The state’s environmental watchdog has recommended the Environment Minister approve the southern section of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, subject to strict conditions to preserve the habitat of the western ringtail possum.
Main Roads is planning to clear 60.5 hectares in order to construct a 10.5km dual carriageway through Gelorup in Capel as part of the state government’s $852 million Bunbury Outer Ring Road project.
But the plan has drawn the ire of sections of the Gelorup community, including community lobby group Friends of the Gelorup Corridor and the Shire of Capel, who have been vocal with their concerns about the potential environmental impact of the southern section of the ring road.
In a 116-page report handed down today, Environmental Protection Authority chair professor Matthew Tonts said the road had been designed to minimise clearing and use areas already disturbed, but the EPA was recommending a range of strict conditions to further reduce the impacts.
To offset the loss of possum habitat, the EPA has recommended Main Roads acquire and safeguard almost 180 hectares of existing habitat and create 220 hectares of new habitat.
“This includes a substantial rehabilitation program in the Ludlow State Forest to enhance habitat and secure long term benefits for the western ringtail possum and other species,” he said.
“The proposal also includes possum rope-bridges and vegetated fauna land-bridges, and the EPA has recommended the proponent be required to monitor the effectiveness of these fauna crossings, in addition to undertaking feral animal control.”
The EPA’s report to the minister is subject to a three-week public appeal period.
