Nowergup quarry clearing permit extended

A QUARRY owner has received an extension to its approval to clear 15.54ha of bush in Nowergup, including Carnaby’s black cockatoo foraging habitat.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation granted Oakford Land Company the permit extension to 2029 for a Wattle Avenue West property on July 18, subject to conditions.

The original approval was granted in 2012, and a report on the latest decision said the company had advised in early July that no clearing had been done.

Before clearing the land, one condition requires the company to buy at least 63.97ha of vegetation that includes 1.2ha of banksia woodlands and foraging habitat for Carnaby’s and Baudin’s cockatoos, then cede the land to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Alternatively, it could give the State Government $241,167 for an offset site.

The report said eight Carnaby’s cockatoo roost sites were recorded in the area, with the closest 300m from the proposed clearing.

It said 10 of the birds were seen flying overhead during a site inspection and a flock of more than 100 cockatoos were seen flying nearby.

It noted vegetation in the area was in very good condition and could be suitable for quenda and western brush wallaby.

The clearing permit decision is available for public appeal until August 8. Visit www.der.wa.gov.au.