About 18 people attended a Quinns Rocks Environmental Group workshop on the proposed Mitchell Freeway and Neerabup Road extensions in mid-June and some had noted seeing echidna and emus in the area.
QREG spokesman David Wake said they learnt about the importance of retaining habitat to keep wildlife from Edith Cowan University academics Rob Davis and Shaun Molloy on June 15, with Main Roads WA starting to develop concept plans for the freeway extension to Hester Avenue.
Mr Wake said they also heard about the importance of connecting habitat remnants between increasing urban development and associated infrastructure.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘We have urged Main Roads to address this in the environmental work they will be undertaking,’ he said.
‘Species that may warrant attention include the western brush wallaby, honey possum, quenda and workshop participants noted seeing echidna and emus in the area.’
Mr Wake said the workshop demonstrated that large bushland areas like Neerabup National Park should be kept intact to protect wildlife.
‘More information is needed on wildlife species present in the affected areas and this should be used to inform planning of the freeway and Neerabup Road, including measures to maintain or improve connections between remnant bushland,’ he said.
‘Community participation and consideration of environmental impacts during the planning of the freeway extension is critical to achieving the best outcomes possible in the circumstances.’
During the workshop, participants heard that roads could have a significant impact on wildlife mortality, particularly with the plan to extend Neerabup Road through one of the widest parts of Neerabup National Park, and that traffic noise could affect wildlife and their breeding success.