The Environmental Protection Authority has released advice and recommendations to the Minister for Environment on a proposal by LandCorp to develop a residential subdivision on Emu Point Drive, Albany.
The proposal area is approximately 34 hectares with a proposed development footprint of approximately 17 ha. Within the development footprint, a maximum of 14.7 ha of native vegetation is proposed to be cleared. Approximately 17 ha of native vegetation, outside of the development footprint, will be retained for conservation purposes.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said that the proposal can be managed to meet the EPA’s environmental objectives provided there is satisfactory implementation by the proponent of the recommended conditions.
‘The EPA’s conclusion is made on the basis that the native vegetation, proposed to be retained outside of the development footprint, will be protected for conservation purposes in perpetuity,’ Dr Vogel said.
‘Most of the vegetation proposed to be cleared is the vegetation unit ‘Coastal Banksia ilicifolia/Peppermint Low Woodland’ identified in the Albany Vegetation Regional Survey.
‘Given that this proposal will clear only 2.3 per cent of the regional extent of this vegetation unit and that approximately half will be retained on site, the EPA considers that there will be no significant impact on the conservation status of the vegetation unit.
‘The EPA recognises that the proposal area supports significant fauna including Western Ringtail Possum, Black Cockatoos and Quenda.
‘However, the location and design of the development footprint has been developed through a consultative process and based on the results of environmental surveys.
‘As an outcome of this process vegetation will be retained for habitat and to provide fauna linkages as well as to limit visual impact.
‘The preservation of native vegetation in the form proposed will assist in retaining local and regional habitat linkages of the site.
‘The retention of the Western Ringtail Possum’s core habitat outside of the development footprint and detailed design aspects of the development will provide habitat and assist in the long-term persistence of Western Ringtail Possums and other conservation significant fauna on the site.’
EPA 1392 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au. There is a two week public appeal period on the report’s contents closing 2 May, 2011.
EPA Media contact: Charlie Maling, 6467 5415, 0400 866 450
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