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Project Detail

Project number 818/8
Project name

State-wide Purpose Permit Activities
Project status Current
Proponent(s) Commissioner of Main Roads
Project location

Refer to residual impact field for a list of projects and their location details.
Project bioregion(s) Avon Wheatbelt, Jarrah Forest, Warren
Assessment criteria (b) it comprises the whole or a part of, or is necessary for the maintenance of, a significant habitat for fauna indigenous to Western Australia., (e) it is significant as a remnant of native vegetation in an area that has been extensively cleared., (h) the clearing of the vegetation is likely to have an impact on the environmental values of any adjacent or nearby conservation area.
Residual impact

PROJECT 1

Project name: Northam Cranbrook Road - SLK 104 to 215 - widening (Brookton to Cuballing, Cuballing to Narrogin, Narrogin to Highbury and Buchanan River to Wagin sections)
Project location: Northam Cranbrook Rd (Great Southern Highway) road reserves SLK 104-215 
Approved project area: 21ha
Project bioregion: Avon Wheatbelt
Assessment criteria: Clearing Principle E - it is significant as a remnant of native vegetation in an area that has been extensively cleared, Clearing Principle B - it comprises the whole or a part of, or is necessary for the maintenance of, a significant habitat for fauna indigenous to Western Australia
Residual impact: Loss of up to 21 hectares of native vegetation in degraded (Keighery 1994) condition that includes significant remnant vegetation within an extensively cleared landscape (Beard Vegetation Associations 352, 949, and 1023 of which 17.5%, 25.9% and 10.9% of the pre-European extent remains respectively) and foraging and potential breeding habitat for black cockatoo species.
Related offset(s): 1

PROJECT 2

Project name: Great Northern Highway - SLK 165.6 to 176.4 - Bindi Bindi to Lyons East Road realignment
Project location: Great Northern Highway road reserve and various properties between Bindi Bindi and Lyons East Road
Approved project area: 3.6ha
Project bioregion: Avon Wheatbelt
Assessment criteria: Clearing Principle E - it is significant as a remnant of native vegetation in an area that has been extensively cleared
Residual impact: Loss of up to 3.6 hectares of native vegetation in degraded to completely degraded (Keighery 1994) condition that is significant as a remnant in an extensively cleared landscape (Beard Vegetation Association 142 of which 12.7% of the pre-European extent remains).
Related offset(s): 2

PROJECT 3

Project name: Northam Cranbrook Road - SLK 170.22 to 204.21 - Narrogin to Buchanan River widening
Project location: Northam Cranbrook Rd (Great Southern Highway) road reserve SLK 170.22-204.21
Approved project area: 2.56ha
Project bioregion: Avon Wheatbelt
Assessment criteria: Clearing Principle E - it is significant as a remnant of native vegetation in an area that has been extensively cleared, Clearing Principle B - it comprises the whole or a part of, or is necessary for the maintenance of, a significant habitat for fauna indigenous to Western Australia
Residual impact: Loss of up to 2.56 hectares of native vegetation in degraded to good (Keighery 1994) condition that includes 3 black cockatoo habitat trees and is considered significant as a remnant in an area that has been extensively cleared (Beard Vegetation Association 1023 of which 10.9% of the pre-European extent remains).
Related offset(s): 3

PROJECT 4

Project name: Bussell Highway - SLK 90.62 to 93.77 - Bramley section upgrade
Project location: Bussell Highway road reserve between SLK 90.62 (near Burnside Road) and SLK 93.77 (near Osmington Road)
Approved project area: 4.3ha
Project bioregion: Jarrah Forest,Warren
Assessment criteria: Clearing Principle H - the clearing of the vegetation is likely to have an impact on the environmental values of any adjacent or nearby conservation area, Clearing Principle B - it comprises the whole or a part of, or is necessary for the maintenance of, a significant habitat for fauna indigenous to Western Australia
Residual impact: Loss of up to 4.3 hectares of native vegetation in completely degraded to excellent (Keighery 1994) condition that includes:
- 4.3 hectares of foraging habitat for black cockatoos (Carnaby's cockatoo, forest red-tailed black-cockatoo and Baudin's cockatoo);
- mature trees considered potential black cockatoo nesting habitat; and
- 3.8 hectares of native vegetation with a high level of connectivity to Bramley National Park.
Related offset(s): 4,5
Offset conditions

CPS 818/8 Offset Conditions (active from 2 May 2013 to 26 December 2013):

PART I - TYPE OF CLEARING AUTHORISED
5. Requirements prior to undertaking clearing
(a) Prior to clearing any native vegetation under this Permit, the permit holder must:
(ii) if an offset is required to be implemented pursuant to condition 9(c), provide the CEO with an offset proposal for the CEO’s approval.

PART III - ASSESSMENT PRINCIPLES
9. Assessment against the Clearing Principles
(c) If part or all of the clearing to be done is or is likely to be at variance with one or more of the clearing principles, then the permit holder must implement an offset in accordance with Part V of this Permit with respect to that native vegetation.

PART V – OFFSETS
15. Determination of offsets
(a) In determining the offset to be implemented with respect to a particular area of native vegetation proposed to be cleared under this Permit, the permit holder must have regard to the offset principles contained in condition 16 of this Permit.
(b) Once the permit holder has developed an offset proposal, the permit holder must provide that offset proposal to the CEO for the CEO’s approval in accordance with condition 5(a)(ii), prior to undertaking any clearing to which the offset related, and prior to implementing the offset.

16. Offset principles
For the purpose of this Part, the offset principles are as follows:
(a) direct offsets should directly counterbalance the loss of the native vegetation;
(b) contributing offsets should complement and enhance the direct offset;
(c) offsets are implemented only once all avenues to avoid, minimise, rectify or reduce environmental impacts have been exhausted;
(d) the environmental values, habitat, species, ecological community, physical area, ecosystem, landscape, and hydrology of the offset should be the same as, or better than, that of the area of native vegetation being offset;
(e) a ratio greater than 1:1 should be applied to the size of the area of native vegetation that is offset to compensate for the risk that the offset may fail;
(f) offsets must entail a robust and consistent assessment process;
(g) in determining an appropriate offset, consideration should be given to ecosystem function, rarity and type of ecological community, vegetation condition, habitat quality and area of native vegetation cleared;
(h) the offset should either result in no net loss of native vegetation, or lead to a net gain in native vegetation and improve the condition of the natural environment;
(i) offsets must satisfy all statutory requirements;
(j) offsets must be clearly defined, documented and audited;
(k) offsets must ensure a long-term (10-30 year) benefit; and
(l) an environmental specialist must be involved in the design, assessment and monitoring of offsets.

17. Duration of offsets
(a) The permit holder must ensure that an offset implemented under this Permit continues to be implemented for the term of this Permit.

(b) If for any reason an offset is not continually implemented for the term of this Permit, the permit holder must:
(i) implement the offset again within 12 months of becoming aware that the offset is not being maintained; and
(ii) if necessary, modify the offset in a manner that increases the likelihood that the offset will be implemented for the term of this Permit.
Statutory process EP Act Clearing (Part V)
Approved project area (ha) 31.46

Decision(s):

DECISION 1
Date: 2013-05-02 Ministerial statement: None
OFFSET 1
Condition status: Current
Type(s): Rehabilitation
Rationale:

PROJECT 1 Northam Cranbrook Road - SLK 104 to 215 - widening (Brookton to Cuballing, Cuballing to Narrogin, Narrogin to Highbury and Buchanan River to Wagin sections) (decision date of 30 May 2013).
 
Note: The original offset proposal approved 30 May 2013 was amended 4 August 2015. The amended offset was approved under Clearing Permit CPS 818/12. The details of this offset are published below in line with Clearing Permit CPS 818/12 permit conditions.
 
This offset will result in the rehabilitation of 31.72 hectares of native vegetation in a similar condition to that being cleared. The offset aims to improve local ecological linkages through increasing vegetation cover, provide significant fauna habitat (including breeding and foraging habitat for black cockatoos), and improve existing significant remnant vegetation values (by increasing size, resilience and sustainability) in an extensively cleared landscape.
 
The offset is considered relevant and proportionate to the significance of the environmental values being impacted, counterbalancing the residual impacts of the project.
Security arrangements:

The offset site will form part of road reserves under the tenure of MRWA. MRWA will manage the offset locations for the purpose of conservation.
Governance arrangements:

Offset location:

Brookton Hwy Fullwood Road Section - SLK 124.31-126.81 (12.73 hectares)
Brookton Hwy Bulyee Section - SLK 160.60-169.40 (18.99 hectares)
Approved offset area (ha): 31.72
Bioregion(s): Avon Wheatbelt
Delivery agent:

Document attachments:
CONDITION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 1 - relates to permit condition 13(e)
 
If it is necessary to modify the offset proposal approved by the CEO, then the Permit Holder must provide that modified offset proposal to the CEO for the CEO's approval.
Timeframe:

Prior to implementing the modified offset.
Complete: Yes
CONDITION MILESTONE 2
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 2 - relates to permit condition 13(f)
 
The Permit Holder must implement the latest version of the offset proposal approved by the CEO.
Timeframe:

Refer implementation milestone.
Complete: No
IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Implementation Milestone 1 – relates to Condition Milestone 2
 
In accordance with the approved amended offset proposal, MRWA is to implement the "Revegetation Plan - M31 - Northam Cranbrook Road, 104-215 SLK - May 2015" which includes, but is not limited to, the following rehabilitation requirements:
 
Site preparation:
- ripping
- weed control
- mulching (if mulch available)
 
Vegetation establishment: 
- planting at a density of 2,000 stems per hectare
- direct seeding at a minimum rate of 4kg per hectare
- use of 31 species at the Bulyee site and 30 at the Fullwood Rd site.
 
Monitoring:
- assessment against the completion criteria by visual inspections of 10x10 metre quadrats and 100 metre transects (one quadrat and one transect every one kilometre of revegetation work length)
 
Remedial actions (if completion criteria are not met):
- infill planting
- weed control
 
Completion criteria:
- species diversity of 75% of species planted at each site 
- survival rate of 75% of stems planted (1,500 per hectare) 
- species structure of 20% upper storey, 60% mid storey and 20% under storey 
- species composition generally consistent with cleared vegetation types and mapped Beard Vegetation Associations 949 and 1023 after five years 
- weed cover less than 30%
Timeframe:

Site preparation: April 2013
Vegetation establishment: June/July 2013
Monitoring: to be undertaken in the first, third and fifth years after initial vegetation establishment 
Remedial actions: as required until the end of 2018
Completion target: end of 2018
Complete: No
OFFSET 2
Condition status: Complete
Type(s): Land acquisition
Rationale:

PROJECT 2 - Great Northern Highway - SLK 165.6 to 176.4 - Bindi Bindi to Lyons East Road realignment (decision date of 9 July 2013).
 
Note: The original approved offset was amended on 20 January 2016 from revegetation to a monetary contribution due to the presence of asbestos within the proposed revegetation site. The amended offset was approved under Clearing Permit CPS 818/12. The details of this offset are published below in line with Clearing Permit CPS 818/12 permit conditions.
 
This offset involves the provision of funds for the acquisition of 7.5 hectares of remnant native vegetation for conservation that contains similar environmental values to that permitted to be cleared. The area to be acquired was calculated using the Commonwealth Offsets Assessment Guide.
 
Given the above, the offset is considered relevant and proportionate to the significance of the environmental values being impacted, counterbalancing the significant residual impacts of the clearing.
Security arrangements:

Once the offset is acquired, security arrangements will be published.
Governance arrangements:

Offset location:

Once the offset is acquired, location details will be published.
Approved offset area (ha): 7.5
Bioregion(s): Avon Wheatbelt
Delivery agent:

Document attachments:
CONDITION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 1 - relates to permit condition 13(e)
 
If it is necessary to modify the offset proposal approved by the CEO, then the Permit Holder must provide that modified offset proposal to the CEO for the CEO's approval.
Timeframe:

Prior to implementing the modified offset.
Complete: Yes
CONDITION MILESTONE 2
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 2 - relates to permit condition 13(f)
 
The Permit Holder must implement the latest version of the offset proposal approved by the CEO.
Timeframe:

Refer implementation milestone
Complete: Yes
IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Implementation Milestone 1 - relates to Condition Milestone 2
 
In accordance with the approved offset proposal, Main Roads Western Australia is to provide funds of $38,640 to the Department of Environment Regulation for the purchase of 7.5 hectares of suitable native vegetation.
Timeframe:

Complete: Yes
IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONE 2
Milestone:

Implementation Milestone 2 - relates to Implementation Milestone 1
 
Department of Environment Regulation to purchase 7.5 hectares of suitable native vegetation.
Timeframe:

Complete: No
OFFSET 3
Condition status: Current
Type(s): Rehabilitation
Rationale:

PROJECT 3 - Northam Cranbrook Road - SLK 170.22 to 204.21 - Narrogin to Buchanan River widening (decision date of 12 December 2013).
 
This offset will result in the establishment of 7.4 hectares of native vegetation in an extensively cleared area, in a condition similar to that of the native vegetation being cleared. The offset will include establishment of a minimum of 2304 trees that have the potential to become habitat trees.
 
The offset will result in a net gain of native vegetation in a condition similar to that of the approved clearing area. The security of the offset site will also be improved. The offset is considered relevant and proportionate to the significance of the environmental values being impacted, counterbalancing the residual impacts of the project.
Security arrangements:

The offset site is to be acquired by Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) and incorporated into the Northam Cranbrook Road reserve and managed for conservation.
Governance arrangements:

Offset location:

Portions of the following properties:Lot 3 on Plan 62134, Highbury 6313 (Lot 3 Great Southern Highway, Highbury);Lot 4080 on Plan 118012, Piesseville, 6315 (Williams Location 4080);Lot 4158 on Plan 118013, Piesseville, 6315 (Williams Location 4158); andLot 4521 on Plan 116486, Piesseville, 6315 (Williams Location 4521).
Approved offset area (ha): 7.4
Bioregion(s): Avon Wheatbelt
Delivery agent:

Document attachments:
CONDITION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 1 – relates to permit conditions 9(c) and 17
 
If part or all of the clearing to be done is or is likely to be at variance with one or more of the clearing principles, then the permit holder must implement an offset in accordance with Part V of CPS 818/8 with respect to that native vegetation being cleared.
Timeframe:

Refer implementation milestone
Complete: No
CONDITION MILESTONE 2
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 2 – relates to Condition Milestone 1 and permit conditions 5(a)(ii) and 15(b)
 
Once the permit holder has developed an offset proposal, the permit holder must provide that offset proposal to the CEO for the CEO's approval.
Timeframe:

Prior to undertaking any clearing to which the offset relates and prior to implementing the offset.
Complete: Yes
IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Implementation Milestone 1 – relates to Condition Milestones 1 and 2
 
In accordance with the approved offset proposal, MRWA is to implement the "Northam-Cranbrook Road (M031) Narrogin to Buchanan River Shoulder Widening 170.22-204.21 SLK Revegetation Management Plan" which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
 
Site preparation:
- ripping
- weed control
 
Vegetation establishment:
- planting of a minimum of 82 native species at a rate of 2000 stems per hectare
 
Monitoring:
- monitoring of four 10 metre by 10 metre quadrats to determine species present and plant densities
 
Remedial actions (if completion criteria are not met):
- infill planting/seeding
- weed control
 
The completion criteria include:
- a 75% survival rate of species planted (i.e. a minimum of 61 species) with a minimum of 5 native species to be present per monitoring quadrat
- a 75% survival rate for plant densities (i.e. at least 1500 stems per hectare)
- a 75% survival rate of Eucalyptus species planted (i.e. 2304 trees)
- less than 30% weed cover
Timeframe:

Site preparation: Prior to initial planting activities in 2014
Vegetation establishment: winter 2014
Monitoring: spring 2014 and then annually in autumn from 2015 to 2018
Remedial actions: as required until 2018 (i.e. as determined by monitoring against the completion criteria).
Complete: No
OFFSET 4
Condition status: Current
Type(s): Land acquisition
Rationale:

PROJECT 4 - Bussell Highway - SLK 90.62 to 93.77 - Bramley section upgrade (decision date of 20 December 2013).
 
This offset involves the acquisition of 6.61 hectares of native vegetation in completely degraded to excellent (Keighery 1994) condition that contains the following values:
- 5.72 hectares of black cockatoo foraging habitat;
- mature trees considered potential black cockatoo nesting habitat; and
- 5.19 hectares of land with a high level of connectivity to Bramley National Park.
 
When combined with Offset 5, a total of 14.98 hectares of land will be acquired containing 14.09 hectares of black cockatoo habitat that is the same as, or better than, that of the area of native vegetation being cleared. Both offset sites include native vegetation that adjoins existing conservation areas. The security of both offset sites will also be improved.
 
The offsets combined are considered relevant and proportionate to the significance of the environmental values being impacted, counterbalancing the residual impacts of the project.
Security arrangements:

The offset site will be vested with the Department of Parks and Wildlife and managed for conservation. It is proposed that 5.19 hectares of the offset site will be amalgamated into the adjacent Bramley National Park with the remainder (1.42 hectares) proposed to be amalgamated into the adjacent Keenan State Forest (State Forest 56).
Governance arrangements:

Offset location:

Portions of Bussell Highway Road Reserve (PIN 11476639), Bramley.
Approved offset area (ha): 6.61
Bioregion(s): Warren
Delivery agent:

Document attachments:
CONDITION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 1 – relates to permit conditions 9(c) and 17
 
If part or all of the clearing to be done is or is likely to be at variance with one or more of the clearing principles, then the permit holder must implement an offset in accordance with Part V of CPS 818/8 with respect to that native vegetation being cleared.
Timeframe:

Refer implementation milestone
Complete: No
CONDITION MILESTONE 2
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 2 – relates to Condition Milestone 1 and permit conditions 5(a)(ii) and 15(b)
 
Once the permit holder has developed an offset proposal, the permit holder must provide that offset proposal to the CEO for the CEO's approval.
Timeframe:

Prior to undertaking any clearing to which the offset relates and prior to implementing the offset.
Complete: Yes
IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Implementation Milestone 1 - relates to Condition Milestones 1 and 2
 
In accordance with the approved offset proposal, MRWA is to cede 6.61 hectares of the Bussell Highway road reserve (PIN 11476639) to the Department of Parks and Wildlife for conservation.
Timeframe:

Complete: No
OFFSET 5
Condition status: Complete
Type(s): Land acquisition
Rationale:

PROJECT 4 - Bussell Highway - SLK 90.62 to 93.77 - Bramley section upgrade (decision date of 20 December 2013).
 
This offset involves the acquisition of 8.37 hectares of suitable black cockatoo habitat. When combined with Offset 4, a total of 14.98 hectares of land will be acquired for the project containing 14.09 hectares of black cockatoo habitat that is the same as, or better than, that of the area of native vegetation being cleared. Both offset sites include native vegetation that adjoins existing conservation areas. The security of both offset sites will also be improved.
 
The offset is considered relevant and proportionate to the significance of the environmental values being impacted, counterbalancing the residual impacts of the project.
Security arrangements:

The offset site will be vested with the Department of Parks and Wildlife and managed for conservation.
Governance arrangements:

Offset location:

Portion of Lot 14 on Plan 42592, Cookernup (Lot 14 Riverdale Rd, Cookernup).
The property totals 98 hectares of which 8.37 hectares will be allocated to offset this project.
Approved offset area (ha): 8.37
Bioregion(s): Swan Coastal Plain
Delivery agent:

Document attachments:
CONDITION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 1 – relates to permit conditions 9(c) and 17
 
If part or all of the clearing to be done is or is likely to be at variance with one or more of the clearing principles, then the permit holder must implement an offset in accordance with Part V of CPS 818/8 with respect to that native vegetation being cleared.
Timeframe:

Refer implementation milestone
Complete: Yes
CONDITION MILESTONE 2
Milestone:

Condition Milestone 2 – relates to Condition Milestone 1 and permit conditions 5(a)(ii) and 15(b)
 
Once the permit holder has developed an offset proposal, the permit holder must provide that offset proposal to the CEO for the CEO's approval.
Timeframe:

Prior to undertaking any clearing to which the offset relates and prior to implementing the offset.
Complete: Yes
IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONE 1
Milestone:

Implementation Milestone 1 - relates to Condition Milestones 1 and 2
 
MRWA to fund the purchase of Lot 14 Riverdale Road, Cookernup, and apportion 8.37 hectares of suitable black cockatoo habitat as an offset for the project.
Timeframe:

Complete: Yes

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