, to capture photographic images of the existing visual environment; preparation of montages of the mine expansion areas using photographic simulation software; and undertaking a study to identify the visual impact of the Project on surrounding areas and from prominent sensitive receptors. The visual quality of a landscape can generally be classified as high, medium or low as follows: High visual quality - those landscapes with landform, land cover, water form or features of outstanding, unusual, distinctive or diverse character; Medium visual quality - those landscapes with landform, land cover, water form or features which tend to be common throughout the region and are not outstanding, unusual or distinctive in character; and Low visual quality - those landscapes with minimal diversity of landform, land cover, water form and features. Perceived visual impacts are relatively subjective and are predominantly related to the sensitivity of the viewing source. The potentially sensitive locations include: houses (especially those within 1 km of the Project site); major and secondary roads; tourist destinations and heritage sites; and identified locations of public and private importance. 15.1.2. Planning Requirements The Project site is situated within the TRC area. However, prior to Council amalgamations in March 2008, the Project site was within the Rosalie Shire Council area and is therefore subject to consideration against the planning requirements of the Rosalie Shire Planning Scheme. The Rosalie Shire Planning Scheme identifies a number of Desired Environmental Outcomes (DEOs) that aim to guide the provision of positive development within the region. One of these DEOs, Heritage and Character, provides guiding principles on the scenic development of the region. PAGE 15-1

DEOs that are relevant to the scenic values of the Project include: the open spaces, natural areas and rural landscapes that are characteristic of the (former) Shire are maintained; and the character of towns and settlements are maintained and enhanced. In addressing the scenic values associated with the Project, the impact on these applicable DEOs will be considered, and where possible, minimised. 15.2. Existing Visual Characteristics 15.2.1. Regional Landscape Characteristics The Project area is located along the eastern fringe of the Moreton uplands which extends inland from the Toowoomba range. The area also forms an important southern gateway to the Bunya Mountains. The broader regional landscape is characterised by: gently sloping rural lands broken by localised ranges and mountains; a combination of agricultural crops and grazing pastures which display a range of colours and textures at different times of the year; an overlay of rural roads, mostly unsealed, largely defined by treed verges; occasional hills and peaks which rise out of the plains and provide visual relief; variable vegetation coverage which is highest along roadside areas, local hills and ridgelines and individual patches within properties; and isolated rural settlements situated primarily around significant transport nodes, which punctuate the otherwise non-built landscape. 15.2.2. Local Landscape Characteristics The scenic values of the local landscape include attractive rural views, local hills and mountains (refer to Photo 15-1) and the township of Acland. In particular, the local area is characterised by: a flat to undulating landscape which is mostly open with variable roadside and ridgeline vegetation; a landform which varies considerably from cleared flat plains to vegetated land flanked by a number of small hills and mountains covered with dense vegetation; one small locally prominent hill, Bottletree Hill (elevation of 514 m), which is situated to the east of Acland and provides for views to the west over the township as well as over the Project site; the township of Acland, consisting of a number of small residential properties, a convenience store, school, mining museum and war memorial, most of which have been closed down; significant vegetation concentrated along roadsides, local hills and ridgelines and individual patches within properties; PAGE 15-2

pastures and cultivated fields on the flat land; one small ephemeral creek, Lagoon Creek, that drains in a south-westerly direction across the Project site; and the mining activities associated with the Mine. Photo 15-1 Representation of the Local Landscape 15.2.3. Classification of Landscape Visual Quality Based on the classifications outlined above, the regional and local landscape may be considered to be of medium visual quality, as all landscape elements, including landform, land cover, water form and features, are varied, yet are fairly common and not outstanding, unusual or distinctive in character. Despite the intense agricultural production dominating the landscape, the region maintains a relatively natural outlook, including vegetated areas within riparian corridors along most of the creeks and within some of the road reserves. Townships within the region have maintained their predominate rural characteristics of semi-rural residential dwellings centred around convenience or service facilities, despite the growing trend to subdivide and develop large agricultural blocks that fringe on the existing townships. Apart from the Warrego Highway, roads within the region have primarily maintained their rural characteristics with narrow lanes and limited curbing, and are primarily used by local rural or general mining traffic. Many of the roads are unsealed and are visually unimposing. The impacts on the landscape visual quality from the existing mining operations have been considered in deciding the existing classification. These impacts are discussed further in Section 15.2.4. 15.2.4. Visibility of Existing Mining Activities The Mine is a prominent feature within the local landscape. Although rehabilitation work has been undertaken, mine activities are visible from a number of locations around the Project site. In particular, mining activities are currently visible from a 4 km stretch of Oakey-Cooyar Road from chainage 10.5 km PAGE 15-3

(reference point is 0.0 km at the intersection of Oakey-Cooyar Road and Showgrounds Road). Photo 15-2 and Photo 15-3 provide a typical view of the mining activities and out-of-pit spoil dumps from Oakey-Cooyar Road. Traffic along the road is relatively frequent and a number of private properties lie within close proximity. The visible features associated with the Mine depicted in Photo 15-2 and Photo 15-3 have altered the visual landscape from the views of predominantly rural uses that are typical of the broader region. The activities visible in Photo 15-2 are components of early works associated with the Mine and have only recently begun. As a result, appropriate visual barriers, such as revegetation along road verges or vegetated bunds, are yet to be implemented. Photo 15-3 also displays components of the Mine s early works, including an out-of-pit spoil dump. Views of the mining activities from this location will be present until mitigation measures have been implemented and rehabilitation commenced. Stage 2 Early Works Photo 15-2 Early Works Visible from Oakey-Cooyar Road PAGE 15-4

Out-Of-Pit Dump Photo 15-3 Stage 2 Early Works, Including Out-Of-Pit Dump In contrast to the visible activities associated with the Mine, Photo 15-4 depicts vegetative screening and bunding that has been implemented as a component of the Mine s visual amenity improvement works. The combination of the vegetative screening across the centre of the photo and the grassed bund behind ensure that that no existing or remnant mining activities are visible from the roadway. The level of visual screening ensures that the views towards the mine site are not dissimilar to views of the surrounding, predominately rural landscape. Photo 15-4 Stage 1 Rehabilitation Works PAGE 15-5

Photo 15-4 is a typical representation of visual screening undertaken by NAC at the Mine. Although the mitigation measures implemented in Photo 15-4 have reduced the potential for views of the existing mining activities, they have also resulted in an altered visual landscape. The expansive views of the relatively flat agricultural land have been replaced by vegetative screens and bunds that have substantially limited the view to the visible horizon. 15.3. Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures The likely visibility and impact of the Project on the surrounding landscape and in particular a number of sensitive visual receptors are considered by: identifying sensitive visual receptors for the Project; assessing the potential impact of night lighting from the Project; assessing visually prominent features of the Project; and assessing the visual impacts of the Project. The is not expected to be any obstruction of sunlight or major reflection impacts on adjacent residential properties as a result of the Project due to the distance and location of the adjacent residential properties in relation to the visually prominent elements of the Project. 15.3.1. Sensitive Visual Receptors There are 22 residential properties and a number of public roads within close proximity to the Project site. Potentially impacted locations around these receptors were visited to determine if views of the Project site were likely. Photographs were also taken from locations with potential views of the Project (refer to Figure 15-1). The roads that were considered for this assessment included: Oakey-Cooyar Road; Acland-Silverleigh Road; Acland-Muldu Road; Acland-Bymaroor Road; Jondaryan-Muldu Road; Childs Road; Jondaryan-Sabine Road; Devon Park Road; Devon Park Boundary Road; and Hauslers Road. PAGE 15-6

15.3.2. Night Lighting Permanent lights at the Project will be located around infrastructure, such as the Administration blocks, CHPP s, Workshops, ROM Pads and crib rooms. Temporary lights at the Mine are mobile lighting plants used to illuminate active work areas at night, such as pit faces, dump areas and haul roads. The overall impact of night lighting on surrounding sensitive receptors can be determined by a number of contributing factors, including: proximity of nearby sensitive receptors; landscape topography; light orientation and shielding measures; clarity of skies (e.g., factors such as fog, smog and cloud would contribute to light spill); and community perception on acceptable lighting levels. Due to the rural landscape within and surrounding the Project area, night lighting is expected to create a glow in the night sky that would be visible from the surrounding region and nearby residences. However, as the Mine already provide some luminance in the night sky, it is unlikely that the Project will substantially increase the existing visual impact of night time glow. The impacts on fauna from night lighting are expected to be minimal due to the location and extent of remnant vegetation. PAGE 15-7

!( 1!( 2 MDL 244 " 4!( 3!( 4!(!( 22 21 MLA 50232 Manning Vale " 3 ML 50170 Acland North ML 50216 Glen Roslyn Pechey-Maclagan Road!( 20 " 6!( 19 # ACLAND " 2!( 6!( 7 " 7 SILVERLEIGH # " 8 " 1" 5!( 5!( 17!( 18 " 9!( 16!( 15!( 14 Warrego Highway LEGEND # Locality Cadastre!( 1 Sensitive Receptor Existing Mining Lease Stage 3 Mining Lease Application " 1 Photo Location Stage 3 MDL Road " 10!( 13 Oakey-Cooyar Road!( 11!( 12 μ!( 8!( 9!( 10 # KELVINHAUGH FIGURE 15-1 NEW ACLAND STAGE 3 COAL MINE EXPANSION Location of Sensitive Receptors and Photo Locations 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 Kilometres Scale 1:75,000 on A4 Projection: AMG - Zone 56 (AGD84) I:\QENV2\Projects\QE06455\Spatial\Arc_MXD\Figures\Figure_15-1_Location_of_Sensitive_Receivers_v2.mxd Produced: 16/12/2008.

15.3.3. Visually Prominent Elements of the Project There are a number of elements associated with the Project that would be potentially visible from the key sensitive receptors. These visually prominent elements are outlined below. 15.3.3.1. Out-of-Pit Spoil Dumps It is proposed that four out-of-pit spoil dumps would be located throughout the Project site at the completion of mining operations (refer to Figure 15-1). These spoil dumps will be re-contoured and rehabilitated to reduce visibility and erosion concerns. The proposed out-of-pit spoil dump for the Sabine pit (refer to Chapter 3 Project Description) will be considerably larger than the other out-of-pit dumps. Although, its final height is still to be determined, the dump is planned to contain approximately 52 Mm³ of spoil (refer to Chapter 4 Land Resources). The eastern edge of this out-of-pit spoil dump would be located approximately 400 m from Jondaryan-Cooyar Road and will be visible from the roadway. 15.3.3.2. Mining Pits/Voids Throughout the expected duration of the mining activities, it is proposed that a number of sites would be excavated simultaneously. The Project site is extensive, however, it will be progressively excavated over the mine life thereby minimising the visible area of the excavation. Further information on the planned mine stages for the Project are discussed in Chapter 3 Project Description. As the Project progresses, extensive back filling will be undertaken. However, not all voids will be backfilled by the end of the Project s mining operations. It is currently proposed that four voids will exist post-mining, which would be potentially visible once the Project has been decommissioned. 15.3.3.3. Associated Infrastructure Primarily, infrastructure required for the Project will be located along the western boundaries of the MLA 50232 and Jondaryan-Muldu Road (refer to Figure 15-1). As a component of the Project, the establishment of infrastructure that will be constructed includes: addition of a new CHPP(3), ROM coal and product coal stockpile areas and supporting infrastructure on MLA 50232; tailings disposal within a new out-of-pit TSF on MLA 50232 and within cells in the back filled mine pits of the current and future pit areas; construction of a new RWD to supply CHPP(3); and construction of a new 8 km private haul road as dedicated tranpostr corridor from JRLF to the Mine. The infrastructure components of the Project will be visible, particularly from traffic on Jondaryan-Muldu Road and the adjacent residential properties. For further assessment of the visual impacts of the infrastructure located at this location, refer to Photo 15-9. PAGE 15-9

15.3.3.4. Alterations to Existing Public Infrastructure Public infrastructure currently located within the Project site will be decommissioned or relocated prior to the commencement of Project works. The decommissioning of public infrastructure will not result in significant visual impacts, in the context of the mining works to be undertaken in view of nearby sensitive receptors. The relocation of one major road will be required as a component of the planned works. It is proposed that the existing section of Jondaryan-Muldu Road currently located within MLA 50232 will be relocated to allow full access to the Manning Vale resource area. The road is planned to be relocated around the western and north-western boundaries of MLA 50232 (refer to Figure 15-1) and would ensure that access between the north and south of the Project Area is maintained. This realignment would potentially move the road closer to residential properties currently located along the western boundaries of the mining lease area and would therefore potentially increase the visual impact on these sensitive receptors. Following closure of the Acland Township, the remaining infrastructure will be decommissioned and removed to make way for the Project. Consequently, it was not deemed necessary to undertake a visual assessment from the township as it would be within the MLA 50232 and would not contain any visually sensitive receptors. The township is not visible from outside the MLA 50232 and therefore its removal will not impact visually on identified sensitive receptors. 15.3.4. Visual Impact Assessment of the Project A visual impact assessment of the Project has been undertaken by: providing a photographic montage that identifies visual impacts on key locations through the use of photographic montages; and providing an assessment of the potential impact on the existing view shed from a number of key locations around the Project site. The approximate location of the Photo Points, from which each assessment has been undertaken, corresponds with the locations of the sensitive visual receptors shown on Figure 15-1. 15.3.4.1. Photographic Montage Representation The two photographic montages presented in Photos 9-5 and 9-6 have been developed from photos taken from key locations around the Project site. The montages provide a visual representation from the viewing location at three periods during the life of the Project: prior to construction (the existing landscape); mine activities; and mine activities with the implementation of rehabilitation strategies. PAGE 15-10

Photo 15-5 On Oakey-Cooyar Road looking south-west over the Project site Existing Environment Integrated View Visual Perception Description The above photograph of the existing environment was taken on Oakey-Cooyar Road (Photo Location 5 in Figure 15-1) looking south-west over the Project site. From this location there are wide views over the Project site that are disrupted intermittently by sporadic vegetative cover and slight rises in the landscape. There are a number of residential properties located around this photograph location. NAC have commenced negotiations to purchase these properties located close to the Project site. Potential Impact From this location views of the Project will be likely. Extensive mining operations are proposed for the landscape visible in the photograph and it will be difficult to comprehensively mitigate the visual impact. However, as the predominant receptors will be passing traffic, impacts will be temporary and will therefore not be considered of substantial concern. The visibility of the proposed mining works will be reduced through the implementation of vegetative buffers or bunds. PAGE 15-11

Photo 15-6 On Acland-Bymaroo Road looking east towards the Project site Existing Environment Integrated View Visual Perception Description The above photograph of the existing environment was taken looking east towards the Project site (Photo Location 6 in Figure 15-1). Views from this location are over relatively flat terrain that is interspersed with well-established vegetation situated along roadsides. The proposed mining lease boundary is situated approximately 700 m away from the photograph location and the nearest mining activities will be approximately 850 m away. The proposed road realignment will be located between the photograph location and the mining lease boundary and it is expected that it will be similar in appearance and design to the rural roads that currently exist in the region. PAGE 15-12

Potential Impact The realignment of Jondaryan-Muldu Road will require the removal of some of the vegetation that currently exists on the northern side of the Acland-Bymaroo Road that may open up views to the hills on the horizon. Some mining activities will be visible from this location. Extensive clearing and excavating will be undertaken for the Project and components of these activities will be visible from this location. The Sabine out-of-pit dump will be visible from this location. The dump will be visible on the horizon on the right side of the photograph. The dump will be approximately 8 km from the photograph location, visual impacts will be minimal. There is potential for CHPP(3) to be visible on the horizon from this location. It is proposed that vegetated buffers are implemented along both Acland-Bymaroo Road and the new road alignment. This rehabilitation will limit views of the new road, the proposed mining activities and CHPP(3). Existing View Shed Impact Assessment The additional Photos (Photo 15-7 to Photo 15-10) provide an assessment of the impact on the existing view shed from a number of key locations around the Project site. Photo 15-7 On Acland-Silverleigh Road looking west towards the Project site Intersection of Acland-Silverleigh Road and Oakey-Cooyar Road Description The above photograph was taken looking east along Acland-Silverleigh Road towards the northern end of the Project site (Photo Location 7 in Figure 15-1). The residential property located to the right of the photograph has a similar view to the one depicted above. The intersection of Acland-Silverleigh Road and Oakey-Cooyar Road is approximately 900 m away and lies at the top of the rise in the centre of the photograph. The Acland-Cooyar Road is situated on a slight rise that limits the distance of the visible horizon. The landscape on the far side of Acland-Cooyar Road gradually slopes away and is relatively flat, except for a number of small peaks. Potential Impact Due to the visual buffer provided by the rise in the landscape, the Project site is unlikely to be visible from this location. Active pits and associated infrastructure and on-site mining traffic for the Project is unlikely to be visible from this location. PAGE 15-13

Photo 15-8 On Acland-Cooyar Road looking north-west over the Project site Stage 2 Early Works Description The above photograph was taken from the highest point of Oakey-Cooyar Road (Photo Location 8 in Figure 15-1) looking towards the Project site. The Project site is located between the photograph location and the existing Mine is visible just below the horizon. From this location there are wide views over the Project site that are disrupted intermittently by sporadic vegetative cover and slight rises in the landscape. There are a number of residential properties located around this photograph location. NAC have commenced negotiations to purchase these properties located close to the Project site. Potential Impact The Project, including mine pits, out-of-pit spoil dumps and associated infrastructure, would be visible from this elevated location. The potential acquisition of properties in this location would reduce the potential visual impacts of the Project. Traffic on Oakey-Cooyar Road will have temporary expansive views of the Project site, particularly as they traverse the crest of the hill. PAGE 15-14

Photo 15-9 On Jondaryan-Muldu Road looking north towards the Project site Approximate location of private haul road Description The above photograph was taken within the Jondaryan-Muldu Road reserve (Photo Location 9 in Figure 15-1) looking north towards the proposed site for the required Project s infrastructure, located approximately 2 km away. The private haul road will be located in freehold land and will run parallel to Jondaryan-Muldu Road. As flood immunity is not required, only minimal elevation above the existing ground level will be required for the private haul road. The nearest residential property to the Project s infrastructure area is located just to the west of Photo Location 9. Existing traffic on Jondaryan-Muldu Road consists primarily of mine-related vehicles, including frequent road trains. Potential Impact The private haul road would be visible from Jondaryan-Muldu Road and the nearby residential properties. Combined with the existing road, the new haul road would widen the overall viewshed of the roadways. The visible components of the private haul road would only interfere with a small area on an otherwise expansive visual landscape. The visual impacts of the private haul road will not be significant. Trucks using the haul road would intermittently, increase the overall visual impact. The potential visual impact will be similar to that current experienced from vehicles using Jondaryan-Muldu Road. There is potential for CHPP(3) to be visible on the horizon from this location. PAGE 15-15

Photo 15-10 On Devon Park Boundary Road looking north towards the Project site Description The above photograph was taken on Devon Park Boundary Road (Photo Location 10 in Figure 15-1) looking north towards the southern boundary of the Project site, located approximately 4 km away. This location is the northern extent of the Oakey Township and a number of residential properties are located within close proximity. The Sabine Pit and the Sabine out-of-pit dump will be the closest works being undertaken to this location. The landscape between the above location and the Project site is relatively flat, except for the small ridge line that is visible across the centre of the photograph, located approximately 2 km away. Potential Impact It is unlikely that there would be any visual impact from the Project on this location. The distance between the above location and Project site and the presence of the ridgeline would limit any views of the Project. Depending on the height of the proposed Sabine out-of-pit dump, there is a potential for it to be visible on the horizon. Visibility of this out-of-pit dump would be minimal and its impact would be negligible. There is potential for CHPP(3) to be visible on the horizon from this location. PAGE 15-16

Summary of Visual Impacts Through the clearing of vegetation and the excavation of the mining areas, the Project will alter the visual characteristics of the site from the start and the landscape will continue to change over the life of the mining operations. The topography of the Project site will also be altered, albeit over time, through the placement of spoil external to the proposed mine pits. Throughout the establishment, operation and decommissioning of the Project, aspects that would be most visible from the nearby sensitive receptors include: out-of-pit spoil dumps; mine pits and voids located close to the boundaries of the mining lease area and the sensitive receptors; the infrastructure area, including CHPP (3) and the private haul road; and the realignment of Jondaryan-Muldu Road. Although the surrounding area s relatively low-lying landscape provides for expansive views, the absence of elevated vantage points means that the distance to the visible horizon is limited and opportunities for views of the entire Project site would not be likely. Consequently, as only small portions of the Project site would be visible from any particular receptor, primarily just roads, the cumulative visual impact of the Project will not be significant and will, in most cases, only be temporary to passing motorists. Due to their elevated stature, the out-of-pit spoil dumps will be visible from a much greater distance than other visible components of the Project, however, these will be limited to four locations across the extensive Project site and will therefore, not collectively dominate the visual landscape. The region is already experiencing changes to the visual landscape as a result of the Mine s operations. Although proposed to be undertaken on a larger scale to the existing works, the visible components of the Project will not contribute substantially to the overall cumulative visual impacts of the mining activities in the region. The removal of the Acland Township does not achieve the DEO that the character of towns and settlements are maintained and enhanced. However, as the township will not be visible from the identified sensitive receptors located outside MLA 50232, the impact of its removal will be negligible on the broader visual environment. 15.4. Proposed Mitigation Measures This Section provides a description on the techniques proposed to minimise visual impacts of the Project. Table 15-1 below lists the mitigation measures that will be undertaken to reduce the likely visibility or visual impact of the mine expansion areas from key locations around the Project site. PAGE 15-17

Table 15-1 Scenic Values Mitigation Measures Issue Retention of Existing Vegetation Response Mitigation Measures The retention where practical, of existing roadside and fence line vegetation will assist in partially screening the mine expansion areas and may assist in limiting expansive views of the Project site. This action will be considered at the following locations: Oakey-Cooyar Road (along the eastern section of the Project site); Jondaryan-Muldu Road (along the western section of the Project site); and Acland-Bymaroo Road (along the northern and southern verges of road) Completion of Tree Screening Activities NAC undertook tree planting activities during February 2005 and a total of 2500 trees were planted at a rate of approximately one tree every 2m. The tree species used were Eucalyptus argophloia (Chinchilla white gum), Eucalyptus poplunea (Poplar box) and Casuarina cristata (Belah). The continuation of tree screening activities will occur along Oakey-Cooyar Road and Jondaryan-Muldu Road to ensure that a tree screen is established along the boundaries of Project site. This action will reduce the visual impact of the development and operation of the Project. The tree screening along Jondaryan- Muldu Road will reduce the visual impact of the private haul road. Establishment of Visual Buffers The establishment of elevated bunds between the Project site and the sensitive receptors may be implemented to reduce the overall visibility of the Project site. Mitigation strategies that were implemented for the Mine (refer to Photo 15-4) could be incorporated along Oakey-Cooyar Road and Jondaryan-Muldu Road. These barriers may be established during the initial stages of the Project s early works, would be established from overburden spoil and would be done concurrently with the tree screening activities. Lighting Lighting on the Project site will be oriented inwards and screened from the outside where possible. Locate night lights as required for safety and security, but ensure lights are focussed on the areas required, with shields around the globes to limit extraneous light where necessary. As currently implemented by NAC, an afterhours contact number will be distributed to nearby sensitive receptors around the Project site to allow prompt response to temporary lighting issues. Rehabilitation of the Project site Further identification of impacts Rehabilitation will be carried out progressively. The provision of vegetation to the excavated sites, including the out-of-pit dumps, backfilled areas and any remnant voids, will ensure that the site is returned, as much as possible, to its predominately rural outlook. As required, residences will be consulted with in order to determine if future perceived impacts require mitigation; and if so, discuss what form of mitigation is acceptable. For example, a tree screen at the back of a house to completely screen the views of the mine expansion areas is an option. PAGE 15-18

15.5. Conclusion The low-lying nature of the Project area generally provides for extensive views of a predominately rural landscape with a medium degree of visual amenity. Apart from the Mine, the Project area is dominated by vegetated landscapes, both rural and natural, that are interspersed with unobtrusive residential developments. The Mine is a visually prominent feature within the existing landscape, however, through the implementation of the mitigation measures listed in Table 15-1, views of the mining operations from sensitive receptors would be limited. In its initial stages, the Project will be a visually prominent feature within the landscape and, to an extent, will conflict with the existing nature of the visual environment. The nature of the Project works will initially alter the existing visual environment through excavation of a predominately rural landscape. As is common with the broader region, residential dwellings surrounding the Project site are sparsely located and only a few will have an expansive view of the works being undertaken for the Project. Primarily, traffic on Oakey-Cooyar and Jondaryan-Muldu Roads will have the highest level of visibility over the Project site. However, as the traffic would be considered as a temporary receptor, impacts will be negligible. Prior to the establishment of sufficient mitigation measures, the Project will generate a visual impact similar to the Mine. The establishment of visual buffers around the Project site, particularly along Oakey-Cooyar and Jondaryan-Muldu Roads, will limit views of the Project and ensure that the region retains its predominately rural outlook. Post-operation of the Project, the out-of-pit spoil dumps and remnant voids will be revegetated and returned to a relatively natural form. In the long-term, it is expected that impacts from the Project on the visual landscape will be negligible as the peaks and dips associated with the out-of-pit spoil dumps and the remnant voids will be similar to the undulating topography that is common throughout the broader, regional landscape. PAGE 15-19