November 2013

Public Environmental Review

Keane Road Strategic Link

Keane Road Strategic Link PER – City of Armadale

REPORT DETAILS Project Number: C02-J01

Report Name: Keane Road Strategic Link PER – City of Armadale Project Manager Name: Laura Todd

AUTHORISATION FOR ISSUE

Report Version Date: 22 November 2013 Approved for Issue Director

Name: Laura Todd

Signature: Date: 22/11/2013

Please Note: This document is considered uncontrolled once printed.

Keane Road Strategic Link PER – City of Armadale

DISTRIBUTION

TOTAL No. COPIES 22 24Supplied to EPA for: 5 13 Library/Reading Room 2 5 EPA Members 0 5 OEPA 2 3 Minister 1 0 Distributed by Proponent to: 17 11Government Departments

Department of Parks and Wildlife 1 1 Department of Parks and Wildlife 1 1 Department of Water 1 1

Department of Aboriginal Affairs 1 1 Conservation Commission of Western Australia 1 1 Water Corporation 0 1 Department of Planning 1 1 Main Roads Western Australia 1 1 Others Friends of Forrestdale 1 0 Urban Bushland Council 1 0 Conservation Council of Western Australia 1 0 Wildflower Society 1 0 Jandakot Regional Park Advisory Committee 1 0 Libraries J S Battye Library 3 1 Armadale Library 1 1 Kelmscott Library 1 1 Where to get copies of this document Printed copies of the PER Main Report may be purchased for $10 (includes a CD of all Appendices and postage and packaging). A CD version of all PER documents is also available free of charge. To arrange please contact:

Noelene Cranfield info@armadale.wa.gov.au

The City of Armadale 7 Orchard Avenue, Armadale, WA 6112 Telephone: +618 9399 0111

An electronic copy may also be obtained, free of charge, from the City of Armadale website www.armadale.wa.gov.au.

How to Make a Submission Invitation to make a submission The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) invites people to make a submission on this proposal. Both electronic and hard copy submissions are most welcome. The City of Armadale proposes to undertake the clearing of 1.65 ha of native vegetation to allow for construction of the final 1.5 km of Keane Road in Forrestdale. In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act), a Public Environmental Review (PER) has been prepared which describes this proposal and its likely effects on the environment. The PER is available for a public review period of eight weeks, from 9th December 2013, closing on 3rd February 2014. Comments from government agencies and from the public will help the EPA to prepare an assessment report in which it will make recommendations to government. Why write a submission? A submission is a way to provide information, express your opinion and put forward your suggested course of action - including any alternative approach. It is useful if you indicate any suggestions you have to improve the proposal. All submissions received by the EPA will be acknowledged. Submissions will be treated as public documents unless provided and received in confidence, subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI Act), and may be quoted in full or in part in the EPA’s report. Why not join a group? If you prefer not to write your own comments, it may be worthwhile joining a group interested in making a submission on similar issues. Joint submissions may help to reduce the workload for an individual or group, as well as increase the pool of ideas and information. If you form a small group (up to 10 people) please indicate all the names of the participants. If your group is larger, please indicate how many people your submission represents. Developing a submission You may agree or disagree with, or comment on, the general issues discussed in the PER or the specific proposal. It helps if you give reasons for your conclusions, supported by relevant data. You may make an important contribution by suggesting ways to make the proposal more environmentally acceptable. When making comments on specific elements of the PER:

clearly state your point of view; indicate the source of your information or argument if this is applicable; suggest recommendations, safeguards or alternatives.

Points to keep in mind By keeping the following points in mind, you will make it easier for your submission to be analysed:

attempt to list points so that issues raised are clear. A summary of your submission is helpful; refer each point to the appropriate section, chapter or recommendation in the PER; if you discuss different sections of the PER, keep them distinct and separate, so there is no confusion

as to which section you are considering; attach any factual information you may wish to provide and give details of the source. Make sure your

information is accurate. Remember to include: your name; address; date; and whether and the reason why you want your submission to be confidential.

Information in submissions will be deemed public information unless a request for confidentiality of the submission is made in writing and accepted by the EPA. As a result, a copy of each submission will be provided to the proponent but the identity of private individuals will remain confidential to the EPA. The closing date for submissions is: 3rd February 2014 The EPA prefers submissions on PER documents to be made electronically on its consultation hub at https://consultation.epa.wa.gov.au Alternatively, submissions can be:

posted to: Chairman, Environmental Protection Authority, Locked Bag 10, EAST PERTH WA 6892 , Attention Amy Sgherza; or

delivered to the Environmental Protection Authority, Level 4, The Atrium, 168 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Attention: Amy Sgherza.

If you have any questions on how to make a submission, please ring the EPA assessment officer, Amy Sgherza on 08 6145 0818.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 KEY PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................................... 3 1.3 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION .............................................................................................................. 4

1.3.1 SIGNIFICANT AND RAPID POPULATION GROWTH.............................................................. 5 1.3.2 COMMUNITY ACCESS TO LOCAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES .......................................... 6 1.3.3 SIGNIFICANT TRAFFIC INCREASES ...................................................................................... 6 1.3.4 PROVIDING PLANNING CERTAINTY AND PROVISION OF URBAN SERVICES ................. 7 1.3.5 PROVISION OF EMERGENCY AND FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES ......................................... 8 1.3.6 SUPPORTING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT .................................................................................... 9 1.3.7 PREVENTING FURTHER ONGOING DEGRADATION OF BUSH FOREVER SITE 342 ....... 9

1.4 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ....................................................................................................... 9 1.4.1 STAKEHOLDERS ...................................................................................................................... 9 1.4.2 PROCESS ............................................................................................................................... 10 1.4.3 ISSUES RAISED ..................................................................................................................... 10 1.4.4 PREVIOUS CONSULTATION ................................................................................................. 10

1.5 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ..................................................................... 11 1.6 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT ........................ 12 1.7 RESIDUAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...................................................................................... 21 1.8 OFFSET STRATEGY ...................................................................................................................... 21 1.9 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................. 22

2 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 23 2.1 PROJECT LOCATION ..................................................................................................................... 23 2.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 23 2.3 PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT .................................................................................................. 24 2.4 THE PROPONENT .......................................................................................................................... 25 2.5 TIMING OF PROJECT .................................................................................................................... 25

2.5.1 INDICATIVE PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (PER) TIMELINE ................................... 25 2.5.2 INDICATIVE PROJECT TIMELINE ......................................................................................... 26

3 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................... 27 3.1 WESTERN AUSTRALIA .................................................................................................................. 27

3.1.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT 1986 (EP ACT) ....................................................... 27 3.1.1.1 PART IV APPROVAL PROCESS ....................................................................................................... 27

3.1.2 OTHER STATE LEGISLATION ............................................................................................... 28 3.1.3 KEY DECISION MAKING AUTHORITIES (DMA) ................................................................... 28 3.1.4 EPA GUIDEANCE STATEMENTS .......................................................................................... 28 3.1.5 STATE GOVERNMENT DISTRICT STRUCTURE PLAN ....................................................... 29 3.1.6 BUSH FOREVER POLICY ...................................................................................................... 30

3.2 COMMONWEALTH ......................................................................................................................... 30

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3.2.1 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999 (EPBC ACT) 30 3.2.2 OTHER COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATION ........................................................................... 31

4 REGIONAL SETTING .............................................................................................................. 32 4.1 LOCATION....................................................................................................................................... 32 4.2 LAND USE AND URBAN PLANNING ............................................................................................. 32

4.2.1 LAND USE ............................................................................................................................... 32 4.2.2 URBAN PLANNING ................................................................................................................. 32

4.3 CONSERVATION CLASSIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 33 4.3.1 BUSH FOREVER SITE 342 .................................................................................................... 33 4.3.2 JANDAKOT REGIONAL PARK ............................................................................................... 34 4.3.3 NATURE RESERVES ............................................................................................................. 34 4.3.4 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ............................................................................ 35 4.3.5 WETLAND CLASSIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 35

4.3.5.1 GEOMORPHIC WETLANDS .............................................................................................................. 35 4.3.5.2 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POLICY WETLANDS .................................................... 36 4.3.5.3 NATIONALLY IMPORTANT WETLANDS .......................................................................................... 36 4.3.5.4 RAMSAR WETLANDS ....................................................................................................................... 37

5 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION .................................................................................................... 38 5.1 SIGNIFICANT AND RAPID POPULATION GROWTH ................................................................... 39 5.2 COMMUNITY ACCESS TO FACILITIES AND SERVICES ............................................................ 39 5.3 SIGNIFICANT TRAFFIC INCREASES ............................................................................................ 40 5.4 PROVISION OF URBAN SERVICES .............................................................................................. 41

5.4.1 SEWER .................................................................................................................................... 41 5.4.2 WATER .................................................................................................................................... 42 5.4.3 PUBLIC TRANSPORT ............................................................................................................. 42

5.5 PROVISION OF EMERGENCY AND FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES ............................................... 42 5.6 SUPPORTING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT .......................................................................................... 42 5.7 PREVENTING ONGOING FURTHER DEGRADATION OF BUSH FOREVER SITE 342 ............. 43 5.8 SUMMARY OF PROJECT BENEFITS ............................................................................................ 43

5.8.1 ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS ............................................................................................... 43 5.8.2 SOCIAL BENEFITS ................................................................................................................. 44 5.8.3 ECONOMIC BENEFITS .......................................................................................................... 44

6 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ............................................................................................. 45 6.1 ALTERNATIVE ROAD ALIGNMENTS CONSIDERED ................................................................... 45 6.2 OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ....................................................................................... 46 6.3 SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES ................................................................ 47 6.4 PREFERRED OPTION .................................................................................................................... 47

7 THE PROJECT ........................................................................................................................ 49 7.1 KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSAL ........................................................................... 49 7.2 KEY PHASES AND ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................... 50

7.2.1 DESIGN ................................................................................................................................... 50

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7.2.1.1 MUNICIPAL DRAINAGE CROSSINGS .............................................................................................. 50 7.2.1.2 FAUNA UNDERPASSES ................................................................................................................... 50 7.2.1.3 MINIMUM ROAD FILL ........................................................................................................................ 50 7.2.1.4 ROAD DRAINAGE ............................................................................................................................. 51 7.2.1.5 SURFACE WATER CULVERTS ........................................................................................................ 51

7.2.2 CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................................................... 51 7.2.2.1 PROCESS .......................................................................................................................................... 51 7.2.2.2 CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT ............................................................... 52 7.2.2.3 EXCAVATION AND DEWATERING ................................................................................................... 52 7.2.2.4 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................... 53

7.2.3 OPERATION ............................................................................................................................ 53 7.2.3.1 ON-GOING MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................. 53 7.2.3.2 CONTAMINATION MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................... 53

8 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................................... 54 8.1 TOPOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................... 54 8.2 SOILS .............................................................................................................................................. 54

8.2.1 ACID SULPHATE SOILS (ASS) .............................................................................................. 54 8.3 GROUNDWATER ............................................................................................................................ 55

8.3.1 GROUNDWATER FLOW DIRECTION ................................................................................... 55 8.3.2 GROUNDWATER DEPTH ....................................................................................................... 55 8.3.3 GROUNDWATER QUALITY ................................................................................................... 56

8.4 SURFACE WATER .......................................................................................................................... 56 8.4.1 SURFACE WATER CATCHMENTS ....................................................................................... 57 8.4.2 SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE AND FLOW PATHS............................................................. 57 8.4.3 SURFACE WATER QUALITY ................................................................................................. 58

8.5 WETLAND HYDROLOGY ............................................................................................................... 58 8.6 VEGETATION AND FLORA ............................................................................................................ 59

8.6.1 FLORISTIC VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ........................................................................... 59 8.6.2 VEGETATION CONDITION .................................................................................................... 60 8.6.3 THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES .......................................... 61 8.6.4 FLORA ..................................................................................................................................... 61 8.6.5 SIGNIFICANT FLORA SPECIES ............................................................................................ 61 8.6.6 WEEDS .................................................................................................................................... 62

8.7 DIEBACK ......................................................................................................................................... 62 8.8 FAUNA ............................................................................................................................................. 63

8.8.1 FAUNA HABITAT .................................................................................................................... 63 8.8.2 EPBC ACT LISTED FAUNA HABITAT .................................................................................... 65 8.8.3 SIGNIFICANT FAUNA ............................................................................................................. 66 8.8.4 SHORT RANGE ENDEMIC (SRE) SPECIES ......................................................................... 66

8.8.4.1 GRACEFUL SUN MOTH .................................................................................................................... 67 8.8.4.2 THREATENED NATIVE BEE SRE SPECIES .................................................................................... 67 8.8.4.3 MEGAMOUTH BEE DISCOVERY ...................................................................................................... 68

8.8.5 INTRODUCED FAUNA ............................................................................................................ 68 8.9 NOISE .............................................................................................................................................. 69

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8.10 CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION............................................................................ 69 8.10.1 OFF ROAD VEHICLES (ORV) ................................................................................................ 69 8.10.2 RUBBISH DUMPING ............................................................................................................... 71 8.10.3 FIRES ...................................................................................................................................... 73

9 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................ 74 9.1 CITY OF ARMADALE COMMUNITY PROFILE .............................................................................. 74

9.1.1 WESTERN GROWTH AREA COMMUNITY PROFILE ........................................................... 74 9.2 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................................... 75

9.2.1 DESIRABLE ............................................................................................................................. 75 9.2.2 UNDESIRABLE ....................................................................................................................... 75

9.3 RESIDENTS .................................................................................................................................... 75 9.4 TRAFFIC .......................................................................................................................................... 76 9.5 CULTURAL HERITAGE .................................................................................................................. 77

9.5.1 ARCHIVAL RESEARCH .......................................................................................................... 77 9.5.2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY................................................................................................ 77 9.5.3 ETHNOGRAPHY ..................................................................................................................... 77

9.6 EUROPEAN HERITAGE ................................................................................................................. 77

10 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT PLANS ......................... 78 10.1 VEGETATION .................................................................................................................................. 78

10.1.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 78 10.1.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 79

10.1.2.1 MINIMISATION OF VEGETATION CLEARED ................................................................................... 79 10.1.2.2 UNAUTHORISED ACCESS MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................... 79 10.1.2.3 EDGE EFFECTS MANAGEMENT...................................................................................................... 79 10.1.2.4 REHABILITATION .............................................................................................................................. 80 10.1.2.5 FIRE ................................................................................................................................................... 80 10.1.2.6 WEEDS .............................................................................................................................................. 80 10.1.2.7 DIEBACK ............................................................................................................................................ 80 10.1.2.8 OFFSETS ........................................................................................................................................... 80

10.2 FLORA ............................................................................................................................................. 80 10.2.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 80 10.2.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 81

10.3 WEEDS ............................................................................................................................................ 81 10.3.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 81 10.3.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 81

10.4 DIEBACK ......................................................................................................................................... 81 10.4.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 81 10.4.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 82

10.5 FAUNA ............................................................................................................................................. 83 10.5.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 83

10.5.1.1 SIGNFICANT FAUNA SPECIES ........................................................................................................ 83 10.5.1.2 INCREASED MORTALITY ................................................................................................................. 83 10.5.1.3 LOSS OF HABITAT ............................................................................................................................ 83

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10.5.1.4 DISSECTION OF HABITAT ................................................................................................................ 85 10.5.1.5 PREDATORS AND OTHER FERAL SPECIES .................................................................................. 85 10.5.1.6 HYDRO-ECOLOGY ............................................................................................................................ 85 10.5.1.7 FIRE ................................................................................................................................................... 85 10.5.1.8 LIGHT AND NOISE ............................................................................................................................ 85 10.5.1.9 DIEBACK ............................................................................................................................................ 85

10.5.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 86 10.5.2.1 SIGNIFICANT FAUNA SPECIES ....................................................................................................... 86 10.5.2.2 FAUNA MORTALITY AND HABITAT DISSECTION .......................................................................... 86 10.5.2.3 LOSS OF FAUNA HABITAT ............................................................................................................... 90 10.5.2.4 PREDATORS AND OTHER FERAL SPECIES .................................................................................. 90 10.5.2.5 HYDRO-ECOLOGY ............................................................................................................................ 90 10.5.2.6 LIGHT AND NOISE ............................................................................................................................ 90 10.5.2.7 FIRE ................................................................................................................................................... 90 10.5.2.8 DIEBACK ............................................................................................................................................ 90 10.5.2.9 OFFSETS ........................................................................................................................................... 90

10.6 ACID SULPHATE SOILS (ASS) ...................................................................................................... 91 10.6.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 91 10.6.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 91

10.7 SURFACE WATER .......................................................................................................................... 91 10.7.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 91

10.7.1.1 CHANGES TO SURFACE WATER FLOWS ...................................................................................... 91 10.7.1.2 DETERIORATION IN SURFACE WATER QUALITY ......................................................................... 91

10.7.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 92 10.7.2.1 CHANGES TO SURFACE WATER FLOWS ...................................................................................... 92 10.7.2.2 DETERIORATION IN SURFACE WATER QUALITY ......................................................................... 92

10.8 GROUNDWATER ............................................................................................................................ 93 10.8.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 93

10.8.1.1 CHANGES TO GROUNDWATER LEVELS ........................................................................................ 93 10.8.1.2 DETERIORATION IN GROUNDWATER QUALITY ........................................................................... 93

10.8.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 93 10.8.2.1 CHANGES TO GROUNDWATER LEVELS ........................................................................................ 93 10.8.2.2 DETERIORATION IN GROUNDWATER QUALITY ........................................................................... 94

10.9 WETLAND HYDRO-ECOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 94 10.9.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................................ 94 10.9.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 94

10.10 NOISE AND VIBRATION ............................................................................................................. 95 10.10.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 95 10.10.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................................................................................................... 95

10.11 DUST ........................................................................................................................................... 96 10.11.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 96 10.11.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................................................................................................... 96

10.12 WASTE ........................................................................................................................................ 97 10.12.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 97 10.12.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................................................................................................... 97

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10.13 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ......................................................................................................... 97 10.13.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 97 10.13.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................................................................................................... 98

10.14 FIRE ............................................................................................................................................. 98 10.14.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS ........................................................................................................ 98 10.14.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................................................................................................... 98

10.15 REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE ........................................................................................................ 99 10.15.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................... 99 10.15.2 ASSESSMENT AGAINST EPA GUIDANCE STATEMENT 10 ......................................... 100

10.16 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY ........................................................................................................ 108 10.16.1 ENERGY USE AND GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS ........................................................... 108 10.16.2 WATER USE ...................................................................................................................... 108

11 POTENTIAL SOCIAL IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT PLANS ......................................... 109 11.1 LAND USE AND URBAN PLANNING ........................................................................................... 109

11.1.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 109 11.1.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................................................... 110

11.2 CULTURAL HERITAGE ................................................................................................................ 110 11.2.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 110 11.2.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................................................... 110

11.3 TRANSPORT, TRAFFIC, ACCESS AND SAFETY ....................................................................... 110 11.3.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 110 11.3.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................................................... 111

11.4 VISUAL IMPACT ........................................................................................................................... 112 11.4.1 POTENTIAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 112 11.4.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................................................... 112

12 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ......................................................................................... 113 12.1 CONSULTATION PROGRAM ....................................................................................................... 113

12.1.1 STAKEHOLDERS .................................................................................................................. 113 12.1.2 PROCESS ............................................................................................................................. 113

12.2 ISSUES RAISED ........................................................................................................................... 114 12.3 PREVIOUS CONSULTATION ....................................................................................................... 114

12.3.1 DISTRICT STRUCTURE PLAN ............................................................................................. 115 12.3.2 TOWN PLANNING SCHEME NUMBER 4 ............................................................................ 115 12.3.3 JANDAKOT REGIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................ 115

13 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT ............................................................ 116 13.1 FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................................... 116

13.1.1 PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION........................................................... 116 13.1.2 PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY ..................................................................................... 117 13.1.3 CITY OF ARMADALE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE .............................................. 120

13.1.3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES ..................................................................................................... 120 13.1.3.2 STATE OF ENVIRONMENT REPORTING ...................................................................................... 121

13.2 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................... 122

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13.2.1 CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROCESS .................................... 122 13.2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS ........................................................................ 122 13.2.3 TRAINING AND AWARENESS/CONSTRUCTION ............................................................... 122

13.3 OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE .............................................................. 123 13.3.1 OPERATION .......................................................................................................................... 123

13.3.1.1 ON-GOING MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................ 123 13.3.1.2 CONTAMINATION MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................. 123

13.4 OFFSET STRATEGY .................................................................................................................... 124 13.4.1 FORMULATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL OFFSETS ............................................................. 124 13.4.2 OFFSETS PROPOSED ......................................................................................................... 125

13.4.2.1 DIRECT OFFSETS ........................................................................................................................... 125 13.4.2.2 RESERVE 27165 ............................................................................................................................. 128

13.4.3 INDIRECT OFFSETS ............................................................................................................ 129 13.5 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND PRINCIPLES RELEVANT TO THIS PROPOSAL .............. 129

14 STUDY TEAM ..................................................................................................................... 139

15 GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................ 140 15.1 UNITS, SYMBOLS AND PREFIXES ............................................................................................. 140

15.1.1 UNITS .................................................................................................................................... 140 15.1.2 SYMBOLS .............................................................................................................................. 140 15.1.3 PREFIXES ............................................................................................................................. 140

15.2 WORDS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................. 140

16 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 144

17 GIS DATASET CITATIONS ................................................................................................ 148

18 FIGURES ............................................................................................................................ 150

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Key Characteristics of the Project ....................................................................................................... 3 Table 2: Summary of Potential Impacts, Proposed Management Measures and Predicted Environmental Outcomes ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 Table 3: Indicative PER Timeline .................................................................................................................... 25 Table 4: EPA Guidance Statement Considered During PER Development .................................................... 28 Table 5: Nature Reserves within 3 km of Proposed Project Area ................................................................... 34 Table 6: Nominal Reference Points of Forrestdale and North Forrestdale Communities ............................... 45 Table 7: Travel Distance and Clearing for KRSL Alternative Alignments ....................................................... 45 Table 8: Key Characteristics of the Project ..................................................................................................... 49 Table 9: Summary of Interpolated Groundwater Levels on the 20th of November 2008 ................................. 56 Table 10: Areas of Floristic Community Types within the Study Area and Clearing Footprint. ....................... 59 Table 11: Vegetation Condition Rating of KRSL and Bush Forever Site 342 ................................................. 61 Table 12: Fauna Habitat Analysis .................................................................................................................... 64 Table 13: Habitat Usage by Fauna .................................................................................................................. 65 Table 14: Assessment of EPBC Listed Fauna Habitat .................................................................................... 65 Table 15: Estimated Population Size and Percentage Clearing of Native Bee Known and Potential Host Plant Species ............................................................................................................................................................ 68 Table 16: Summary of Measured Noise Levels Surrounding Keane Road ..................................................... 69

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Table 17: Estimated Population Size and Percentage Clearing of Native Bee Known and Potential Host Plant Species ............................................................................................................................................................ 84 Table 18: Fauna Underpass Design Details KRSL ......................................................................................... 86 Table 19: Culvert Design Adopted for Flow Paths A, B and C ........................................................................ 92 Table 20: Management Measures for Hazardous Substances ....................................................................... 98 Table 21: Investigation and Management of Regional Significance ............................................................... 99 Table 22: Assessment of KRSL Against Regional Significance Criteria from EPA Guidance Statement Number 10 ..................................................................................................................................................... 102 Table 23: Transport, Traffic, Access and Safety Management Measures .................................................... 111 Table 24: Key Issues Raised During Consultation ........................................................................................ 114 Table 25: Summary of EIA Principles and Relevant to Project ..................................................................... 116 Table 26: EPA Position Statement 6 Sustainability Criteria Relevance to Project ........................................ 118 Table 27: City of Armadale 2011 – 2016 State of the Environment Report Five Year Actions and Current Status ............................................................................................................................................................. 121 Table 28: Direct Environmental Offsets Proposed ........................................................................................ 126 Table 29: Summary of Potential Impacts, Proposed Management Measures and Predicted Environmental Outcomes ...................................................................................................................................................... 130 Table 30: Study Team and Areas of Expertise .............................................................................................. 139

LIST OF PLATES Plate 1: Uncontrolled Access to Bush Forever Site 342 at Anstey Road ........................................................ 70 Plate 2: Recent Off Road Vehicle Tracks, Bush Forever Site 342 .................................................................. 70 Plate 3: Rubbish Dumping, Bush Forever Site 342 ......................................................................................... 71 Plate 4: Rubbish Dumping, Bush Forever Site 342 ......................................................................................... 72 Plate 5: Rubbish Dumping, Bush Forever Site 342 ......................................................................................... 72 Plate 6: Rubbish Dumping, Bush Forever Site 342 ......................................................................................... 73 Plate 7: Recently Burnt Banksia Woodland, Bush Forever Site 342 ............................................................... 73 Plate 8: Current Traffic Volumes (VPD), Porter Consulting (2009) ................................................................. 76 Plate 9: Conceptual Design for Fauna Underpasses ...................................................................................... 89

LIST OF FIGURES Note: All figures are included within Section 18 of printed versions distributed and as separate hyperlinks for online version. Figure 1: Keane Road Strategic Link (KRSL) Project Location ..................................................................... 151 Figure 2: KRSL Planning Context .................................................................................................................. 152 Figure 3: Town Planning Scheme Number 4 ................................................................................................ 153 Figure 4: Bush Forever Site 342 and KRSL .................................................................................................. 154 Figure 5: Jandakot Regional Park ................................................................................................................. 155 Figure 6: Nature Reserves within 3 km of KRSL ........................................................................................... 156 Figure 7: Environmentally Sensitive Areas in Vicinity of KRSL ..................................................................... 157 Figure 8: Geomorphic Wetlands in Vicinity of KRSL ..................................................................................... 158 Figure 9: Gibbs Road Swamp System Full Extent ........................................................................................ 159 Figure 10: Gibbs Road Swamp System in Vicinity of KRSL .......................................................................... 160 Figure 11: Forrestdale Lake – (Ramsar Wetland) – Distance from KRSL .................................................... 161 Figure 12: District Strategy Harrisdale, Piara Waters & Forrestdale on Aerial Photograph .......................... 162 Figure 13: KRSL Alternative Alignments ....................................................................................................... 163 Figure 14: KRSL Detailed Alignment ............................................................................................................. 164 Figure 15: Keane Road Strategic Link, Typical Cross Section ..................................................................... 165 Figure 16: Topographic and Groundwater Contours ..................................................................................... 166 Figure 17: Geology ........................................................................................................................................ 167

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Figure 18: Test Locations over Acid Sulphate Soil Risk Mapping ................................................................. 168 Figure 19: Keane Road Area Sub-Catchments (Water Technology, 2013) .................................................. 169 Figure 20: Modelled Surface Water Drainage (Water Technology, 2013) .................................................... 170 Figure 21: Modelled Inundation (Department of Water, 2009) ...................................................................... 171 Figure 22: Floristic Community Types ........................................................................................................... 172 Figure 23: Vegetation Condition .................................................................................................................... 173 Figure 24: Significant Flora ............................................................................................................................ 174 Figure 25: Terrestrial Fauna Habitat and Approximate Underpass Locations .............................................. 175 Figure 26: Native Bee Host Plants and Nesting Area ................................................................................... 176 Figure 27: Off Road Vehicle Tracks and Access Points ................................................................................ 177 Figure 28: Residents in the Vicinity of KRSL ................................................................................................. 178 Figure 29: KRSL Previously Disturbed and Proposed Vegetation Clearing Areas – Northern End.............. 179 Figure 30: KRSL Previously Disturbed and Proposed Vegetation Clearing Areas – Central Portion ........... 180 Figure 31: KRSL Previously Disturbed and Proposed Vegetation Clearing Areas – Southern End ............. 181 Figure 32: Location of Proposed Environmental Offsets ............................................................................... 182

LIST OF APPENDICES Note: All Appendices are included on CD inside back cover of printed versions distributed and as separate hyperlinks for online version.

APPENDIX A. ENVIROWORKS CONSULTING, 2009. SCOPING DOCUMENT KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK.

APPENDIX B. PORTER CONSULTING, 2009. KEANE ROAD FORRESTDALE – CONSTRUCTION OF FINAL STAGE FROM SKEET ROAD TO ANSTEY ROAD – TRAFFIC MODELLING.

APPENDIX C. ENVIROWORKS CONSULTING, 2013. SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES.

APPENDIX D. DOUGLAS PARTNERS, 2009. REPORT ON ACID SULFATE SOIL INVESTIGATION: KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK, FORRESTDALE, WA.

APPENDIX E. WORLEY PARSONS, 2009. SURFACE WATER, GROUNDWATER AND WETLAND/DAMPLAND IMPACT STUDY: PROPOSED KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK ALIGNMENT.

APPENDIX F. ENVIROWORKS, 2012. REVIEW OF EXISTING HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY STUDIES – KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK

APPENDIX G. WATER TECHNOLOGY, 2013. KEANE ROAD HYDROLOGIC STUDY

APPENDIX H. EXPLANATION OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA

APPENDIX I. ENVIROWORKS CONSULTING, 2012. KEANE ROAD LEVEL 2 VEGETATION AND FLORA ASSESSMENT

APPENDIX J. ENVIROWORKS CONSULTING, 2009. DIEBACK ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW.

APPENDIX K. BAMFORD CONSULTING, 2013A. KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK ARMADALE, FAUNA ASSESSMENT.

APPENDIX L. ENVIROWORKS CONSULTING, 2012. EPBC ACT LISTED FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT, KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK.

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APPENDIX M. ECO LOGICAL, 2011. GRACEFUL SUN MOTH SURVEY: KEANE ROAD CONSTRUCTION, FORRESTDALE.

APPENDIX N. ENVIROWORKS, 2011. SURVEY FOR THREATENED BEE SPECIES: KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK, CITY OF ARMADALE.

APPENDIX O. HERRING STORER ACOUSTICS, 2009. KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK FORRESTDALE, TRAFFIC NOISE ASSESSMENT.

APPENDIX P. AUSTRALIAN INTERACTION CONSULTANTS, 2009. INDIGENOUS HERITAGE SITE IDENTIFICATION SURVEY REPORT OF THE PROPOSED KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK AT FORRESTDALE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

APPENDIX Q. BAMFORD CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS, 2013B. ROADS AND WILDLIFE: A REVIEW OF PURPOSE-BUILT FAUNA UNDERPASSES.

APPENDIX R. CITY OF ARMADALE, 2013. KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK, CONSULTATION BACKGROUND REPORT.

APPENDIX S. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION LOG FOR KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK PROJECT.

APPENDIX T. CITY OF ARMADALE, 2013. KEANE ROAD STRATEGIC LINK ENVIRONMENTAL OFFSETS REPORT.

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 INTRODUCTION Keane Road is located approximately 20 km southeast of Perth and approximately 7 km northwest of the Armadale Strategic Regional Centre and connects the rapidly urbanising areas of Harrisdale, Piara Waters and Forrestdale. Keane Road is located within the City of Armadale and is made up of three distinct portions; two parts are constructed and a third central portion is not yet constructed but is partly cleared. A dedicated road reserve has been previously set aside for all portions of the road, including the unconstructed portion. The Keane Road Strategic Link (KRSL) project entails the construction of the central portion of Keane Road, in order to link the currently constructed portions (Figure 1). The urban planning policy and urban design approach of the Western Australian Government and City of Armadale is to create livable communities with connectivity and access between and to local facilities and services. This has been reflected in the Western Australian Government’s Southern River Forrestdale Brookdale Wungong District Structure Plan (DSP) covering the development of Forrestdale, Harrisdale and Piara Waters for the period from 2001 to 2026. The DSP (2001) identifies Keane Road as an important district road link between urban residential and business communities located on the western and eastern existing sealed sections of Keane Road. Access between the residential and business communities being established in Forrestdale, Harrisdale and Piara Waters are severed by the partly cleared currently unmade section of Keane Road. The provision of urban services (such as sewer, water, telecommunications) is also currently hampered by the unmade section of Keane Road. Other sections of Keane Road have been constructed or are undergoing construction under current State government land subdivision and development approvals. The aim of the KRSL is primarily to provide the residential and business communities located immediately to its west and east with access to the major educational, commercial and recreational facilities which are important to create the State government’s goal of livable communities. These community facilities accessed by KRSL include:

Harrisdale/Forrestdale Senior High School; Harrisdale Town Centre and Forrestdale Business Park (West); Harrisdale District Open Space; Waterworks Road Regional Open Space; Armadale Golf Course; and Skeet Reserve.

The City of Armadale has a responsibility under the Local Government Act 1995 and Planning and Development Act 2005 to ensure that new urban communities such as those being established at Harrisdale and Forrestdale are developed in accordance with the State government’s approved DSP, including the local and district road network connections identified by the overarching plan. The DSP used the existing base network of dedicated roads as spines with provision for additional or realigned new access roads to be created through land subdivision processes. The existing dedicated Keane Road Reserve is one of the base spine roads which establishes the basic district structure for future traffic movements and infrastructure corridors required for the currently establishing population of 20,000 to 30,000 persons to be housed north of Armadale Road in Forrestdale, Harrisdale and Piara Waters. The final design of the Southern River Forrestdale Brookdale Wungong DSP (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2001) which incorporated the KRSL was based upon an extensive programme of community workshops and consultation. Various options (including one option ruling out construction of the KRSL and providing for incorporation of the road reserve into the adjacent regional parkland) were commented upon by the community submissions before these options were rejected and the final DSP (2001) was endorsed by

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the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC). Keane Road was also identified in community consultation for the City’s Town Planning Scheme (TPS) Review (2004-5) which was subsequently endorsed by the WAPC in 2005. In that regard the dedicated road reserve for the whole of Keane Road inclusive of the KRSL section has also been gazetted in all previous City of Armadale Town Planning Schemes since 1972 to indicate the intended purpose of this corridor of land. Since 2005 major private and public investments have been on-going in the Harrisdale, Piara Waters and Forrestdale, residential and commercial developments identified in the Southern River Forrestdale Brookdale Wungong DSP (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2001). The DSP (2001) provides the context of the road completion works which are aimed at linking the residential and business communities adjacent to the already completed stages of Keane Road. The completed road will provide for movement and access between the schools, commercial and recreation facilities and the residential communities they serve. The modified road corridor proposed avoids the clearing of an identified Threatened Ecological Community (TEC), and as much as possible, other vegetation. It will also provide certainty for infrastructure providers such as sewer, water, energy and telecommunications network services. In that regard the WA Department of Planning has advised the City on the KRSL that: “ in the Southern River/Forrestdale/Brookdale/Wungong District Structure Plan, Keane Road provides an essential link between the Forrestdale area and the Armadale Regional Centre, the future Armadale industrial Area and the future Tonkin Highway... Keane Road would provide an essential linkage between the urban centre shown to the east of the Bush Forever Site, the Village Centre and future High School Site and other facilities proposed in North Forrestdale…the WAPC endorsed the District Structure Plan which included this road. … traffic modelling and forecasts for the draft Structure Plan assume the ultimate construction of Keane Road…. the implementation of Bush Forever will be largely a design and management issue to retain and protect the bushland values, where practical" (ie. in accordance with the “Bush Forever Practice Note 18 Implementation Guideline 23”). The DSP (2001) and TPS (2005) caters for an urban design, road network and land use layout which was planned to function with the Keane Road completed to link adjacent urbanising areas of Harrisdale and Forrestdale. As the local population grows to 20,000 – 30,000 and development of Forrestdale and Harrisdale proceeds according to approved plans the efficient traffic circulation and urban functioning envisaged will be significantly constrained without the linking section of Keane Road constructed. This would impact residents moving between adjacent neighbourhoods by increasing travel times and fuel costs. It will detract from the Armadale local economy by encouraging use of centres outside of Armadale with resultant retail leakage to shops and businesses outside of Harrisdale and Forrestdale. The Western Australian government’s “whole of government” regional bushland strategy for the Perth Swan Coastal Plain is the Bush Forever (2000) strategy. Bush Forever identifies that a portion of the central unmade section of the dedicated road reserve previously set aside for Keane Road is also co-located within Bush Forever Site No. 342. The “Bush Forever Practice Note 18 Implementation Guideline 23” provides that where roads identified in Town Planning Schemes are co-located with a Bush Forever site, construction of the road is not precluded, however, it will require attention to design and management to protect bushland values where practical. The City has followed this approach by proposing to deviate the road onto cleared or degraded areas so as to achieve better environmental outcomes than road construction on the existing dedicated road reserve would otherwise provide. A comprehensive range of environmental management measures as documented within this PER are also proposed to enhance the protection afforded to bushland, adjacent to Keane Road and in other parts of Forrestdale through design and construction measures such as fauna underpasses, drainage culverts, fire control and improved access measures in addition to environmental biodiversity offsets. The City of Armadale acknowledges that construction of the final unmade section of the gazetted Keane Road will need to be carefully managed to protect the environment. It considers that under the guidance of the EPA and informed by the detailed environmental studies undertaken, construction of the last unmade section of Keane Road as a trafficable surface can be achieved and potential impacts avoided and/or minimised. While construction works involves a residual ecological impact from the clearing of 1.65 ha of

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vegetation, the City of Armadale believes that environmental benefits can also be achieved through the project resulting in an acceptable project. Project benefits include:

Reducing current existing degradation of the ecosystem surrounding the road caused by Off Road Vehicles (ORVs), rubbish dumping and fire; and

Providing greater security of tenure and/or biodiversity linkages at the landscape level, for conservation of environmental values on the City’s other land in Forrestdale identified as suitable environmental offsets. The City has proposed offsets involving relinquishment of up to an estimated 121 ha of land currently under the control of the City of Armadale and transfer of this land into conservation estate.

The City of Armadale considers that with the careful design proposed and implementation through such measures as the planned fauna underpasses, fencing of the road boundary and by both direct and indirect environmental offset contributions in the Forrestdale locality, not only will residual ecological impacts be mitigated and compensated but the construction project can also achieve an overall net environmental benefit. The City of Armadale considers that the net environmental benefits associated with the package of offset measures proposed will assist in the on-going management of the conservation estate and bushland resources in Forrestdale for the benefit of future generations. In accordance with the respective legislative responsibilities of each agency, the City of Armadale has referred the works proposed to complete the construction of Keane Road staged works to the EPA for formal assessment of the issues associated with clearing of vegetation, construction and operation of the City’s proposed completed road and the mitigation and management of environmental issues outlined in this document. The City has accordingly prepared this PER to provide a structured, regulated and consultative process for assessment of the impacts on the environment and the setting of appropriate mitigation and management conditions which the City would be required to implement in association with the project works subject to conditional approval being granted under the State environmental legislation. A similar application has been made for the road works In regard to matters listed under the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

1.2 KEY PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS

Table 1: Key Characteristics of the Project

Element Description General Construction Period 7–8 months approximately Project Life Indefinite assuming good road maintenance Proposed Road Road design A single carriageway (one lane for each direction) and dual use pathway Length 1.5 km Width 18.4 m (including road, drainage swales, footpath and fencing) Speed limit 70 km/h Height 0.8–1.2 m (on average 1 m) above natural ground level Total footprint 2.75 ha (including cleared tracks) Cleared areas within footprint (firebreak / tracks / farmland)

1.1 ha

Proposed total vegetation clearing

1.65 ha (areas already cleared for firebreak and tracks not included)

Surface Water Culverts 17 x 300mm diameter pipe culverts in arrays of 5 – 6 culverts, at three mapped 100 year ARI flooding flow areas. 1 additional 750mm diameter culvert at Baileys Branch Drain (in addition to 2 existing

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Element Description 750 mm diameter culverts within the drain).

Fauna Underpasses 7 Fauna Underpass Design Box culverts with dimensions of 1200 mm in width and 450 mm in height

Fill Material Locally sourced Bassendean sand and crushed limestone sub-grade and road base material. This material will be certified as dieback free where required by the Dieback Management Plan for the road.

Construction Support Infrastructure/Resources (temporary) Construction Site Equipment lay down area (temporary only) if required (no additional clearing required) Construction Workforce 40–45 personnel Operation Support Infrastructure

Drainage Drainage swales: broad, shallow (typically 0.2 m deep) swales with 1:4 (vertical:horizontal) side slopes

Signage Speed limit and wildlife warnings

Footpath Dual use for pedestrians and bicycles, 3 m width (2.4 m wide pavement plus 0.3 m shoulders each side) Lighting Energy efficient street lights Fire water reticulation Fire hydrants (pre-installed)

1.3 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION The KRSL is located within an area which has undergone major land use change in the last 10 years from rural to residential land use. The relatively new residential communities of Harrisdale and Piara waters to the north west of KRSL house a growing population predicted to reach 20,000 – 30,000 people. The urbanisation process in Forrestdale has been under examination by the Western Australian Government since 1989 with major planning finalised in 2000 – 2001. After undertaking extensive public consultation exercises, the State government released two comprehensive planning strategies for the area: 1. In December 2000 the Western Australian Government released the Bush Forever environmental

planning instrument (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2000a). This is a regional bushland strategy for the Perth Swan Coastal Plain which identifies a 1100 metre section of the central unmade Keane Road dedicated road reserve as within Bush Forever Site No. 342. Bush Forever policy also provides implementation guidelines for the construction of roads on such pre-existing dedicated road reserves where they are identified in Town Planning Schemes and co-located with the Bush Forever sites. As described in Section 3.1.6, the relevant section of the Bush Forever Site Implementation Guidelines (p.45) (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2000b) states that where a local road such as Keane Road is at an advanced stage of planning “the implementation of Bush Forever will be largely a design and management issue, to retain and protect the bushland values, where practical.” The endorsement of the existing Keane Road dedicated road reserve in both the DSP (2001) and the gazetted TPS (2005) indicates an advanced stage of planning, which is further supported by the constructed facilities, infrastructure and housing which has occurred since 2006.

2. In January 2001, after a significant environmental planning and public consultation exercise, the Western

Australian Government released the Southern River-Forrestdale-Brookdale-Wungong District Structure Plan (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2001). This planning strategy identifies the whole of Keane Road as an important district road link between urban communities and providing access to major educational (Harrisdale/Forrestdale Senior High School), commercial (Forrestdale Business Park and the Harrisdale Town Centre district shopping area) and recreational facilities. Since 2001 the Western Australian Government’s DSP has guided the implementation of the new facilities and investment in urban infrastructure for a predicted population of 20,000 – 30,000 persons identified in the DSP and based on the existing district road framework which includes the Keane Road constructed sections in

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Harrisdale west of KRSL and in Forrestdale, located east of Anstey Road and the unmade portion of Keane Road (KRSL).

The key environmental and urban planning decisions made by WA State government have guided ongoing development and urbanization in the areas surrounding KRSL. The majority of dedicated road reserves in Forrestdale, Harrisdale and Piara Waters have been fully constructed and operated as sealed roads, however, the KRSL, a 1500 metre length central section of dedicated road reserve which separates two constructed sections of Keane Road has not yet been constructed as a sealed road. This 1500 m central section only operated as an unsealed bush track until 2005 when the City implemented an informal and temporary road closure to allow the road’s environmental impact to be properly assessed and to control the unregulated ORV access to the unfenced bushland in the adjacent Jandakot Regional Park. The Western Australian Government announced in May 2012 it will be constructing a $61 million Senior High School located on the corner of Keane Road and Skeet Road (the site is directly abutting the subject unmade portion of Keane Road) to open in 2017 (brought forward by 12 months by the State government’s initial schedule due to anticipated population growth and projected secondary education enrolments in the area). KRSL will form an important link for the Forrestdale and wider community to access the high school. The Forrestdale Business Park (West) is located fronting Keane Road and Ranford Road and immediately adjacent to the KRSL , near the Tonkin Highway. Forrestdale Business Park (West) is planned to accommodate up to 10,000 jobs. The first development within the Business Park, a $100 million Hitachi servicing facility is commencing construction in 2014 creating 350 new jobs in the Forrestdale locality. KRSL will form an important local link to the Business Park. Major recreation facilities are planned on the Armadale Regional Sporting Reserve for Parks and Recreation located on Armadale Road at Waterworks Road. This Reservation is planned to provide recreation activities for the communities of Harrisdale and Piara Waters as well as the wider Armadale community. Other sporting and community facilities are being developed on district open space immediately north of the Harrisdale/Forrestdale High School on the corner of Keane Road and Skeet Road. The KRSL will provide one of the key access roads for the district communities to these proposed recreation facilities. The City of Armadale is now seeking approval to construct the currently incomplete linking section of Keane Road by undertaking environmental assessments under State and Commonwealth approval processes. The City of Armadale recognizes that the Environmental Protection Act (1986) is separate legislation to protect environmental values and therefore has conducted comprehensive studies to assess environmental impacts. Based on these studies, the City of Armadale believe that the Keane Road project can be managed and implemented to have no unacceptable environmental impacts, and that it presents an opportunity for net environmental benefits, including improved protection of the vegetation surrounding Keane Road through:

Fencing access points currently leading to uncontrolled off road vehicle access and associated degradation;

Improved ability to access bushland for fire control and management of fires by compartmentalization north or south of the strategic fire break created by KRSL; and

Provision of extensive offset areas within the Forrestdale district that are many times the size of the proposed project clearing.

The key project justification points are discussed in further detail below. 1.3.1 SIGNIFICANT AND RAPID POPULATION GROWTH The City of Armadale has an estimated population of 65,000 (2011), which is likely to increase to 101,000 over the next ten years. The population between Armadale Road and Ranford Road in the Harrisdale Piara Waters Urbanisation Area will ultimately be 20,000 – 30,000 persons. This population will require road access to a number of important community facilities and services – this access is proposed to be provided through the completion of the final unmade section of Keane Road, as iplanned in the community and State

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government endorsed DSP (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2001) and according to the Bush Forever Site Implementation Guidelines for district roads.

1.3.2 COMMUNITY ACCESS TO LOCAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES The State government and City of Armadale urban planning policy and urban design approach is designed to create livable communities with connectivity and access to local facilities and services. This has been reflected in the Western Australian Government DSP (2001) for Forrestdale identifying the KRSL as an important district road link between planned urban communities and providing access to major educational (Senior High School), commercial and recreational facilities located in Harrisdale, Forrestdale and Piara Waters. A number of community facilities, designed to service the local community of Harrisdale, Piara Waters and Forrestdale as well as the wider Armadale and Perth Metropolitan communities are planned to be located in the area proposed to be serviced by the KRSL. These community facilities include:

The new Harrisdale (Forrestdale) government High School will be located at the intersection of Skeet and Keane Road, providing secondary education for the youth of Harrisdale, Piara Waters and Forrestdale and adjacent areas. Funding has been allocated for the new school ($61 million) which is planned to be opened in 2017 with construction commencing in 2014/15.

The Forrestdale Business Park (West) is located between Ranford Road and Armadale Road, Anstey Road and theTonkin Highway. The Business Park comprises approximately 330 ha in total of which 140 ha west of the Tonkin Highway is termed the Forrestdale Business Park (West). The Business Park (West) will accommodate a range of uses from light and general industrial, such as mining equipment supplies and servicing, metal fabrication, commercial developments and professional offices. The site is planned to accommodate up to 700 industrial lots and will create up to 10,000 jobs. The first stage of the Business Park (West) will commence on a site north of Keane Road in April 2014 and will involve the construction of a $100 Million Hitachi service facility creating 350 jobs. One of the key access roads for the local community, to access to the Business Park is proposed to be the completed KRSL.

Major active recreation facilities are proposed on the Armadale Regional Sporting Reserve for Parks and Recreation located on Armadale Road at Waterworks Road. This Reservation is planned to provide recreation activities for the communities of Harrisdale and Piara Waters as well as the wider Armadale community. The Reservation consists of approximately 70 ha of reserve, allocated for the purpose of recreation. The KRSL will provide one of the key access roads for the Harrisdale and Piara Waters community to the proposed recreation facilities.

The Armadale Town Centre has undergone significant new investment and development over the last ten years and is the location of government agencies, community services, entertainment, shopping and civic functions. Whilst alternative shopping areas may exist in other areas such as Cockburn, many of the community services (such as government agencies, civic functions, etc.) are not readily available in other locations nearby. As a completed road Keane Road orients directly towards the Armadale Strategic Regional (Town) Centre and the KRSL provides the communities of Harrisdale and Piara Waters with a more direct and desirable alignment and access route to the Armadale Town Centre than alternative route options, which requires several changes of direction and a longer, more circuitous route.

1.3.3 SIGNIFICANT TRAFFIC INCREASES Due to the large scale population growth estimated in the City of Armadale as well as community, tourist, business and recreational facilities in the area, traffic is predicted to increase dramatically in the Harrisdale/Piara Waters and Forrestdale area. Porter Consulting (2009) predicted that 8,460 vehicles/day (VPD) will utilize the KRSL by the year 2016. Subsequent traffic studies conducted for the Forrestdale

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Business Park (West) Structure Plan for the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) indicates that traffic is likely to reach 9,200 VPD on KRSL by 2031 (Transcore, 2013). Predicted traffic on Nicholson, Armadale and Randford Roads is high due to population growth and the regional functions of these roads. Some have suggested not completing Keane Road as an access route for local communities to facilities and services, however, this would lead to a dysfunctional district road network and low levels of access for sections of the community to some facilities and it may lead to an unacceptable increase in traffic congestion on surrounding roads if these were required to be used as an alternative to KRSL. The Porter Consulting (2009) traffic study found that the traffic on major roads surrounding the communities of Harrisdale and Piara Waters would range between 11,000 and 18,000 VPD, and these roads would be significantly more congested after the year 2016 without the KRSL being available for local traffic. The most affected roads will be in the vicinity of Skeet Road and Nicholson Road which will be required to carry the burden for the redistribution of the 8,460 VPD predicted for 2016 and 9,200 vehicles by 2031. These predictions have been supported by subsequent updated studies undertake by the City. Skeet Road is an access road with a recommended maximum traffic volume of 3,000 VPD and portions of Skeet Road in the vicinity of Harrisdale and Piara Waters are yet to be constructed. Nicholson Road is a District Distributor (A) road and is currently still accommodating a Heavy Haulage Vehicle Route listed for Restricted Access Vehicle Permit Networks 2, 3 and 4. It is intended to perform the function of carrying large volumes of traffic between districts (Porter Consulting Engineers, 2009). Whilst the unsealed KRSL section of Keane Road remains unfinished, residents are forced to use a road network that is incomplete rather than the planned linking role of KRSL envisaged in the State government’s DSP (2001). The City of Armadale’s responsibility in planning and managing the district road network is to provide new communities and schools with efficient access to the facilities and services which support them. Once completed as planned, Keane Road would provide the communities of Harrisdale and Piara Waters with a direct access route to the Armadale Town Centre and the Forrestdale Business Park. It will also perform an important role in traffic management around the Harrisdale High School which is opening in 2017 and it will provide the urban residential area planned to the south of Keane Road (east of Anstey Road) with direct access to educational and community facilities located west of Skeet Road including the Harrisdale Town Centre and High School. The existing partially constructed road network which is severed by the unsealed KRSL currently requires several changes of direction and longer, more circuitous routes to these facilities. The urban design, road network and landuse layouts catered for by the DSP and by the TPS in setting aside the dedicated reserve for the whole of Keane Road (including KRSL), has been planned to function with the Keane Road completed to link adjacent urbanising areas of Harrisdale and Forrestdale. Without the linking section of Keane Road, as the population growth and development of Forrestdale and Harrisdale proceeds according to approved plans, the efficient traffic circulation and urban functioning envisaged will be constrained and the urban design will remain incomplete. Businesses and residents will not have the access indicated in the DSP (2001), the TPS (2005) and the existing dedicated district road network which already legally includes the whole of Keane Road (including the KRSL) via the dedicated road reserve. As a result of maintaining Keane Road with a middle section unfinished the Harrisdale/Piara Waters and Forrestdale businesses and residents would have higher time and fuel transport costs from what should be simple local journeys than they would have logically assumed from these approved plans that have guided the creation of the new residential areas and guided the housing choices of families moving into the area (which is often the most significant financial commitment and investment made in a lifetime).

1.3.4 PROVIDING PLANNING CERTAINTY AND PROVISION OF URBAN SERVICES

One of the consequences of a rapidly growing population (predicted 20,000 - 30,000 people for the Harrisdale Piara Waters Urbanisation Area) is a need for increased capacity and extension of utility and

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public services to meet the requirements of the growing population. Such services include standard utilities such as a reticulated sewerage and water supply network in addition to public transport services. It should be noted that while sewer and water mains are not part of the KRSL proposal, the Keane Road dedicated road reserve has been incorporated into long term planning by servicing agencies and construction of the KRSL will assist in implementing these services in a cost efficient, direct and accessible alignment (note servicing authorities would conduct their own EIA specific to their own infrastructure works if proposed). One of the principal reasons and benefits of planning (through local Town Planning Schemes and District Structure Plans) and provision of dedicated roads in advance of requirements is that they are intended to provide some level of certainty upon which land use decisions and investment decisions can be made. This is particularly important for utility service providers whereby legally dedicated road reserves such as Keane Road, provide a corridor for long term planning of future services required for development of surrounding communities. A road corridor allows for service installations by multiple agencies on a single alignment and an overlay of an environmental planning instrument such as Bush Forever over part of such a corridor after the fact of legal dedication and gazettal of Town Planning Schemes, has never been intended as a veto of the planned use, notwithstanding that environmental assessment may also be required. The single alignment provided by a road also results in an overall reduction in environmental impacts to adjacent bushland, as without a pre-planned corridor in the form of a dedicated road it is open for numerous service agencies to then plan to provide for their own particular service connections on the corridor alignment it prefers, which may be based purely on economic reasons of cost minimisation and with little regard to cumulative impacts on the environment. Dedicated roads that have been put in place