Firstly, there are no works being proposed within the river corridor. Environmental studies have been undertaken to fully understand the existing ecological communities (plant and animal species) and their habitats that exist around the site, with a particular focus on the river corridor which lies behind the site. In addition to assessing terrestrial and aquatic habitats we have also studied the river corridor (geomorphology), ground and surface water, soil conditions, trees, bushfire, flooding and noise/acoustics.

Working with our environmental consultants planning for the site will be informed by the results of the environmental assessments. Any proposed works on the site will ensure the protection of the environment both during construction and operational stages and environmental studies will be submitted with the development application along with measures required to be taken to ensure the protection of adjoining environments.
As part of the detailed design stage (prior to construction) a comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be developed to ensure all the environmental risks that exist are identified and all required environmental controls to mitigate and manage those risks are documented. Such controls will include

• physical measures to be installed/constructed (e.g. barriers, water treatment devices);
• site management procedures to follow (e.g. staging of works, inspection for evidence of any burrows near any site boundary close to the river corridor, procedures to follow during high storm events, regular environmental inspections); and
• Nominating persons who shall be responsible for the implementation of the CEMP

The CEMP will be prepared by an appropriately qualified and experienced environmental consultant. The CEMP will be a living document which shall be required to be updated from time to time as works on site progress and to reflect current site conditions. Given the location of the site the CEMP will be specifically tailored to emphasise the preservation and protection of local ecosystems, wildlife, and the surrounding environment with a particular focus on the river corridor.

Some commentary & findings of environmental assessments completed to date are given below.

Ecology (Aquatic)

The aquatic ecology assessment provides a high level overview of environmental risks pertaining to the proposed development and the river corridor. This assessment will help inform the future CEMP. On the particular matter of platypus burrows the assessment states:

“The proposed development footprint remains above the sandstone terminal step on the eastern bank of Wingecarribee (river). The footprint would be very unlikely to interfere with aquatic fauna burrows as they are very unlikely to extend past the sandstone terminal step.

Prior to any works within 30 m of the watermark and below the sandstone terminal step, a suitably qualified ecologist should inspect the banks for burrow locations.

Avoid conducting works below the sandstone terminal step during critical Platypus breeding periods and juvenile emergence (i.e. July to February), where practicable.

Should a burrow be located while completing works, progress should be stopped to allow a suitably qualified ecologist to inspect the burrow and relocated any observed Platypus.”

We note that there are no works proposed below the ‘sandstone terminal step’ as this area is outside the property boundary.

Ecology (terrestrial)

Findings of the ecological assessment include:

• No Koalas or evidence of Koalas was observed during the field survey
• A Koala Assessment report is not required (native vegetation within the river corridor where Snow Gums are present will not be disturbed)
• Microbats were not observed within the confines of the gaol during field investigations (thermal cameras and ultrasonic bat call audio recording)
• No evidence of Grey-headed flying-foxes was observed
• The proposed development will not have a significant impact on biodiversity values

Flooding

Flood modelling of the site has been undertaken by our hydrological engineer. Council’s adopted regional flood model along with site survey information was used in preparing a site specific flood model. Accounting for potential effects of climate change the site specific flood model determines flood levels across the site up the 1:100 year and PMF flood events. The flood model is used in the geomorphic study of the river and to ensure floor levels of occupiable rooms are above the required flood event.

River Corridor Riparian Zone (Geomorphology)

Two independent firms with expertise in geomorphology are finalising a site specific study of the river corridor. The study looks at flood levels (based on site specific flood modelling), geological structure & formation of the river, vegetation, ground levels, geomorphic forms, functions which the subject area serves, other factors which are influencing upon the functioning of the river and also relevant historical and recent academic research conducted in the field of fluvial geomorphology. Adopting methodologies along with current knowledge and understandings that are widely accepted in the field the study has identified that the riparian corridor does not extend into the site where the accommodation is proposed. A joint report is being finalised and will be submitted with the application and the community will have an opportunity to review the findings during the public exhibition period.