| Condition status: Complete |
| Type(s): Land acquisition |
| Rationale: The approved offset involved the provision of funds for the acquisition of at least 261 hectares of native vegetation in very good (Keighery 1994) condition that:
- is suitable foraging and potential nesting habitat for Carnaby's cockatoo;
- is suitable foraging and breeding habitat for red-tailed phascogale;
- is representative of the threatened ecological community Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt; and
- contains at least 216 hectares of native vegetation that is significant as a remnant in an area that has been extensively cleared.
The size of the offset required was determined using the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy's Offsets Assessment Guide.
With the funds provided a total of 365.94 hectares of remnant native vegetation was purchased. The vegetation occurs across five adjoining lots totaling 407.4 hectares, each entirely covered by remnant native vegetation. The difference of 41.46 hectares was funded through offset fund contributions received as a result of clearing permit conditions imposed on three other Main Roads Western Australia projects:
1. CPS 818/11 - Narrogin Link Road Stage 2 South - 5.8 hectares
2. CPS 818/11 - York Merredin Road widening and Dangin Mears Road intersection SLK 51-66 - 30.86 hectares
3. CPS 818/12 - Narrogin Link Road Stage 3 North - 4.8 hectares
Note: The offset area displayed in the map is that of the entire 407.4 hectares (i.e. all five lots).
Based on information obtained from a site inspection undertaken by Department of Environment Regulation officers, it is considered that the five lots contain the following environmental values:
- suitable foraging, nesting and roosting habitat for black cockatoos;
- suitable foraging and breeding habitat for red-tailed phascogale;
- approximately 278 hectares of vegetation representative of the threatened ecological community Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt; and
- vegetation significant as a remnant in an area that has been extensively cleared (the vegetation is mapped as Beard vegetation association 946 which retains approximately 19 per cent of its pre-European extent in the Avon Wheatbelt bioregion).
The majority of the vegetation is dominated by Eucalyptus wandoo and was considered to be in very good condition or better based on the Keighery (1994) scale. Large trees with hollows were observed regularly. Potential evidence of black cockatoo foraging on Banksia prionotes was also observed and black cockatoo calls were heard from nearby vegetation.
Given the above, the offset is considered to be relevant and proportionate to the significance of the environmental values being impacted, counterbalancing the residual impacts of the project. |
| Security arrangements: The five lots purchased are now owned by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and will be managed for conservation. |
| Governance arrangements: |
| Offset location: LOT 144 ON DEPOSITED PLAN 116313, KOKEBY
LOT 35 ON DEPOSITED PLAN 116313, KOKEBY
LOT 137 ON DEPOSITED PLAN 84194, KOKEBY
LOT 7295 ON DEPOSITED PLAN 118907, BROOKTON
LOT 17802 ON DEPOSITED PLAN 84194, BROOKTON |
| Approved offset area (ha): 261.0 |
| Bioregion(s): Avon Wheatbelt |
| Delivery agent: |
| CONDITION MILESTONE 1 |
| Milestone: The Permit Holder shall provide documentary evidence to the CEO that funding of $368,271 has been transferred to the Department of Environment Regulation for the purpose of establishing or maintaining native vegetation. |
| Timeframe: Prior to undertaking any clearing authorised under the Permit and no later than 30 October 2016. |
| Timeframe (date): 2016-10-30 |
| Complete: Yes |
|
| IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONE 1 |
| Milestone: Department of Environment Regulation to purchase 261 hectares of native vegetation that contains similar environmental values to that permitted to be cleared. |
| Timeframe: |
| Complete: Yes |
|
