Perth Bunbury Highway (Kwinana Freeway Extension – Forrest Highway) project

Question
In relation to the New Perth Bunbury Highway (Kwinana Freeway Extension – Forrest Highway) project, there have been reports that the cycle way barriers on one side leading to large number of animal deaths, as there seems to be no animal thoroughfares, and I ask -

(1) Has there been a high number of animal deaths on the new Perth-Bunbury highway?

(2) Does the barrier fence along the cycleway prevent animals from escaping from the flow of traffic?

(3) Have any fauna underpasses been created along the Highway?

(4) If yes to (3), -

(a) how many have been created, and what is their location;

(b) what design guideline was used to construct the underpasses;

(c) was the Department of Environment and Conservation made recommendations on this guideline;

(d) were all design guidelines followed; and

(e) who is testing the efficacy of the underpasses and how often?

(5) If no to (3), will the Department urgently create fauna underpasses to address this issue?

Answered on 1 December 2009

(1) There have been some animal deaths on the new highway at various locations. Main Roads is monitoring the new road and fencing is being improved to restrict animal access to areas of concern.

(2) Barrier fencing and walls have been constructed along various sections of the new road in an attempt to exclude animals from the road reserve. In some instances where animals have managed to gain access to the reserve, the barrier fencing has made it difficult for them to escape, and if found in time they have been assisted to escape by road maintenance staff.

(3) Yes.

(4)  (a) 18 Fauna underpasses have been provided. They are located as follows:

Baldivis Pin Plantations (2);

Paganoni Reserve (4);

Serpentine River Bridge (1);

Nambeelup Creek Bridge (1);

Murray River Bridge (1);

Mayfield Creek Bridge (1);

Harvey River Bridge (1); and

McClarty State Forrest - Lake Clifton (7).

(b) Main Roads Guideline for the Design of Fauna Underpasses.

(c) The Department of Environment and Conservation was consulted in the development of the guideline and also on the location and design of the underpasses on the new road.

(d) Yes.

(e) Main Roads has entered into an agreement with the University of WA to study the use of the underpasses over the next three years.

(5) Not applicable

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