PLANS to clear land for the first stage of the Yanchep rail extension, including 52ha of Carnaby’s black cockatoo habitat, are out for public comment.
The Environmental Protection Authority has invited submissions until January 18 on the Public Transport Authority’s proposal to build the 7.3km rail extension from Butler station to Eglinton.
According to an environmental summary, the proposal will require the clearing and disturbance of 70.22ha, and result in permanent loss of 43.14ha of native vegetation.
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It said three surveys recorded 51 bird, eight reptile and nine mammal species in 61.4ha of fauna habitat within the development area.
That included three conservation listed species – Carnaby’s black cockatoos, a ground cricket and the western brush wallaby.
The summary said the southern portion of the extension would involve removal of 52.4ha of Carnaby’s black cockatoo habitat, most of which was potential foraging habitat.
It said about 0.3ha was potential high value breeding habitat, including 21 potential breeding trees, and 13.4ha was also roosting habitat.
The summary said there would be permanent losses of threatened and priority ecological communities, including 1.12ha of melaleuca shrublands, 16.45ha if banksia woodlands, 17.5ha of northern Spearwood shrublands and 0.32ha of Tuart woodlands.
“The Yanchep rail extension design was modified to minimise impacts to quality vegetation and controls will be put in place to minimise potential impacts during construction,” the summary said.
“The proposed new rail alignment will pass through the Quindalup dune system with 7.79ha undergoing shape alteration due to the ‘cut and fill’ construction method.”
The document said the project would fragment potential east-west movements of wildlife,
It said no cave system or large karstic features, such as sinkholes, were found, nor were there surface water features.
“The Aboriginal heritage surveys confirmed there were no registered sites within the project area, but a series of limestone outcrops were identified and their significance is being determined,” it said.
The summary said dust management during construction would include wind break fencing, water carts and hydro mulch, and noise had also been considered.
“The PTA will work with developers to minimise rail noise to properties directly next to the railway,” it said.
“Ballast matting will he installed under the railway where it is adjacent to existing and approved future residential developments to ensure vibration is below acceptable levels.”
PTA has to get all environmental approvals before construction starts, and other approvals that may be needed include fauna relocation permits and development approvals for the train stations.
Submissions can be made online at consultation.epa.wa.gov.au .
For more information, email info.epa@dwer.wa.gov.au or call 6364 7000.