Stanwell Park Tunnel REF - Transport for NSW - NSW Government

As such, the proposed works will not affect, threaten or have a significant impact on ecological
communities, plants or animals listed under the EPBC Act and/or TSC Act. Referral to the
Commonwealth Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
for further consideration or approval in relation to potential flora and fauna impacts associated
with the works is not considered necessary. Similarly, the preparation of a Species Impact
Statement under NSW legislation to further consider the impacts of the proposal on threatened
plants or animals is not considered necessary.
Excavation work has the potential to affect nearby trees if roots are damaged during excavation
or equipment collides with trees. Location 1 is about seven metres away from the nearest trees
and Location 2 is about five metres away from the nearest trees which should be a sufficient
distance to avoid adverse impacts as excavation works are not required for this site.
Once soil has been disturbed there is the potential for the spread of weeds. Noxious weeds are
known to occur in the Stanwell Park area.
With regard to fauna, the work will not remove native vegetation or other features considered as
potential habitat for fauna (threatened or otherwise). Animals could potentially fall into an open
trench and become trapped or injured. Trapped animals could be accidentally entombed during
the backfilling of trenches.
No operational impacts are expected.
Control Measures
Impacts on flora and fauna throughout construction will be minimised through a range of control
measures which will include, but will not be limited to, those outlined below.
If threatened flora or fauna species are identified on site, work will stop immediately. A
spotter/catcher or botanist will be engaged to survey the site, in conjunction with TfNSW’s
Environmental Officer, and advise on species management.
No native vegetation will be removed.
Root cutting will be avoided.
Measures will be implemented to stop the spread of weeds. Appropriate management and
disposal of noxious weeds will be undertaken in consultation with Wollongong Council, if
required.
The work site will be inspected for trapped or injured fauna at the start of each day.
Trenches/excavations will be covered at the end of each day and inspected before they are
backfilled to ensure that no fauna species are harmed.
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