Environment Protection Minister, Peter Garrett, has approved the future development of Jandakot Airport in Western Australia, but with strict environmental conditions.
The conditions include significant offsets, measures to protect the Carnaby’s black cockatoo, threatened orchids, bandicoots and wallabies, as well as the creation of a conservation area on airport land.
"Before giving my approval to this project, I thoroughly considered the impact the development would have on the whole of the environment, including threatened species," Garrett says.
"I am satisfied the airport expansion can proceed without unacceptable impacts on the environment or nationally protected species, particularly with the strict conditions imposed and the significant offsets detailed in the approval conditions."
Jandakot Airport Holdings must buy and protect more than 1,600 hectares of Carnaby’s black cockatoo habitat as well as provide $150,000 per year towards recovery and research activities for the species.
The company will also be required to rehabilitate around 110 hectares of land next to the airport for a conservation area of more than 600 hectares, with local council agreement. It must also develop conservation plans to manage, map and monitor native species, treat dieback, and control weeds and feral animals.
Garrett has also imposed a condition that prohibits any chemical-dependent businesses or chemical storage above the Jandakot Groundwater Mound. The company must also develop a water management plan and upgrade airport infrastructure to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.
"It must also provide $700,000 in funding to the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority’s rare orchid program. Any protected orchids in areas to be cleared will be translocated to conservation areas."
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