Hon Amanda Dorn questions the Minister for Transport regarding environmental clearing practices at Hertha wetland during the Stephenson Avenue extension, specifically concerning fauna surveys and turtle protection. The Minister responds, defending the environmental assessment process.

AnsweredQoN 441Legislative Assembly
Asked
25 June 2025
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

Hertha wetland—Clearing works
441. Hon Amanda Dorn to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister
for Transport:
I refer the minister
to the Stephenson Avenue extension and the associated environmental destruction
of Hertha wetland, home to a mature tree canopy and native turtles.
(1) Is the minister aware that Main Roads
proceeded with works after only a 22-hour visual sweep, rather than conducting
a full fauna survey?
(2) Does the minister consider this to be
consistent with best practice fauna management, particularly given community
evidence of native turtle families in the area?
(3) Will the minister commit to ensuring that all
future roadworks impacting natural areas require comprehensive species-appropriate
flora and fauna assessments prior to project approval?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide the following
answer on behalf of the Minister for Transport.
(1)–(3) Prior to the start of clearing
works, ecologists completed a thorough examination of the area over five
nights, totalling 22 hours on site. There were no sightings of turtles in the
vicinity of the area to be cleared. Spotters were on site during the clearing.
Main Roads undertakes environmental and heritage assessments in line with the
relevant legislation.

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