SARA RFI - Ecological Assessment Report

EMP – CONSTRUCTION PHASE                                                                                      4-4

        Strategy:       To identify and protect vegetation that is to be retained and manage clearing of
                        other areas in an environmentally sensitive manner.
        to protected vegetation and any other significant areas to be retained. The SEO will be responsible for
        implementation of this strategy and informing all relevant personnel involved in the development of
        the project of the location of significant areas for retention and appropriate activities adjacent to these
        areas prior to and during any clearing operations.
        Any damage to designated protected areas is to be rectified including the reinstatement of vegetation
        to resemble natural bushland in accordance with the Ecological Restoration Plan.
        Pre-clearing Activities
        Prior to the commencement of the pre-start meeting, the following procedures shall be carried out:
         1.    Allotment boundaries and roadway centre lines shall initially be staked by a registered surveyor.
         2.    The boundaries of the Habitat Protection Areas2 are to be marked out by a surveyor and then
               checked by the Wildlife Ecologist3 , Project Manager, Superintendent, Council representative
               and Principal Contractor/SEO. Boundary markers in the form of coloured star pickets are to be
               clearly visible to enable them to be used as on-going reference points.
         3.    A 1.2m high orange hazard construction barrier shall then be erected by the Principal Contractor
               around all habitat protection areas. Star picket posts are to be used to support this fencing and
               prevent inadvertent movement of the barriers. Place signs (min. 300mm x 200mm) every 50m on
               the fence advising of the prohibition of access to the ‘protected’ areas with the sign to state “No
               Entry- Habitat Protection Area”.
         4.    A joint inspection of the construction site area shall then be carried out by an experienced and
               qualified arborist, Wildlife Ecologist, Council representative, Project Manager, Superintendent/
               Civil Engineer, Landscape Architect, Principal Contractor and SEO in order to identify
               individual trees and areas of vegetation to be retained within the development areas.
         5.    The determination of individual trees and areas of vegetation to be retained and therefore
               requiring protection will be identified generally in accordance with the selection criteria
               described in the Criteria section of this strategy (see below).
         6.    Specific approval is required for the clearing of known koala habitat trees (see Fauna
               Management Plan).
         7.    Stands of Allocasuarina species that are likely to provide important food resources for Glossy
               Black Cockatoos will be identified and be retained where possible (to be marked by the Wildlife
               Ecologist with protection tape).
         8.    Xanthorrhoea species on site suitable for relocation are to be identified by the Landscape
               Architect in accordance with the Landscape Master Plan.
         9.    Individual trees and areas of vegetation to be retained shall be delineated using star pickets, 1.2m
               high orange hazard construction barrier and signage as per other habitat protection areas.
2
  Habitat Protection Areas refer to the Private Open Space for Conservation and Waterways Protection
(POSCWP) areas, the RF Thompson Environmental Park, Public Esplanade, Road Reserve Bushland and
Park as identified on Ken Hicks and Associates Master Plan 1128 Master.
3
  The Ecological Restoration Plan defines the required qualifications and experience for the Wildlife
Ecologist, arborist and spotter-catcher



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