Main Road, Cherry Gardens

Detailed ecological assessments and surveys have been undertaken during the detailed design process along the full section being upgraded. Each curve and stretch of Main Road has been individually assessed to not only improve safety outcomes but also minimise impacts to trees and vegetation as much as practically possible.

To achieve these critical safety upgrades, initially up to 70 trees were identified as being within the immediate project area. Through the detailed design process the Department has been able to significantly reduce the number of trees being impacted.

We currently estimate up to 35 trees, covered by the Native Vegetation Act 1991 (NV Act) will be impacted. These impacted trees are spread along the full 5.4 km project area on Main Road.

Several weed species including Olive, Desert Ash and Common Plum trees will also be removed as a part of the project.

Where impacts cannot be avoided, all care and consideration will be taken in the removal and handling of vegetation. Efforts will continue to be made throughout construction to further reduce tree and vegetation impacts, wherever possible.

All vegetation impacts will be managed in accordance with legislative requirements and with the Department’s Vegetation Removal Policy. Native vegetation clearance approval will be required for the removal of the relevant vegetation. Due to the site constraints, offsetting within the road corridor is not feasible. Instead, payment of the appropriate Significant Environmental Benefit offset will be made to the Native Vegetation Fund.

Removal of vegetation will be carefully undertaken by a suitably qualified arborist. All trees will be inspected prior to removal and if fauna is found, they will be relocated by appropriately qualified professionals.

Community engagement is important to the successful delivery of the project. Thank you to those who took the time to attend the information sessions or complete the online survey.

Consultation on the proposed design commenced on Wednesday, 29 March 2023 and closed on Sunday, 14 May 2023. During this period, information about the proposed design and opportunity to provide feedback was shared with more than 80 recipients via email and reached over 22,614 users on social media. The Department spoke with more than 30 stakeholders across four information sessions and received a further 37 online survey responses.

More than 85% of respondents indicated they felt positive about the proposed widening of the identified nine curves and 100% of respondents indicated they felt positive about the proposed pavement rehabilitation on Main Road. Key themes raised as important throughout consultation included:

• improved drainage as part of the upgrade;
• reduction in vegetation removal as much as practical, as well as improved vegetation management;
• improved driver behaviour where possible;
• review of current, and installation of additional signage, including at junctions;
• improved safety for heavy vehicles travelling through the area;
• review of current, and installation of additional, road safety barriers; and
• improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists travelling through the area.

Read the project update for more information