There are many environmental considerations in the vicinity of the project area that are being rigorously evaluated. Any proposal put forward for the western extension of Roe Highway will be stringently reviewed at both state and commonwealth government levels as part of the environmental approvals process.

As the project area may contain rare flora and may impact on endangered fauna, a main focus for the team has been the identification of ways to minimise project impacts on the environment in the immediate vicinity of the road reserve. We have also been exploring possibilities where we can enhance the environment in the long term with a focus on wetland water quality, flora and fauna habitat and social amenity. We remain committed to going beyond the statutory environmental approvals process and involving the community and stakeholders in determining how we achieve this.

Our work has involved investigations and analyses, encompassing:

• Flora and fauna
• Aquatic ecology
• Water quality
• Ground water and aquifers
• Air quality and dust
• Public safety and risk
• Noise and vibration

The research outcomes, along with gathered information have been used by the design team to develop sustainable design options that are environmentally compatible, publicly acceptable, economically viable and technically feasible. Click here to find out more about the opportunities for environmental enhancement.

These design options, together with a synopsis of the research findings, will be presented to the relevant state and commonwealth government authorities as part of the environmental approvals process in mid-2011.