Main Roads Western Australia
Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6)
Response to comments on the Draft Preliminary
Documentation
March 2015
Table of contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1
Context and background ...................................................................................................... 1
1.2
Purpose of this report........................................................................................................... 1
1.3
Limitations ............................................................................................................................ 2
Public submissions......................................................................................................................... 3
2.1
Submissions received .......................................................................................................... 3
2.2
Response to submissions .................................................................................................... 3
Additional consultation by DotE ..................................................................................................... 4
3.1
van Leeuwen and Southgate ............................................................................................... 4
3.1
Response to van Leeuwen and Southgate advice .............................................................. 5
Finalising the Preliminary Documentation ...................................................................................... 6
Table index
Table 1 List of public submissions............................................................................................................ 3
Appendices
Appendix A – Copy of the public submissions
Appendix B – Response to public submissions
Appendix C - Advice from van Leeuwen and Southgate
Appendix D - Response to advice from van Leeuwen and Southgate
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593 | i
1.
Introduction
1.1
Context and background
The Cape Leveque Road is located in the Shire of Broome and runs from the Broome Highway,
east of Broome town-site to the northern Dampier Peninsula for a length of approximately 200
kilometres. Various sections of the Cape Leveque Road have been upgraded to a sealed
standard over the last ten years. There is 77.6 kilometres of unsealed road (SLK 25 to 102.6)
which is proposed to be constructed to a sealed standard over the next 3 to 4 years, depending
on the allocation of funding and required environmental approvals being obtained.
This project was referred under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 (EPBC Act) to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water Population and
Communities (now Department of the Environment (DotE)) on 22 August 2013, with a revised
referral form provided on 2 September 2013 (EPBC Ref:2013/6984). On 27 September 2013,
DotE confirmed the proposed action would be a controlled action and therefore required
assessment and a decision on approval under the EPBC Act before it can proceed.
DotE confirmed on 4 December 2013 the project would be assessed on preliminary
documentation and requested additional information to allow this to occur. The additional
information requested focused on the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis), Gouldian Finch (Erythrura
gouldiae), Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus) and the Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae
kimberli). With the exception of the Gouldian Finch, which is listed as endangered and migratory
under the EPBC Act, the other three species are listed as vulnerable. DotE requested additional
information on the level of impact, if any, to the four species identified by potential sources of
impact arising from the proposed project. For impacts identified, DotE requested appropriate
mitigation measures be proposed to reduce the level of impact and provide a discussion of the
efficacy of these mitigation measures.
Where significant residual impacts remained for any of the above listed species following
application of the proposed mitigation measures, DotE stated offsets should be proposed with
an explanation as to how they meet the intent of the EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy
(October 2012) and the Offsets Assessment Guide.
In accordance with Section 95A(3) of the EPBC Act, Preliminary Documentation related to the
proposal was made available for viewing and comment in the Department of Environment
Regulation Library’s, the City of Broome’s offices and the Main Roads Western Australia’s (Main
Roads) website. Public Notice advertisements were placed in Saturday’s West Australian on the
6 December and Broome advertiser on the 4 December 2014. The comment period ended on
the close of business Friday 19 December 2014. The preliminary documentation included:

Part 1: Referral package

Part 2: Response to request for additional information

Part 3: Revised offset proposal
1.2
Purpose of this report
The purpose of this report is to summarise the stakeholder submissions received and present
Main Roads’ response to these comments. This information will be provided to DotE and
attached to the Finalised Preliminary Documentation for re-advertising.
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593 | 1
1.3
Limitations
This report has been prepared by GHD for Main Roads and may only be used and relied on by
Main Roads for the purpose agreed between GHD and the Main Roads as set out in Section 1.2
of this report.
GHD otherwise disclaims responsibility to any person other than Main Roads arising in
connection with this report. GHD also excludes implied warranties and conditions, to the extent
legally permissible.
The services undertaken by GHD in connection with preparing this report were limited to those
specifically detailed in the report and are subject to the scope limitations set out in the report.
The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on conditions
encountered and information reviewed at the date of preparation of the report. GHD has no
responsibility or obligation to update this report to account for events or changes occurring
subsequent to the date that the report was prepared.
The opinions, conclusions and any recommendations in this report are based on assumptions
made by GHD described in this report. GHD disclaims liability arising from any of the
assumptions being incorrect.
GHD has prepared this report on the basis of information provided by Main Roads and others
who provided information to GHD (including Government authorities), which GHD has not
independently verified or checked beyond the agreed scope of work. GHD does not accept
liability in connection with such unverified information, including errors and omissions in the
report which were caused by errors or omissions in that information.
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2.
Public submissions
2.1
Submissions received
Main Roads received four submissions on the Preliminary Documentation made available for
comment. The list of respondents is provided in Table 1, with their individual submissions
provided in full in Appendix A.
Two of the submissions were provided by local commercial / tourist operations in the region;
one was received from a Traditional Owner group, the Goolarabooloo people; and the fourth
was from a conservation organisation focused on the Kimberley region.
Table 1 List of public submissions
Submission
No.
1
2
3
4
2.2
Stakeholder
Contact
Contact Title
Willie Creek Pearls
Goolarabooloo
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Environs Kimberley
Paul Birch
Phillip Roe
James Brown
Martin Pritchard
General Manager – Operations
Senior Law Boss and Ranger
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Director
Response to submissions
Main Roads’ response to the submissions received is presented in Appendix B.
Each submission focused on various aspects of the proposal and / or associated Preliminary
Documentation. To allow appropriate consideration of these comments, the submissions were
categorised into the following aspects where appropriate:

General comment

Context

Socio-economic

Safety / accessibility

Significance of Bilby population

Impact to the Bilby

Management approach

On-ground activities

Mitigation measures

Delivery of management plan
Each comment within the submission was responded to separately so as not to overlook an
important element of the submission. As there is some minor overlap in the comments received,
this approach has resulted in some duplication in the responses provided.
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3.
Additional consultation by DotE
3.1
van Leeuwen and Southgate
During the public consultation period (December 2014) DotE consulted with Dr Stephen van
Leeuwen, who is with Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW). DotE also consulted with Dr
Rick Southgate of Envisage Environmental Services in January 2015. The purpose of these
discussions was to receive additional information to inform DotE’s recommendation to the
Minister regarding the acceptability of the proposal.
The advice provided to DotE was forwarded to Main Roads for consideration and comment.
This has been reproduced in Appendix C. DotE requested the advice be reviewed and
addressed in parallel to preparing the response to public submissions, so as to avoid the need
to stop the assessment process to seek additional information at a later stage.
3.1.1
van Leeuwen
Stephen van Leeuwen was asked to comment on the potential contribution and impacts
associated with increasing vehicle speeds, vehicle volume and night time traffic. He was also
asked to comment on the efficacy of culverts and the other mitigation measures proposed for
the Cape Leveque Road Upgrade project and provide any suggestions regarding alternative
effective mitigation measures or ways in which the proposed mitigation measures could be
improved. Stephen van Leeuwen responded to these questions; however it was noted that no
alternative effective mitigation measures were proposed or suggestions as to how Main Roads’
proposed mitigation measures could be improved.
3.1.2
Southgate
The response from Rick Southgate indicated the Bilby distribution on the Dampier Peninsula is
uncertain, but it was suggested that it is a scattered population in low densities and that the
species is quite mobile throughout the area as they move to find better quality habitat. The
detectability of the species is also low due to its cryptic nature and behaviour, which makes
monitoring difficult.
It was noted the impact of roads on the Bilby is not conclusively known, although there is
evidence that road verges can produce favourable landforms which can attract certain species.
The notes from the discussion with Rick Southgate indicated it was not known whether the road
kill mortality of Bilby individuals could affect the viability of a population without more baseline
data; nor was it known if Bilbies concentrate along roadways relative to non-road ways in the
region. A possible mitigation measure may be to make habitat more attractive elsewhere in the
region through fire management.
The notes from the discussion suggest it is not clear if the potential increased risk of direct
impact of road kill mortality will be more or less significant than the potential risk of indirect
impacts, such as increased tourism opportunity. Fire management was identified as likely being
the most effective broad scale means to improve habitat for Bilbies. However, there is
uncertainty how Bilbies on the Dampier Peninsula will respond to fire compared to populations
in other areas.
The conversation with Rick Southgate indicated the focus should be on identifying where Bilbies
occur, as it is key to determine distribution and occupancy of the Dampier Peninsula Bilby
population so as to implement effective adaptive management. It was noted research
conducted in the Pilbara region may not be particularly comparable/adaptable to the Dampier
Peninsular due to differences in landscape. It is suggested that an aerial survey to search for
4 | GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
digging and burrow sign, coupled with 2 ha plot ground surveys to validate observations would
be the most effective means to determine Bilby distribution and occupancy.
3.1
Response to van Leeuwen and Southgate advice
Main Roads’ response to the advice resulting from DotE’s consultation with Stephen van
Leeuwen and Rick Southgate is presented in Appendix D. Consistent with the response to the
public submissions, each comment was responded to separately so as not to overlook an
important element of the advice.
It should also be noted that Main Roads has actively discussed the proposed upgrade of Cape
Leveque Road with DPaW (with Stephen van Leeuwen directly involved in these discussions).
Main Roads sought advice regarding an appropriate environmental offset for the significant
residual impacts expected once the mitigation measures had been implemented.
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593 | 5
4.
Finalising the Preliminary
Documentation
Based on the limited number of public submissions received and the issues raised, Main Roads
does not propose to amend the Draft Preliminary Documentation released for public comment.
There were no additional issues identified within the public submissions that have not already
been discussed in the Preliminary Documentation, with the exception of the socio-economic
benefits of the project to the local community.
Main Roads accepts the proposed road upgrade may result in an increase in vehicle numbers
and speeds which will increase the risk of vehicle strike over time. However, there is no
evidence to indicate the upgrade of the road will result in an exponential increase in traffic. An
exponential increase would be unlikely since there is restricted accommodation availability on
the Peninsula. Cape Leveque Road does not encourage campers who are not travelling to a
local community or fixed accommodation, with the road not proposed to supporting camping in
roadside rest areas. Main Roads and Shire of Broome have not been informed of any
significant developments north of SLK 25, supporting the unlikelihood of an exponential
increase in vehicle numbers.
Moreover, the additional advice sought from Stephen van Leeuwen and Rick Southgate does
not provide any suggestion as to how Main Roads’ proposed mitigation measures could be
improved or identify alternative effective mitigation measures for consideration. The gaps in
knowledge regarding Bilby distribution on the Dampier Peninsula, the actual impact of roads on
the Bilby and the most effective management measures at a regional scale are acknowledged in
the Preliminary Documentation. The objectives and methodology outlined in the revised offset
proposal (included in the Preliminary Documentation) are consistent with the comments and
advice received regarding the need to better understand these knowledge gaps.
Main Roads has made a commitment to update Willie Creek Pearls bi-annually on the progress
of the proposed road upgrade. Furthermore, Main Roads will work with DPaW to ensure where
activities associated with the offset proposal are being undertaken on Goolarabooloo Country
DPaW will work with the Goolarabooloo Millibinyarri Indigenous Corporation to seek the best
outcome for the Bilby.
The advice received from Stephen van Leeuwen questioning the efficacy of fauna underpasses,
as well as Bilby persistence near the road was also considered by Main Roads and GHD when
producing the Preliminary Documentation. Within the Cape Leveque Road Upgrade Greater
Bilby Management Plan (GHD October 2014) Main Roads has made a commitment to conduct
Bilby surveys annually for 5 years to assess the level of use of the fauna underpasses and the
presence of Bilbies near the upgraded road.
6 | GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Appendices
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Appendix A – Copy of the public submissions
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Willie Creek Pearls
PO Box 116 Broome
Western Australia 6725
ABN 16 396 958 741
T +61 8 9192 0000
F + 61 9192 0099
E [email protected]
10th December 2014
Marni Baetge
Environment Officer
Main Roads Western Australia
PMB 959 Derby WA 6728
[email protected]
Dear Marni
RE – UPGRADE TO UNSEALED SECTION OF CAPE LEVEQUE ROAD
Willie Creek Pearls would like to register our interest in the proposed upgrade of the unsealed section of the
Cape Leveque Road.
As a tourism operator in the local area preservation of the natural flora and fauna is of upmost importance
for the future of our operations and would like to continue to be updated of any developments with regards
to proposed upgrade.
Should you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me
on 9192 0000 or alternatively via email at [email protected]
Yours Sincerely
Paul Birch
General Manager – Operations
Broome Cable Beach| Chinatown | Willie Creek Pearl Farm Perth Hillary’s Boat Harbour | Subiaco
www.williecreekpearls.com.au
December 19, 2014
Marni Baetge
Environment Officer
Main Roads Western Australia
PMB 959 Derby WA 6728
Email: [email protected]
Dear Marni,
Main Roads Western Australia – Goolarabooloo - Cape Leveque Road proposal
Goolarabooloo are responsible for a large area of the Dampier Peninsula associated with the
body of Aboriginal Law known as the Northern Tradition, within the Goolarabooloo claim and
surrounding areas. This area, known as the Song Cycle Buru, is of ultimate cultural, social and
spiritual importance to Goolarabooloo and other Indigenous people across the Dampier
Peninsula.
It remains the cultural responsibility of Goolarabooloo to look the Song Cycle Buru, and its
surrounding areas. This is not a responsibility which is limited to the past, it is connected to a
living cultural heritage tradition which is integral to the Law and Culture of the Goolarabooloo
and other aboriginal people living on the Dampier Peninsula today.
Goolarabooloo have an active ranger group who work to maintain the ecological and cultural
integrity of the Song Cycle and its surrounding areas.
Cape Leveque Road proposal
We note that the proposal has been determined to be a ‘controlled action’ by the Federal
Minister for the Environment.
We are concerned that the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the Bilby.
Given the new road is likely to be built we propose that mitigation of environmental impacts
include funding for:
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Bilby surveys to determine the population and distribution on the Dampier Peninsula
Development of fire management plans
Development of weed management plans
Fire management
Weed control
Feral animal control
Education
We respectfully request that any work regarding the above on our Country be undertaken in
conjunction and in consultation with us. The Goolarabooloo Rangers are a fledgling group and
is available to undertake fee for service work on our Country.
Should you have any queries please contact us at [email protected] or on 0467 039
319.
Yours sincerely,
Phillip Roe
Senior Law Boss and Ranger, Goolarabooloo.
2|P ag e
Ph: 08 9192 4283
Fax: 08 9192 4810
PO BOX 70, BROOME WA 6725
[email protected]
18 December 2014
To whom it may concern,
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is an operational pearl farm and tourism venture situated 200km north of
Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, with access via the Cape Leveque Road, subject of the invitation to
public comment published in the Broome Advertiser dated 4 December 2014. We have read with
interest the published report and wish to commend the stakeholders in this project on the work they
have done in identifying the risks and associated mitigation strategies relating to the Greater Bilby,
Gouldian Finch, Red Goshawk and Masked Owl.
I wish to comment on the proposals relating to the Cape Leveque Road as a representative of the
community of staff who live and work at Cygnet Bay and our visitors to the farm, and also in the context
of my involvement as Chairman of the Broome Tourism Strategy Group. While I understand that the
focus of the current invitation to public comment is some of the environmental considerations regarding
the proposed upgrade, my comments relate to socio-economic benefits to be had from a timely upgrade
of the work and the potential negative effects of delayed action on this issue. I believe that these issues
should be to the forefront during the consideration of the entire project.
The employee base at Cygnet Bay varies from over 70 people during the Dry season to approximately 30
people during the Wet season, and in addition we welcomed 5000 accommodation and 9000 tickets
sold for our tours in the calendar year to date (this doesn’t include any figures for visitors to the farm
who dined at our restaurant or went to the pearl showroom without participating in any tours). The
general trend for our business over the past five years is to see a year on year increase in visitors as our
profile within the tourism industry grows. We are open year round and while our Wet season tour and
accommodation numbers are substantially lower than during the peak Dry season, our experience is
that we cater to the corporate market for accommodation during this time of the year (government
agencies and private businesses working within the indigenous communities locally), and are one of the
very few tourist attractions open to visitors to Broome during the Wet.
Tourism activities in the Dampier Peninsula area have been in a development phase over the past few
years – this is both a reaction to the increasing number of visitors to Broome who are choosing to
explore the Kimberley Coast as part of their trip, and in preparation for the anticipated increase in
numbers of tourists who desire to experience indigenous culture – as evidenced by initiatives through
Tourism Australian and Tourism Western Australia. Providing every visitor with the opportunity to enjoy
an authentic Indigenous tourism experience is an integral component of the State Government Strategy
for Tourism in Western Australia 2020, and Tourism Australia describes one of their objectives as
encouraging trade to consider including a distinctive Aboriginal experience in every Australian itinerary.
The Broome Tourism Strategy Group has also identified ‘high potential indigenous products’ as a key
Ph: 08 9192 4283
Fax: 08 9192 4810
PO BOX 70, BROOME WA 6725
[email protected]
part of their strategy over the next three years, and cultural/historical experiences are identified as
important aspects of a unique ‘Broome visitor experience’.
The issue of access along the Cape Leveque Road is of crucial importance to the continued development
of the tourism industry in Broome and on the Dampier Peninsula, with road closures and road safety as
the main concerns. In May 2013 and June 2014 there were road closures due to rain which had a big
impact on locals and visitors, with people stranded in Broome and on the Peninsula for over a day at a
time of the year when visitor numbers were on the increase. During the 2013/14 Wet season
communities on the Peninsula were left without the scheduled food deliveries on three occasions due to
road closures. Likewise, the road has seen a number of accidents over the past few years, with some
reported fatalities.
The proposed road upgrade of the Cape Leveque Road would serve to underpin the strategies which
have been put in place to reinvigorate and develop the tourism industry in Broome and on the Dampier
Peninsula, leading to increased visitation and revenue for local business, as well more employment
opportunities for local communities on the peninsula as the number and standard of tourism product
offerings continues to increase. Cygnet Bay is the largest employer on the Peninsula at the moment, and
we see potential for growth both here and across the community once the correct infrastructure to
support the population is in place.
The benefit to the broader community should also not be underestimated. As a business owner
providing staff transport from Broome to Cygnet Bay I know first-hand the wear and tear and cost
associated with transport and freight along the Cape Leveque Road, and the time and safety
considerations increase greatly as we get further into Wet season. In fact, we know that our freight costs
from our current suppliers will approximately halve once the road upgrades are complete. In addition
the ease of access to education and health opportunities will greatly increase. These considerations are
shared by all residents of the Peninsula, as well as those corporate and NGO agencies who work with the
communities year round.
Thank you for your consideration of our submission.
Yours sincerely,
Cygnet Bay Sales Pty. Ltd. (ACN 008 720 634) as trustee for Cygnet Bay Pearls Unit Trust Trading as Cygnet Bay Pearls.
www.cygnetbaypearls.com.au
PO Box 2281 Broome WA
Phone: 08 91921922
Fax: 08 91925538
[email protected]
www.environskimberley.org.au
December 18, 2014
Marni Baetge
Environment Officer
Main Roads Western Australia
PMB 959 Derby WA 6728
email: [email protected]
Dear Marni
Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road upgrade
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
This proposal would have a significant impact on the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis and we recommend
that substantial mitigation be implemented.
Please find reasons below as to why there should be substantial mitigation.
The Dampier Peninsula
It is important to understand the context of the current status of mammals on the Dampier Peninsula:
“A number of species have disappeared or become rare on the Peninsula since European settlement.”
“Since ca. 1890 the Dampier Peninsula has been subjected to intensive pastoral management involving
intensive grazing, very frequent and widespread burning and some localized clearing...”
“…the activities of the pastoral industry during the last 90 years (since European Settlement) have caused
changes in the environment of the Dampier Peninsula which could well have resulted in important changes
in its mammal fauna.”
Source: Wildlife Research Bulletin no. 11 (1983) Wildlife of the Dampier Peninsula. South West Kimberley,
Western Australia
1|Page
Significance of the Dampier Peninsula Greater Bilby population
The Dampier Peninsula Greater Bilby population is critical to the survival of the species given that it
represents the only part of their range where a population can persist without the need from intensive
management.
The northern edge of the Bilby distribution (Dampierland, northern edge of the Great Sandy and Tanami
Deserts) is of considerable importance to the conservation of the species because it represents the only
part of their range where a population can persist without the need from intensive management.1
Greater Bilby records over the 20 year period from 1971 to 1990. Records obtained from the national
greater bilby database. Source: National Recovery Plan for the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis
(Dampier Peninsula in red square).
Significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance
This proposal would threaten the Bilby through increasing the number of predators through the introduction
of more domestic animals such as cats and dogs given the substantial increase in traffic that could be
expected to travel a new sealed road.
The addition of a sealed road in parallel with the existing dirt road will provide another corridor for predators
such as foxes and feral cats. Foxes are anecdotally becoming more prevalent in the Broome area with
recent sightings near the Port of Broome and a new housing estate, Broome North.
Southgate. Dr R (2012) Peer review of the Browse Bilby Review, a report detailing the consolidated information relating to the occurrence of the Bilby Macrotis
lagotis near the proposed Browse LNG Precinct (close to James Price Point) and more broadly on the Dampier Peninsula.
1
2|Page
The exponential increase in traffic will also lead to an increase in mortality through collisions and a sealed
road will mean that vehicles will travel significantly faster than they would on the dirt road thus making
collisions with Bilbies less avoidable.
It is likely that an increase in traffic will also lead to an increase in wildfires that would have a negative
influence on Bilbies when vegetation recovers and becomes homogeneously dense over large tracts,
preventing them from foraging and moving through the landscape.
The sealed road is also likely to bring with it weeds which would exacerbate wildfires.
Some of these threats are detailed in the National Recovery Plan for the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis
below:
1. A potential increase in predation through creating a corridor for predators to move along
“The impacts of predation may be increased by pastoral activity, mining and other development. These
activities may facilitate the movement of predators (e.g. along railway corridors), provide access to water
and scavenging opportunities (e.g. at rubbish dumps), and dingo/wild dog control carried out on pastoral
properties and mine sites may increase the abundance of foxes and cats.”2
2. Habitat destruction and degradation resulting from mining and other development
“…the location of mines adjacent to paleodrainage systems, which appear to be important habitat areas for
bilbies (e.g. Paltridge & Southgate 2001), may have an impact on regional populations in the longterm…Other developments, including the recently completed Alice Springs to Darwin railway, major roads
(e.g. Stuart Highway), and inland gas pipelines (Jackson to Mt Isa) occur within bilby habitat. Construction
of these structures has destroyed bilby habitat and introduced a number of negative indirect consequences
(see Predation above).”3
3. Road mortality
“Haul roads constructed and operated during mining operations may be a significant cause of bilby
mortality at a local scale because of a combination of vehicles operating on these roads throughout the
night and the location of mining operations adjacent to favoured bilby habitat. Collisions with vehicles on
haul roads at night have been a cause of bilby mortality in the Tanami Desert. Bilby mortalities from
collisions with private vehicles have also been recorded on public roads including the Stuart Highway (NT)
and Peron Peninsula, where at least 6 mortalities have been recorded (C. Simms personal
communication).”4
Pavey, C. (2006). National Recovery Plan for the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis. Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the
Arts.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
2
3|Page
The proposed sealed road could end up being a population sink for the Greater Bilby which would lead to
what is arguably the most significant population of the species declining significantly and thus the species
as a whole suffering significantly.
Management approaches
The proposal is to build a sealed road in parallel with the existing dirt road because the cost of building a
sealed road on the existing alignment is prohibitively expensive because of the in-fill that would be required
to raise it to a suitable height (pers. comm. Main Roads WA).
Building on the existing alignment would have less of an impact on the Bilby. Given the cost saving of
building on a new alignment and the increase in threat that this poses, if the proposal is approved, we
believe there should be substantial, additional mitigation.
We also note with concern that the provision of underpasses for Bilbies needs to be considered very
carefully due to:
1. The possibility they will not be used
2. The possibility that they would become a predator sink – the proponent needs to demonstrate how
underpasses would not become predator sinks
We outline below what other mitigation measures could be implemented through the development of a
Bilby management plan.
These are (amended) recommendations5 for the development of an effective Bilby management plan on
the Dampier Peninsula.
Mitigation measures for the new Cape Leveque road
1. Clearly determine occupancy of the Bilby and predator species and their relationship to habitat
and fire pattern.
Management of threatened fauna such as the Bilby requires good information on distribution and
occupancy. Low intensity in situ forms of management around a wild population are better for the
conservation of a species than high intensity management on ex situ populations e.g. predator
exclusion or control around a reintroduced population.
5
Southgate. Dr R (2012) Peer review of the Browse Bilby Review, a report detailing the consolidated information relating to the occurrence of the Bilby Macrotis
lagotis near the proposed Browse LNG Precinct (close to James Price Point) and more broadly on the Dampier Peninsula.
4|Page
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





A survey of bilbies and other terrestrial medium-large fauna using 2 ha track based monitoring
plots (Moseby, Nano and Southgate 2009) is necessary throughout the Dampierland
Bioregion.
This monitoring technique enables the occurrence of a range of species to be recorded
simultaneously including invasive predators and herbivores.
The majority of plots need to be spaced at least 4 km apart.
Multiple repeat visits to a sample plot are required to accurately determine occupancy because
detection is imperfect (MacKenzie et al. 2006).
Plots should be randomly located but stratified in relation to access tracks, vegetation
community and fire age mapping. The relationship between the Bilby, habitat, fire age and
association with other species can be determined through the application of this approach.
The existing road network on Dampier Peninsula and elsewhere in the Bioregion would
probably enable the sampling of a sufficient number of stratified plots to allow a robust spatial
analysis.
Track-based monitoring provides an opportunity for the engagement and employment of
Traditional Owners.
2. Implement fire management in parts of the Dampier Peninsula to increase the spatial and
temporal heterogeneity fire in the landscape.
There is a reasonably strong positive association between Bilby prevalence and dietary food plants. A
number of the important food plants used by the Bilby are promoted by fire and hot summer fires
followed by rain are most favourable conditions for production. Large wildfires are a threat to Bilbies
not from the immediate lack of cover (unlike many other species) but when vegetation recovers and
becomes homogeneously dense over large tracts, preventing Bilbies from foraging and moving through
the landscape.






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Mapping of fire pattern in relation to Pindan shubland, woodland, open forest extent and
landscape features to determine if and where persistent natural fire edge boundaries and
ecotones occur.
A regional fire management plan would need to include the provision to conduct hot summer
fires within a proportion of the landscape each year.
Monitoring for Bilby activity on these burns and those of different age burns would be important
to determine the efficacy of the fire management plan.
Provision would be necessary to reduce the spread of wildfires in the Dampier Peninsula
through mosaic burning to augment the effect of natural fire boundaries.
Reduction and control of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) would be important to reduce wildfire
and fire age homogenisation within the landscape.
Monitoring to determine the influence of tracks to service facilities including bore fields, pipe
lines and electricity on fire pattern and weed dispersal.
3. Implement measures to ensure construction, development and ongoing operations do not allow
predator populations to increase in abundance, particularly those of feral cats and foxes. Foxes
are currently considered absent or uncommon vagrants on the Peninsula however, their range
across Australia is continuing to extend northward (see reference to anecdotal evidence above)
A build up of fox and feral cat numbers would have a severe negative impact on threatened species.
The continued presence of dingoes is of less concern. A dingo population in low abundance is not
threatening to species like the Bilby and may act to reduce the abundance of foxes and feral cats. A
road network may increase predator activity within an area.





Management would require ongoing predator monitoring on the Peninsula using track-based
monitoring and remote camera techniques.
Regular trapping to target feral cats and foxes around the sealed road.
Free-standing water should be fenced or contained to prevent access by foxes and feral cats.
Dingo/dogs should be tolerated unless their impact proves detrimental to target populations.
Monitoring to determine the influence of tracks to service facilities including bore fields,
pipelines and electricity on predator movements.
Potential delivery mechanisms of a management plan - Dampierland Bilby Conservation Fund
We recommend the establishment of a Dampierland Bilby Conservation Fund of $5 million through funding
from Main Roads WA. This fund could be made available to groups that are currently undertaking natural
resource management work in the Dampierland bioregion and would complement and significantly
enhance existing on-ground work. This fund could be made available to groups that can demonstrate
successful projects and ongoing work such as:



Indigenous Ranger Groups
NRM groups
Conservation NGO’s
The type of work that could be undertaken would also include an education programme which would target:



Local community – flyers developed in conjunction with remote communities
Schools – through a Bilby education programme
Tourists – displays at local visitor centres and flyers with information on how to avoid killing Bilbies
withy encouragement to support a Dampierland Bilby Conservation Fund
Monitoring
We recommend monitoring of underpasses for at least three years with camera traps to determine:
1. Use by native animals and/or feral animals
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2. That they do not become predator sinks i.e. places where predators learn to wait for animals to exit
in order to feed on them
We would welcome further discussion on any of the matters raised above. We can be contacted at 08 9192
1922 or you can contact me on 0427 548 075.
Yours sincerely
Martin Pritchard
Executive Director
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Appendix B – Response to public submissions
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1
Name: Willie Creek Pearls
Address: PO Box 116 Broome
Western Australia 6725
Contact: Paul Birch
Contact title: General Manager
– Operations
General
As a tourism operator in the local area preservation of the natural flora and fauna
is of upmost importance for the future of our operations. Willie Creek Pearls
would like to continue to be updated of any developments with regards to the
proposed road upgrade.
Main Roads will provide bi-annual updates to Willie Creek Pearls of the proposed road upgrade.
Various management plans have been developed to mitigate impacts to native flora and fauna.
2
Name: Goolarabooloo
Address:
[email protected]
Contact: Phillip Roe
Contact title: Senior Law Boss
and Ranger
General
Goolarabooloo are responsible for an area of the Dampier Peninsula associated
with the body of Aboriginal Law known as the Northern Tradition, within the
Goolarabooloo claim and surrounding areas. This area is known as the Song
Cycle Buru. Goolarabooloo have an active ranger group who work to maintain the
ecological and cultural integrity of the Song Cycle and its surrounding areas.
Main Roads acknowledges the importance of working with Traditional Owner groups and Rangers
when undertaking on-country environmental activities.
Mitigation
measures
Goolarabooloo are concerned that the proposal may have a detrimental impact on
the Bilby and propose that mitigation of environmental impacts include funding for:
• Bilby surveys to determine the population and distribution on the Dampier
Peninsula
• Development of fire management plans
• Development of weed management plans
• Fire management
• Weed control
• Feral animal control
• Education
Main Roads has worked with the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) to produce an offset
proposal that includes both direct and indirect commitments. The approach will include monitoring
occupancy and abundance of Bilbies, monitoring key threatening processes on the Dampier
Peninsula and initiating on-ground actions to reduce impacts to the Bilby from key threatening
processes. Approximately half of the proposed funding is attributed to direct offset outcomes,
which include:
• Engagement with Traditional Owners to deliver training and capacity building opportunities oncountry for their land management Rangers
• Assessing and monitoring threats, so appropriate management strategies can be developed
• Implement management strategies to deliver on-ground outcomes (this may include
management strategies for threatening processes such as fire, weed and feral animals)
On-ground
activities
Goolarabooloo requested that any work regarding the above on their Country be
undertaken in conjunction and in consultation with them. The Goolarabooloo
Rangers are available to undertake fee for service work on-country.
The offset proposal is currently being considered for approval by the Department of the
Environment (DotE). Once the offset proposal has been approved it is proposed the program
would be delivered by DPaW. DPaW would coordinate the delivery of all on-ground monitoring
and threat management activities in collaboration with Traditional Owners. Where activities
associated with the offset proposal are being undertaken on Goolarabooloo Country DPaW will
work with the Goolarabooloo Millibinyarri Indigenous Corporation to seek the best outcome for the
Bilby.
General
Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm is an operational pearl farm and tourism venture situated
200 km north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, with access via the Cape
Leveque Road. The employee base at Cygnet Bay varies from 70+ people during
the dry season to approximately 30 people during the wet season. For 2014 there
were 5000 accommodation visitors and 9000 tickets sold for tours, not including
visitors to the farm who dined at the restaurant or went to the pearl showroom
without participating in any tours. While wet season tour and accommodation
numbers are substantially lower than during the peak dry season, the general
trend over the past five years is to see a year on year increase in visitors as our
profile within the tourism industry grows.
This submission focuses on the socio-economic benefits associated with the
proposed upgrade of Cape Leveque Road, which should be considered as part of
the project assessment.
Main Roads agrees that socio-economic aspects related to the road upgrade should be
considered in parallel with potential environmental impacts.
Socioeconomic
Tourism activities in the Dampier Peninsula area have been in a development
phase over the past few years, a reaction to the increasing number of visitors to
Broome who are choosing to explore the Kimberley Coast, and in preparation for
the anticipated increase in numbers of tourists who desire to experience
indigenous culture. Providing every visitor with the opportunity to enjoy an
authentic Indigenous tourism experience is an integral component of the State
Government Strategy for Tourism in Western Australia 2020, and Tourism
Australia describes one of their objectives as encouraging trade to consider
including a distinctive Aboriginal experience in every Australian itinerary. The
Broome Tourism Strategy Group has also identified ‘high potential indigenous
The focus on and importance of Tourism in Broome and Dampier Peninsular area is noted;
however this is not the driving factor for the proposed road upgrade. Instead road user safety and
reduced maintenance are two of the key reasons for the proposed upgrade. Main Roads
acknowledges the proposed road upgrade will improve accessibility to the region, but the actual
impact is difficult to predict as there as many other external factors also impacting the tourism
sector.
3
Name: Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
Address: PO Box 70 Broome
Western Australia 6725
Contact: James Brown
Contact title: Chief Executive
Officer
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products’ as a key part of their strategy over the next three years, and
cultural/historical experiences are identified as important aspects of a unique
‘Broome visitor experience’.
4
Name: Environs Kimberley
Address: PO Box 2281
Broome Western Australia
6725
Contact: Martin Pritchard
Contact title: Executive
Director
Safety /
accessibility
The issue of access along the Cape Leveque Road is of crucial importance to the
continued development of the tourism industry in Broome and on the Dampier
Peninsula, with road closures and road safety as the main concerns. In May 2013
and June 2014 there were road closures due to rain which had a big impact on
locals and visitors, with people stranded in Broome and on the Peninsula. During
the 2013/14 Wet season communities on the Peninsula were left without the
scheduled food deliveries on three occasions due to road closures. Likewise, the
road has seen a number of accidents over the past few years, with some reported
fatalities.
Main Roads agrees upgrades to Cape Leveque Road will improve road user safety by sealing the
road. It is expected the proposed road upgrade will improve accessibility for local communities.
Socioeconomic
The proposed road upgrade of the Cape Leveque Road would serve to underpin
the strategies which have been put in place to reinvigorate and develop the
tourism industry in Broome and on the Dampier Peninsula, leading to increased
visitation and revenue for local business, as well as more employment
opportunities for local communities on the peninsula as the number and standard
of tourism product offerings continues to increase. Cygnet Bay is the largest
employer on the Peninsula at the moment, and we see potential for growth both
here and across the community once the correct infrastructure to support the
population is in place.
The focus on and importance of tourism in Broome and Dampier Peninsular area is noted;
however this is not driving factor for the proposed road upgrade. Main Roads acknowledges the
proposed road upgrade will improve accessibility to the region, but the actual impact is difficult to
predict as there as many other external factors also impacting the tourism sector.
Socioeconomic
The benefit to the broader community should also not be underestimated. As a
business owner providing staff transport from Broome to Cygnet Bay I know firsthand the wear and tear and cost associated with transport and freight along the
Cape Leveque Road, and the time and safety considerations increase greatly as
we get further into Wet season. In fact, we know that our freight costs from our
current suppliers will approximately halve once the road upgrades are complete.
In addition the ease of access to education and health opportunities will greatly
increase. These considerations are shared by all residents of the Peninsula, as
well as those corporate and NGO agencies who work with the communities year
round.
Noted and agreed.
Impact to
Bilby
This proposal would have a significant impact on the Bilby and we recommend
that substantial mitigation be implemented.
Main Roads accepts the proposed road upgrade may have a significant residual impact to the
Bilby and has worked with DPaW to produce an offset proposal that includes both direct and
indirect commitments. The proposed approach includes monitoring occupancy and abundance of
Bilbies, monitoring key threatening processes on the Dampier Peninsula and initiating on-ground
actions to reduce impacts to the Bilby from key threatening processes.
Context
It is important to understand the context of the current status of mammals on the
Dampier Peninsula:
“A number of species have disappeared or become rare on the Peninsula since
European settlement.”
“Since ca. 1890 the Dampier Peninsula has been subjected to intensive pastoral
management involving intensive grazing, very frequent and widespread burning
and some localized clearing...”
“…the activities of the pastoral industry during the last 90 years (since European
Settlement) have caused changes in the environment of the Dampier Peninsula
which could well have resulted in important changes in its mammal fauna.”
Noted.
Significance
of Bilby
population
The Dampier Peninsula Greater Bilby population is critical to the survival of the
species given that it represents the only part of their range where a population can
persist without the need from intensive management.
Main Roads agrees the survival of the Bilby species is important. Various mitigation measures to
reduce impact to the Bilby population have been presented in the Cape Leveque Road Upgrade
Greater Bilby Management Plan (GHD October 2014). It is acknowledged these measures will not
completely mitigate the impact to the Bilby and therefore Main Roads has also developed a
proposal to offset the significant residual impact.
Impact to
Bilby
This proposal would threaten the Bilby through increasing the number of predators
through the introduction of more domestic animals such as cats and dogs given
the substantial increase in traffic that could be expected to travel a new sealed
Main Roads has committed to implementing management measures during construction to reduce
the potential attraction of introduced fauna species during the construction phase of the Project.
The key program objective of the offset proposal is to monitor the occupancy and abundance of
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road.
The addition of a sealed road in parallel with the existing dirt road will provide
another corridor for predators such as foxes and feral cats.
Bilbies as well as key threatening processes on the Dampier Peninsula, while initiating on-ground
actions to reduce the impacts from key threatening processes. If introduced predators are
identified as a key threat, priority will be given to implementing management activities to control
introduced predators.
Impact to
Bilby
The exponential increase in traffic will also lead to an increase in mortality through
collisions and a sealed road will mean that vehicles will travel significantly faster
than they would on the dirt road thus making collisions with Bilbies less avoidable.
Destinations on the Dampier Peninsula such as Kooljaman, Lombadina, One Arm Point and
Middle Lagoon have restricted capacity, which limits the number of tourists who can visit at any
one time. Main Roads understands these destinations reach their full capacity during the dry (peak
tourist) season. Main Roads and the Shire of Broome are not aware of any significant tourist
developments proposed north of SLK 25 along Cape Leveque Road that would significantly
increase the accommodation capacity and traffic on the Dampier Peninsula.
There is no evidence to indicate the upgrade of the road will result in an exponential increase in
traffic (given the restricted fixed accommodation availability on the Dampier Peninsula) or travel
patterns will alter significantly (i.e. it is expected that daytime travel will remain the preference
when Bilbies are not active).
It is also important to note the current road during peak tourist periods is a well maintained dirt
access route with speeds of 60 - 100 km/h obtainable. Although the sealed road would allow
speeds of up to 110 km/h, the road conditions should also allow drivers to take evasive action to
avoid collisions more safely.
Main Roads accepts the proposed road upgrade may result in an increase in vehicle numbers and
speeds which will increase the risk of vehicle strike over time. However, Main Roads has
incorporated fauna underpasses and signage into the upgrade design in an attempt to mitigate
potential impact from vehicle strikes. With the mitigation measures proposed and the existing
relatively low vehicle counts for the road, the risk to Bilby population from vehicle strike is not
expected to increase significantly.
Impact to
Bilby
It is likely that an increase in traffic will also lead to an increase in wildfires that
would have a negative influence on Bilbies when vegetation recovers and
becomes homogeneously dense over large tracts, preventing them from foraging
and moving through the landscape. The sealed road is also likely to bring with it
weeds which would exacerbate wildfires.
Due to the lack of weeds observed during the GHD field surveys the impact to Bilby foraging
habitat and altered fire regimes is considered low during construction provided the mitigation
measures outlined in the Cape Leveque Road Upgrade Greater Bilby Management Plan (GHD
October 2014) and Revegetation Management Plan (GHD October 2014) are implemented.
Specific weed control measures and monitoring commitments have been incorporated into the
above mentioned management plans.
Management
approach
The proposal is to build a sealed road in parallel with the existing dirt road
because the cost of building a sealed road on the existing alignment is expensive
due to the amount of in-fill needed.
Building on the existing alignment would have less of an impact on the Bilby.
Given the cost saving of building on a new alignment and the increase in threat
that this poses, if the proposal is approved, we believe there should be
substantial, additional mitigation.
In the initial concept phase of the proposal, Main Roads considered there would be a cost saving
from constructing a new alignment as opposed to sourcing and transporting fill to seal the existing
dirt road. The lengthy environmental and heritage approvals process to construct a new road as
opposed to sealing the existing dirt alignment has made cost savings questionable.
It should be noted that to seal the existing dirt road would require sourcing a significant amount of
fill material. No previously disturbed areas with suitable fill material have been identified by Main
Roads. Sourcing fill material would require removal of material from an undisturbed area which
would involve clearing of vegetation and subsequent impact to flora and fauna. Therefore, impact
to the environment and associated flora and fauna would result from either constructing a new
alignment or sealing the existing alignment.
Construction of a table drain parallel to the alignment (whether a new alignment is being
constructed or the existing alignment is being sealed) is necessary to divert water. Construction of
a new alignment allows half the redundant alignment to be established as a table drain. Where
the existing alignment was to be sealed, Main Roads would still be required to clear 10 m width
approx. for the length of proposed road works (77.6 km) to construct the table drain.
It is acknowledged the mitigation measures and revegetation works are unlikely to completely
mitigate the impact to the Bilby and therefore Main Roads has also developed a proposal to offset
the significant residual impact. Main Roads has worked with DPaW to produce an offset proposal
that includes both direct and indirect commitments. Through consultation with DotE the initial
offset proposal was revised substantially to contribute more funds to direct on-ground
commitments.
Management
approach
The proposed incorporation of underpasses should be considered carefully due to
the possibility they will not be used by the Bilby and the possibility they would
become a predator sink.
Main Roads proposed the incorporation of underpasses into the road design to mitigate potential
impacts to the Bilby through vehicle strike and barrier effects.
It is acknowledged that Main Roads or its consultant was not able to identify any published studies
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Underpasses should be monitored for at least three years with camera traps to
determine use by native or feral animals and that they do not become predator
sinks.
assessing the use of culverts (underpasses) by Bilbies. Specific Bilby culverts have been
incorporated into the construction of infrastructure in the Pilbara region (FerrAus 2011), but no
assessment of use has been undertaken. Most culvert examples are restricted to southern
Australia for Southern Brown Bandicoots (Ecologia-Environmental-Consultants 1995, Harris, et al
2010, Chambers and Bencini 2013), where all studies show use by the species. Since Bandicoots
are closely related to Bilbys (both members of the Peramelidae family) it is conceivable that similar
use of culverts by both the Bandicoot and Bilby can be predicted.
Harris et al (2010) recorded predation by foxes at culverts on Southern Brown Bandicoots along
the Roe Highway, however these culverts were fenced creating a funnelling effect into the culvert.
This allowed foxes to patrol the openings of the culverts where wildlife is concentrated. The
fencing was undertaken because of the high risk of road fatality on a heavy use highway. It is not
proposed the culverts on Cape Leveque Road will be fenced, allowing fauna and Bilbies to utilise
the culverts at will, reducing any opportunistic predation by feral predators. It is acknowledged the
lack of fencing may reduce the use of the underpasses. Harris and Bamford (2011) undertook a
review of all underpass literature in Australia and concluded that insufficient data was available to
determine that feral species utilised culverts as a regular food source. However they do state that
predation was recorded at culverts and that predators will utilise culverts for movements within the
environment where predation may occur.
Within the Cape Leveque Road Upgrade Greater Bilby Management Plan (GHD October 2014)
Main Roads has made a commitment to conduct Bilby surveys annually for 5 years to assess the
level of use of the fauna underpasses and the presence of Bilbies near the upgraded road.
Mitigation
measures
It is recommended that occupancy of the Bilby and predators in relationship to
habitat and fire patterns be implemented through the development of a Bilby
management plan.
Management of threatened fauna (Bilby) requires information on distribution and
occupancy. Low intensity in situ management forms around wild populations are
better for the conservation of a species than high intensity management on ex situ
populations e.g. predator exclusion or control around a reintroduced population.
A survey method that employs a 2 ha track based monitoring plots, with multiple
repeats was proposed.
The Cape Leveque Road Upgrade Greater Bilby Management Plan (GHD October 2014) has
been developed for the proposed road upgrade to reduce the impact to the local Bilby population.
The plan outlines mitigation and management measures to address the impacts from the
proposed road upgrade during the design, construction and post- construction phases.
Main Roads agrees research into Bilby occupancy and key threatening processes (such as
predators and fire) is important in order to effectively implement on-ground monitoring and threat
management for the Bilby population across the Dampier Peninsula. However, these threatening
processes are not exclusively linked to the proposed upgrade of Cape Leveque Road. Official
records of Bilbies from the Dampier Peninsula are limited and spatially constrained to the main
road and proposed industrial development sites with the remainder being historical records.
Stakeholders and State government environmental agencies appear to agree that additional
research is required to inform regional management approaches.
Main Roads has worked with DPaW to produce an offset proposal that includes both direct and
indirect commitments. The offset proposal includes monitoring occupancy and abundance of
Bilbies; and monitoring key threatening processes on the Dampier Peninsula (Project 1 of the
offset proposal) consistent with that proposed by Southgate and Environs Kimberley submission.
A two-pronged approach is proposed, namely:
• Plot surveys: An array of 2 hectare plots focussed on likely Bilby habitat across the Dampier
Peninsula will be surveyed for sign of Bilbies (tracks, diggings, burrows, scats) and introduced
predators (tracks, scats). Habitat characteristics, fire history and grazing pressure will also be
recorded. Traditional Owner Ranger Teams employed through this program would be heavily
involved in the plot surveys.
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) survey: Areas that are inaccessible to on ground plots will be
surveyed using RPA to detect the presence/absence of Bilby burrows using live-feed video
imagery. Live-feed video imagery negates the need for lengthy post-processing, and provides
immediate on-ground results.
Mitigation
measures
Implement fire management in parts of the Dampier Peninsula to increase the
spatial and temporal heterogeneity fire in the landscape.
• Mapping of fire pattern in relation to vegetation and landscape features to
determine if/where persistent natural fire edge boundaries and ecotones occur.
• Regional fire management plan including the provision to conduct hot summer
fires
• Monitor Bilby activity at these burns and different age burns to determine
efficacy of fire management plan
Main Roads agrees research into key threatening processes such as fire management is
important in order to effectively implement on-ground management for the Bilby population across
the Dampier Peninsula. However, these threatening processes are not exclusively linked to the
proposed upgrade of Cape Leveque Road, nor should Main Roads be solely responsible for this
research or on-ground management.
Based on discussion with DPaW, informed by the current and new draft Bilby recovery plan, there
is still a requirement to better understand the threats to Bilby populations, the role of introduced
predators and fire management as a threatening process and what cost-effective strategies can
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• Reduction and control of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliarisl)
• Monitoring to determine influence of tracks to service facilities (bore field,
pipeline, electricity) on fire pattern and weed dispersal
be implemented to manage these threats. At this stage three possible management activities have
been identified in the offset proposal (Project 3 of the offset proposal), these being introduced
predator control, fire management and stock grazing pressure. It would therefore be premature to
implement on-ground management actions (Project 3), without having implemented Projects 1 and
2 of the offset proposal.
The offset proposal is currently being considered for approval by DotE. Once approved it is
proposed the program would be delivered by DPaW. DPaW would coordinate the delivery of all
on-ground monitoring and threat management activities. If fire management is found to be the
most significant threatening process it is proposed this will be implemented.
Mitigation
measures
Implement measures to ensure predator numbers do not increase through
development and ongoing operations.
• Ongoing predator monitoring (track based & remote camera)
• Regular trapping
• Free-standing water to be fenced to prevent predator access
• Dingo/dogs tolerated unless impacts are detrimental
• Monitoring to determine influence of tracks to service facilities (bore field,
pipeline, electricity) on predator movements
Based on discussion with DPaW, informed by the current and new draft Bilby recovery plan, there
is still a requirement to better understand the threats to Bilby populations, the role of introduced
predators and fire management as a threatening process and what cost-effective strategies can
be implemented to manage these threats. At this stage three possible management activities have
been identified in the offset proposal (Project 3 of the offset proposal), these being introduced
predator control, fire management and stock grazing pressure. It would therefore be premature to
implement on-ground management actions (Project 3) focusing on predators, without having
implemented Projects 1 and 2 of the offset proposal.
The offset proposal is currently being considered for approval by DotE. Once approved it is
proposed the program would be delivered by DPaW. DPaW would coordinate the delivery of all
on-ground monitoring and threat management activities.
Delivery of
management
plan
Establish Dampierland Bilby Conservation Fund of $5 million from Main Roads
WA funding. Available to natural resource management groups working in the
bioregion and education programs.
Main Roads generally supports the need for research into key threatening processes and effective
targeted on-ground management for the Bilby population across the Dampier Peninsula. Main
Roads has worked with DPaW to produce an offset proposal that includes both direct and indirect
commitments. Through consultation with DotE the initial offset proposal was revised substantially
to contribute more funds to direct on-ground commitments. Main Roads believes this revised
proposal as presented is a reasonable offset for the significant residual impacts predicted to the
Bilby from this proposed road upgrade.
Chambers, B and Bencini, R 2013, The Factors Affecting the Use of Fauna Underpasses by Quenda and Bobtail Lizards. Report to Main Roads Western Australia, October 2013.
Ecologia-Environmental-Consultants 1995, Kwinana Freeway Wildlife Underpass Study Fauna Monitoring Program - Report to Main Roads Western Australia.
FerrAus 2011, Report to support assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Referral 2011/6036. FerrAus Pilbara Project, Preliminary Documentation,
Harris, I. M., Mills, H. R. and Bencini, R 2010, Multiple individual southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) use underpasses installed at a new highway in Perth, Western Australia. Wildlife
Research 37, pp.127–133.
Harris, I and Bamford, M 2011, Roads and Wildlife; A Review of Purpose-Built Fauna Underpasses. Bamford Consulting Ecologists prepared for: City of Armadale, 10th July 2011
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Appendix C - Advice from van Leeuwen and
Southgate
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Stephen van Leeuwen’s e-mail (extract) to DotE
From: Van Leeuwen, Stephen [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, 13 January 2015 12:13 PM
To: Kuntsi, Matthew
Subject: RE: Further advice on Greater Bilby impacts and mitigation [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Matthew
…
In respect to your questions I provide the following comments:
1.
The road sealing project in the Pilbara was about 20 -25 years ago. It was the sealing
of part of the access road between Nimingarra Ridge (mine) and Shay Gap (townsite). Sealing
meant that traffic speed increased, especially at night. I don’t actually think it was a vehicle
movement or increase in vehicle numbers impact as mine vehicle used the road irrespective of
whether it was sealed or not as it was the only link between the mine and the town. I think it
was because vehicle speeds increased, or at least the ability to travel faster increased
especially at night (no more corrugations!). Coincidentally there was an increase in the reported
number of bilbies killed on the road after it was sealed. In the mid-90s a team from our
Department went to the Nimingarra area to investigate this population of Bilbies with a plan to
relocate some to a captive breeding colony in Broome however I don’t think this happened as
numbers were too low. A check of the population 12 months later found no animals at all and to
my knowledge several checks in the area over the past two decades have not identified any
active colonies.
2.
I can’t see how culverts on the Cape Leveque Road will have any benefit for Bilby as
the road will not be built up on a large/high embankment and thus will not be an impediment to
bilby movements. Given the final landform or design of the road will be similar to the
surrounding landscape to ensure bilbies use a culvert system to cross the road would require
many kilometres of fencing to direct animals to dedicated crossing points. Such fencing would
obviously impact on the movement of other animals, and would be a logistical and financial
millstone to maintain given fires, cyclones and perhaps damage by livestock such as cattle
and/or ferals such as camels. The fence itself is also an expensive exercise as it would require
a buried skirt to prevent bilbies and other animals from digging under it and thus compromising
the integrity of the whole mitigation strategy. Directing bilbies and consequently other animals
to culverts as crossing points may also increase predation risks as has been demonstrated for
southern brown bandicoots on the Forest highway south of Perth. The culvert crossings
became a favourite place for foxes to wait in ambush for unsuspecting bandicoots and
possums. I have attached three papers (one is a review) dealing with fauna underpasses, their
design, utility and management effectiveness which may be of interest and informative to your
deliberations.
3.
I think the biggest risk to the bilby population along the road will be an increase in
vehicle speed particularly at night when bilbies are active which will result in a higher incidence
of collisions. Yes vehicle movement will also increase, especially during the tourist season and
some of this will be at night. An increase in vehicle movements at night may also increase the
potential take of bilbies by traditional owners as they are likely to encounter more animals along
the road because they are travelling faster in their vehicles. Not sure what mitigation strategies
will be successful at reducing speed as the area is somewhat remote and I suspect at night
most vehicle will be travelling in excess of 80km/hr. Signage, speed bumps, etc may slow some
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
but unlikely to have a significant impact and perhaps more importantly a long term impact on
driver behaviour.
At the end of the day I think the upgrading of the Cape Leveque road will result in an increase in
the take of bilbies as a result of collisions with vehicles and this take may even result in the local
extinct of the population. However what I believe is more important is the size of this local
populations, how it is coping with existing pressures and how it will respond to another threat. I
suspect the population will probably move away as its habitat changes. In the Pilbara we have
seen the on-mass movement of two populations following a fire which burnt out the population
and its preferred habitat.
Hope these comments are useful
Regards
Stephen
Dr Stephen van Leeuwen
Science Partnerships Manager
Keiran McNamara Conservation Science Centre
Science & Conservation Division
Department of Parks and Wildlife
Postal Address: Locked Bag 104, BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983
Street Address: Room 2.44, 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington WA 6151
Phone: +61 8 9219 9042
Fax: +61 8 9334 0135
Mobile: 0438 757 556
Email: [email protected]
Discussion with Dr Rick Southgate re: Greater Bilbies at the Dampier Peninsula
(16/01/15)
The document prepared by GHD for the Cape Leveque Road Upgrade project indicates that
GBs are broadly distributed throughout the Dampier Peninsula. The Dampier Peninsula and
northern edges of the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts is described as very important for GB
habitat largely due to the low levels of rabbits, foxes and pastoralism in this area.
A clear understanding of GB distribution on the Dampier Peninsula is uncertain, but it is
suggested that it is a scattered population in low densities and that GBs are likely to be quite
mobile throughout the area as they move to find better quality habitat such as recently burnt
areas and thus have relatively low site fidelity. The detectability of the species is also low due its
cryptic nature and behaviour. Sign of the species’ presence (eg. digging, burrows and tracks) is
easier to detect rather than the species itself.
The relative scarcity and low site fidelity makes GBs challenging to monitor in the area. Many
sites need to be monitored with repeat visits to determine robust estimates of detectability and
occupancy. One can’t monitor a few sites over time to adequately monitor the species.
The impact of roads on GB’s is not conclusively known. However, it is known that road verges
can attract certain species by, amongst other factors, providing landforms that pool water and
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
by disturbing earth in a manner that produces flora and fauna that provide foraging opportunities
for the species.
It is not known whether the road kill mortality of GB individuals could affect the viability of a
population without more baseline data. Determining whether GBs are concentrated along
roadways relative to non-road ways in the region would be required plus an estimation of
relative mortality in each situation. One way to mitigate against mortality from GBs using the
roadside verges and crossing the road, may be to make habitat elsewhere in the region more
attractive to GBs possibly through fire management.
It is possible that the direct impact of road kill mortality on GBs in the region will be less than the
broader scale impacts of brought about by upgrading the road. Improved road quality and will
probably result in expansion of tourism and pastoralism infrastructure and this in turn will
increase the availability and accessibility of permanent water and increased predator and cattle
abundance which will negatively impact of the on the GB population in the region.
Fire management is identified as probably the most effective broad-scale means currently
available to improve habitat for GBs. However, it is uncertain how GBs respond to fire in the
region of the Dampier Peninsula compared to other areas. Example provided that trials
conducted in the Tanami Desert found that GB populations in the northern area (where fire was
frequent eg. every 3-10 yrs) displayed a positive association with recently burnt areas while
those in the central Tanami (where fire was infrequent eg. every 10-30 yrs) did not.
In order to better understand the requirements of the GB population on the Dampier Peninsula,
the focus should be on identifying where GBs occur, particularly young as this is an indicator of
suitable breeding habitat. It is key to determine distribution and occupancy of the Damper
Peninsula GB population so as to implement effective adaptive management.
Research conducted in the Pilbara region may not be particularly comparable/adaptable to the
Dampier Peninsular landscape as the vegetation structure, soils etc. are quite different. It is
suggested that an aerial survey to search for digging and burrow sign, coupled with 2 ha plot
surveyed on the ground to validate observations would be the most effective means to
determine GB distribution and occupancy. The 2 ha plot survey technique has been and is
being used quite widely in the Tanami, Little Sandy and Great Sandy Deserts, often with good
results. Better access, consolidation and interpretation of these data would provide information
to assess the importance of the Dampier Peninsula for conservation of the GB.
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Appendix D - Response to advice from van Leeuwen
and Southgate
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Sub
No.
Separate
advice to DotE
Aspect
Stakeholder Comments/Recommendations Summary
Main Roads Response
1
Name: Dr
Stephen van
Leeuwen
Previous road
sealing project
results
Sealing part of the access road between Nimingarra Ridge (mine) and
Shay Gap (townsite) allowed for an increase in traffic speed, including at
night. It was thought that the sealing of the road did not alter vehicle
movement or increase vehicle numbers as mine vehicles used the road as
the only link between the mine and the town. Coincidentally there was an
increase in the reported number of bilbies killed on the road after it was
sealed. In the mid-90s the Bilby population was investigated with a plan
to relocate some to a captive breeding colony in Broome however I don’t
think this happened as numbers were too low. A check of the population
12 months later found no animals at all and to my knowledge several
checks in the area over the past two decades have not identified any
active colonies.
Main Roads accepts the proposed road upgrade may result in an increase in vehicle numbers and speeds
which could potentially increase the risk of vehicle strike over time.
Main Roads has incorporated fauna underpasses and signage into the upgrade design in an attempt to
mitigate potential impact from vehicle strikes. With the mitigation measures proposed and the existing relatively
low vehicle counts for the road, Main Roads believes the risk to the Bilby population from vehicle strike is not
expected to increase significantly.
Within the Cape Leveque Road Upgrade Greater Bilby Management Plan (GHD October 2014) Main Roads
has made a commitment to conduct Bilby surveys annually for 5 years to assess the level of use of the fauna
underpasses and the presence of Bilbies near the upgraded road.
Efficacy of
underpasses/
culverts
It was not evident how culverts on the Cape Leveque Road would benefit
the Bilby as the road will not be built up on a large/high embankment and
thus will not be an impediment to Bilby movements. To ensure Bilbies use
a culvert system to cross the road would require many kilometres of
fencing to direct animals to dedicated crossing points. Such fencing
would impact on the movement of other animals, and would be a logistical
and financial millstone to maintain given fires, cyclones and perhaps
damage by livestock and/or ferals. The fence itself is also an expensive
exercise as it would require a buried skirt to prevent Bilbies and other
animals from digging under it and thus compromising the integrity of the
whole mitigation strategy. Directing Bilbies and consequently other
animals to culverts as crossing points may also increase predation risks
as has been demonstrated for southern brown bandicoots on the Forest
highway south of Perth.
Main Roads proposed the incorporation of underpasses into the road design to mitigate potential impacts to the
Bilby through vehicle strike and barrier effects.
It is acknowledged that Main Roads or its consultant (GHD) was not able to identify any published studies
assessing the use of culverts (underpasses) by Bilbies. Specific Bilby culverts have been incorporated into the
construction of infrastructure in the Pilbara region (FerrAus 2011), but no assessment of use has been
undertaken. Most culvert examples are restricted to southern Australia for Southern Brown Bandicoots
(Ecologia-Environmental-Consultants 1995, Harris, et al 2010, Chambers and Bencini 2013), where all studies
show use by the species. Since Bandicoots are closely related to Bilbys (both members of the Peramelidae
family) it is conceivable that similar use of culverts by both the Bandicoot and Bilby can be predicted.
Harris et al (2010) recorded predation by foxes at culverts on Southern Brown Bandicoots along the Roe
Highway, however these culverts were fenced creating a funnelling effect into the culvert. This allowed foxes to
patrol the openings of the culverts where wildlife is concentrated. The fencing was undertaken because of the
high risk of road fatality on a heavy use highway. It is not proposed the culverts on Cape Leveque Road will be
fenced, allowing fauna and Bilbies to utilise the culverts at will, reducing any opportunistic predation by feral
predators. The incorporation of fencing would also introduce a significant barrier effect. It is acknowledged the
lack of fencing may reduce the use of the underpasses. Harris and Bamford (2011) undertook a review of all
underpass literature in Australia and concluded that insufficient data was available to determine that feral
species utilised culverts as a regular food source. However they do state that predation was recorded at
culverts and that predators will utilise culverts for movements within the environment where predation may
occur.
Within the Cape Leveque Road Upgrade Greater Bilby Management Plan (GHD October 2014) Main Roads
has made a commitment to conduct Bilby surveys annually for 5 years to assess the level of use of the fauna
underpasses and the presence of Bilbies near the upgraded road. Five years was proposed so that survey
results can account for temporal and spatial shifts in population demographics.
Impact to Bilby
It is Stephen van Leeuwen’s opinion that the biggest risk to the Bilby
population along the road will be an increase in vehicle speed particularly
at night when Bilbies are active which will result in a higher incidence of
collisions. It is also his opinion that vehicle movement will increase,
especially during the tourist season and some of this will be at night. An
increase in vehicle movements at night may also increase the potential
take of Bilbies by traditional owners as they are likely to encounter more
animals along the road because they are travelling faster in their vehicles.
Stephen van Leeuwen is not sure what mitigation strategies will be
successful at reducing speed as the area is remote and suspects at night
most vehicle will be travelling in excess of 80km/hr. Signage, speed
bumps, etc may slow some vehicles but this is unlikely to have a
significant impact or alter longer term driver behaviour.
The most recent vehicle count data indicates there is currently limited night time vehicle movement along Cape
Leveque Road. The vehicle count data shows approximately 10 nocturnal vehicle movements over a week
period (approximately 1.5 vehicles per night) with little variation between peak and non-peak periods.
Main Roads acknowledges the sealed road would allow speeds of up to 110 km/h, however the road conditions
should also allow drivers to take evasive action to avoid collisions more safely, including at night. Consistent
with this comment from Stephen van Leeuwen, there are no additional practical design measures available to
slow vehicle speeds to mitigate vehicle strike, without introducing additional adverse impacts (e.g. fencing and
barrier impacts).
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Sub
No.
2
Separate
advice to DotE
Name: Dr Rick
Southgate
Aspect
Stakeholder Comments/Recommendations Summary
Main Roads Response
Conclusion
It is Stephen van Leeuwen’s opinion the upgrading of the Cape Leveque
Road will result in an increase in the take of Bilbies as a result of collisions
with vehicles and this take may even result in the local extinction of the
population. However what is believed to be more important is the size of
this local population, how it is coping with existing pressures and how it
will respond to another threat. Stephen van Leeuwen suspects the
population will probably move away as its habitat changes. This has been
observed in the Pilbara where two populations have on-mass relocated
following a fire which burnt out the population and its preferred habitat.
Main Roads accepts the proposed road upgrade may have a significant residual impact to the Bilby, even after
the mitigation measures proposed are implemented. Main Roads has worked with DPaW (and specifically
Stephen van Leeuwen) to produce an offset proposal that includes both direct and indirect commitments in
response to these residual impacts. The proposed approach includes monitoring occupancy and abundance of
the Bilby, monitoring key threatening processes on the Dampier Peninsula (which based on Stephen van
Leeuwen should include the road) and initiating on-ground actions to reduce impacts to the Bilby from key
threatening processes.
General
Clear understanding of Bilby distribution on the Dampier Peninsula is
uncertain, but it is suggested that it is a scattered population in low
densities and that the species is quite mobile throughout the area as they
move to find better quality habitat such as recently burnt areas and thus
have relatively low site fidelity. The detectability of the species is also low
due to its cryptic nature and behaviour. Sign of the species’ presence (eg.
digging, burrows and tracks) is easier to detect rather than the species
itself.
Noted and agreed.
Monitoring Issues
Relative scarcity and low site fidelity makes monitoring Bilbies difficult.
Sites need repeat visits to determine robust estimates of detectability and
occupancy.
Main Roads has worked closely with the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) staff (including Stephen van
Leeuwen) to produce an offset proposal that includes both direct and indirect commitments. A key aspect of
this proposal includes monitoring occupancy and abundance of Bilbies on the Dampier Peninsula, which
includes repeat site visits to assist with determining occupancy. It is anticipated that learnings from the Pilbara
work, of which DPaW are an important participant, will inform the monitoring methods employed as part of the
offset proposal.
Road impacts
The impact of roads on the Bilby is not conclusively known.
There is evidence that road verges can produce favourable landforms
(pooling water and foraging opportunities) which can attract certain
species.
It is not known whether the road kill mortality of Bilby individuals could
affect the viability of a population without more baseline data. Determining
whether Bilbies are concentrated along roadways relative to non-road
ways in the region would be required plus an estimation of relative
mortality in each situation. A possible mitigation measure may be to make
habitat more attractive elsewhere in the region through fire management.
It is possible that direct impact of road kill mortality will be less than
broader scale impact from upgrading the road. An improved road will
probably result in increased tourism, pastoralism, infrastructure increasing
accessibility of water, predator and cattle abundance which will negatively
impact Bilby populations.
Main Roads accepts the impact of roads on the Bilby is not conclusively known and there are potential external
factors which may result in confounding findings.
The offset measures proposed for this Project include monitoring key threatening processes on the Dampier
Peninsula and initiating on-ground actions to reduce impacts to the Bilby from key threatening processes. The
impact of the road upgrade on the Bilby will be considered as part of this suite of actions.
Fire Management
Fire management is probably the most effective broad scale means to
improve habitat for Bilbies. However, there is uncertainty how Bilbies on
the Dampier Peninsula will respond to fire compared to populations in
other areas. Trials in the Tanami Desert resulted in variable results
depending on region and fire frequency.
Based on discussion with DPaW, informed by the current and new draft Bilby recovery plan, there is still a
requirement to better understand the threats to Bilby populations, the role of introduced predators and fire
management as a threatening process and what cost-effective strategies can be implemented to manage these
threats. At this stage three possible management activities have been identified in the offset proposal (Project 3
of the offset proposal), these being introduced predator control, fire management and stock grazing pressure.
Main Roads suggests it would therefore be premature to implement on-ground management solely focused on
fire management (Project 3), without having implemented Projects 1 and 2 of the offset proposal (defining the
area of occupancy and population monitoring).
Recommendations
Focus should be on identifying where Bilbies occur, particularly young as
this is an indicator of suitable breeding habitat. It is key to determine
distribution and occupancy of the Dampier Peninsula Bilby population so
as to implement effective adaptive management.
Research conducted in the Pilbara region may not be particularly
comparable/adaptable to the Dampier Peninsular due to differences in
landscape. It is suggested that an aerial survey to search for digging and
burrow sign, coupled with 2 ha plot ground surveys to validate
Agreed and noted. This recommendation is consistent with the approach detailed in the offset proposal.
A key aspect of the offset proposal includes monitoring occupancy and abundance of Bilbies on the Dampier
Peninsula. A two-pronged approach is proposed, namely:
• Plot surveys: An array of 2 hectare plots focussed on likely Bilby habitat across the Dampier Peninsula will
be surveyed for sign of Bilbies (tracks, diggings, burrows, scats) and introduced predators (tracks, scats).
Habitat characteristics, fire history and grazing pressure will also be recorded. Traditional Owner Ranger
Teams employed through this program would be heavily involved in the plot surveys.
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) survey: Areas that are inaccessible to on ground plots will be surveyed
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
Sub
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Stakeholder Comments/Recommendations Summary
observations would be the most effective means to determine Bilby
distribution and occupancy.
Main Roads Response
using RPA to detect the presence/absence of Bilby burrows using live-feed video imagery. Live-feed video
imagery negates the need for lengthy post-processing, and provides immediate on-ground results.
Chambers, B and Bencini, R 2013, The Factors Affecting the Use of Fauna Underpasses by Quenda and Bobtail Lizards. Report to Main Roads Western Australia, October 2013.
Ecologia-Environmental-Consultants 1995, Kwinana Freeway Wildlife Underpass Study Fauna Monitoring Program - Report to Main Roads Western Australia.
FerrAus 2011, Report to support assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Referral 2011/6036. FerrAus Pilbara Project, Preliminary Documentation,
Harris, I. M., Mills, H. R. and Bencini, R 2010, Multiple individual southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) use underpasses installed at a new highway in Perth, Western Australia. Wildlife
Research 37, pp.127–133.
Harris, I and Bamford, M 2011, Roads and Wildlife; A Review of Purpose-Built Fauna Underpasses. Bamford Consulting Ecologists prepared for: City of Armadale, 10th July 2011
GHD | Report for Main Roads Western Australia - Cape Leveque Road Upgrade (SLK 25 - 102.6), 61/30593
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