Ground Level Visuals

 
 

Terramin has engaged architectural firm “Oxigen” to assess the visual environment and produce a Strategic Visual Amenity Plan (SVAP)

 
Artists impression of the mine site, as viewed from Bird In Hand Winery during the construction phase.

Artists impression of the mine site, as viewed from Bird In Hand Winery during the construction phase.

 
 

The project objective is to minimise visual impact (hide the mine)

 
 
 

The most important criteria for visual impact are what will be visible (once the proposed mine is built) as seen from ground levels, not from aerial views (e.g. Drone photography).

Ground level visibility includes views from higher ground (hill tops).

Existing vegetation and the orientation of adjacent dwellings and businesses facing away from Terramin’s property result in a low visual impact catchment.  Seven viewing locations were identified with a visual impact from the proposed project, and of these only one is considered to have a high visual impact due to its elevation above the operations site and exposure to the greatest amount of visual change within the landscape. 

The generally low visual catchment is attributed to the following elements:

 

  • Visual screening provided by the density of existing boundary planting and internal vegetation.

  • Existing landform restricting ‘whole of site’ views from the surrounding road network. 

  • The central siting and orientation of proposed infrastructure within a lowered ground level working platform. 

  • The sparse number of neighbouring properties including residences, and agricultural/viticultural businesses.

  • The distance of potential external views from the property.

 

Recommendations for visual amenity improvements are based on strengthening existing vegetation screening and adopting landscape forms and elements similar to those within the surrounding region. 

Initial mitigation measures have commenced and are proposed to continue during the operational phase of the mine in accordance with environmental conditions.

 
 

Visual outcomes

 

The following images, taken from the Oxigen Strategic Visual Amenity Plan (SVAP), provide an example the expected visual impact. Scroll through the gallery to see visual impacts comparisons from current to construction and operation. This is only a small sample for a full review of expected visual impacts from multiple view points you can download the complete Strategic Visual Amenity Plan (SVAP) on our download page.