Existing Environment - Interactive Investor

Phoenix 2011. Roe Highway Extension Oblong Turtle Survey (Appendix R)
Although not originally proposed in the Environmental Scoping Document (SMC 2010),
SMC undertook a survey of the Oblong Turtle population within North and Bibra lakes
in response to community requests. The study was undertaken during the breeding
season to attempt to determine the location of preferred nesting sites.
Phoenix 2011. Graceful Sun-moth Survey (Appendix S)
South Metro Connect undertook two seasons of Graceful Sun-moth investigations.
The first season’s results are reported in Appendix P. Appendix S presents the
findings of the 2011 survey, which resurveyed the project area, as well as sites
deemed to contain suitable habitat within approximately 8km of the project area. The
results of this report are used to provide the description of conservation significant
species within the project area in Section 5.9.
Phoenix & AECOM 2011. Investigation into the Effect of Road Noise on Birds
(Appendix T)
Phoenix Environmental (Phoenix) and AECOM collaborated to undertake a brief, initial
study into the potential effects of noise on wetland birds. Phoenix undertook spot
bird censuses at wetlands adjacent to high volume roads, and compared the results
with spot noise measurements. The results were combined with the findings of a
desktop investigation undertaken by AECOM into the measured effect of noise in
locations around the world. The findings suggest that noise levels above 55dB may
result in some impacts on breeding behaviour. While these results are inconclusive,
they highlight the fact that there has been little long-term research into this effect.
The outcomes of this study are discussed in Section 6.7.
5.1.2.4. Ecological Linkages
The project area is located at the convergence of a number of significant greenways
and ecological linkages. The EPA recognised the importance of these linkages in its
advice through Bulletin 1088 (EPA 2003). SMC undertook a desktop assessment of
the regional and local greenways and ecological linkages to provide a detailed
description of their relationship with the project area. This assessment is provided in
Section 5.10.
5.1.2.5. Aboriginal Heritage
The project area is considered to be of high archaeological and ethnographical value
to Aboriginal culture. This is recognised by the existence of several registered
Aboriginal heritage sites within and adjacent to the project area. A detailed desktop
assessment, followed by an extensive Aboriginal Consultation programme was
undertaken in accordance with requirements of the
. The
report was reviewed, and information relevant to the Environmental Impact
Assessment process is presented in Section 5.16.
5.1.2.6. Residential Amenity
The EPA identifies residential amenity within the section west of Progress Drive and
east of Bibra Drive as being of concern (EPA 2003). In this regard, residential
amenity refers to noise and vibration impacts on residences and sensitive land uses.
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