Abigroup recognises the importance of protecting and enhancing native flora and fauna species to preserve diverse habitats and maintain a healthy environment.  Some areas of environmental significance along the road reservation have high quality native habitats and include diverse and significant native vegetation.  Peninsula Link, like other major road projects, may create some environmental challenges however the project team are committed to protecting and wherever possible, enhancing the natural environment along the route.

Flora and Fauna

A survey of the Peninsula Link project area identified a total of 297 indigenous and 200 introduced plant species. 
Three of these species were identified as being of national conservation significance and one was listed in the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (the Purple Diuris or Purple Donkey Orchid).

Six kinds of fauna habitat exist around Peninsula Link. 

• Heathland
• Swamp Scrub
• Woodland
• Forest
• Waterbodies
• Pasture.

Protecting flora and fauna through design

Abigroup has developed a number of design responses to minimise impacts to local biodiversity and to allow for flora and fauna to continue to thrive in their natural environment. These design responses include:

• ensuring the design of Peninsula Link uses areas of poorer quality native vegetation before areas with significant biodiversity values.
• designing waterway and fauna crossings to maintain habitat and migration movements.
• minimising the construction footprint through the design of retaining walls.
• integration of Water Sensitive Road Design elements.
• appropriate measures to reduce light impacting on animals.

Protecting Flora and Fauna during construction

Abigroup will implement several measures to protect and minimise impacts to flora and fauna species within the project area during construction of Peninsula Link.

• Conducting regular flora and fauna surveys.
• Native flora species seed collection, to be stored in a ‘seed bank’ for revegetation programs, landscape planting and enhancement plantings.
• Salvaging of native plants in specific areas (including Willow Road Wetland and Westerfield) prior to vegetation clearing. 
• Some of these salvaged plants may be used for enhancement plantings.
• The establishment of fenced and signed ‘no go zones’ during construction.
• The implementation of a Weed Management Plan to enable the eradication and control noxious weeds which have potential to establish or spread across the project area during construction.  The Plan will ensure weeds, disease and pest species are effectively managed during and after construction of the project.
• Avoiding night construction whenever possible to minimise fauna disturbance.

 Information

Native flora and fauna information sheet