With a lot of work underway around Parkes as part of the Newell Highway bypass project, a local resident has reached out to ask about the extent of works in their area,
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As works began along Brolgan Road, gum trees were removed along an estimated 2km of the road and a further 6km were marked for removal according to a local resident.
These gum trees usually provide nesting locations for native birds, and it was asked why there was such a large amount earmarked for removal.
A a spokesperson for the Department of Regional NSW stated that early site clearing work began last week within the existing road corridor which included clearing of some vegetation, including trees, which cannot be retained based on the road design.
"Brolgan Road will be raised by an average of around 1 metre to mitigate against floods and requires a larger footprint than is currently used by the lower-level roads," the spokesperson said..
"All clearing for this purpose is within the existing road reserve."
A dedicated ecologist is set to work onsite as part of the project team to ensure any sensitive ecology is preserved, and any fauna is identified and relocated according to the Department of Regional NSW spokesperson.
"The Special Activation Precinct construction program includes the planting of more than 3,200 new plants, including more than 800 from medium-large tree families.
"An additional 350,000 square metres of spray seed will be applied to any potentially disturbed areas, basins and embankments," the spokesperson said.
To mitigate the impact on local birdlife, the spokesperson said that from next week, the local team will begin installing more than 80 nesting boxes in trees adjacent to the project.
"These will provide alternative nesting and roosting places for any wildlife."
READ MORE ABOUT THE PARKES SAP:
The spokesperson said Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation and Fulton Hogan will minimise any impacts on sensitive ecology during work to build the Special Activation Precinct.
"Environmental protection and sustainable development are important parts of delivering Parkes Special Activation Precinct and any works carried out will comply with the project's approved Environmental Management Plan."
To follow the progress of the Parkes Special Activation Precinct go to: https://www.rgdc.nsw.gov.au/precincts/parkes.
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