Friends of Grasslands
supporting native grassy ecosystems
PO Box 440
Jamison Centre
Macquarie ACT 2614
email: advocacy@fog.org.au
web: www.fog.org.au
Queanbeyan
City Council
PO Box 90
Queanbeyan NSW 2620
email:
ede.enquiries@qcc.nsw.gov.au
Dear Sir/Madam
Ellerton Drive extension – species impact statement addendum
Friends of Grasslands (FOG) is a community group dedicated to the conservation of natural temperate grassy ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. FOG advocates, educates and advises on matters to do with the conservation of grassy ecosystems, and carries out surveys and other on-ground work. While based in Canberra, FOG has a number of members in Queanbeyan and surrounding New South Wales. Its members include professional scientists, landowners, land managers and interested members of the public.
When this proposal was initially referred to the Commonwealth for consideration under the EPBC Act, FOG expressed concerns about it (26 August 2014). FOG believes the road extension will have a significant impact on Box-Gum Woodland and on a large population of the Hoary Sunray (Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor). It will also have an impact on the connectivity between populations of this and other species, and on other natural vegetation communities. FOG notes that, despite this, the proposal has been approved and that offsets are being offered.
In relation to the addendum, there will be added impact on the Box-Gum Woodland. As stated in its previous submission, FOG is in principle opposed to further impacts on this endangered community. While offsets are being offered, it isn’t clear from the documentation about how these offsets will be applied to ensure no net loss of the community. FOG also still thinks that more consideration needs to be given to a more strategic approach to developments impacting on matters of NES in this area.
Yours sincerely
Naarilla Hirsch
Advocacy coordinator
29 March 2016