Ministerial permit: PA2201519-1

Description of proposal

The endorsed plans included a headframe design that had attachment points for riggers when climbing the structure and undertaking installation, maintenance and upgrade work. These attachment points are at the same level that the riggers stand on the headframe and recent Health and Safety assessments have determined there is an unacceptable risk of riggers falling and swinging around the pole before being properly arrested. To mitigate this, a new custom headframe has been designed that allows for the rigging lanyard/carabiner to hook to the top bar above the riggers head, arresting any downward movement nearly immediately in the case of a slip. This has the effect of making the headframe slimmer, but taller. The overall height of the approved facility has increased from 25.5m to 28.83m under the approved plans, which also include the colour treatment of the monopole in accordance with Condition 1. Ventia seeks to remove condition 1 and have plans endorsed. Ventia also seeks to submit the amended SEMP as required by Condition 3 of the permit. The condition states it should be submitted by the Responsible Authority for approval in consultation with the Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board.