Planning and assessing the works
We secured all major planning approvals for the project and we completed an Environment Effects Statement (EES). Strict environmental requirements were embedded into construction contracts for the project.
We worked closely with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Wellington Shire Council, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Construction Environmental Management Plans were developed to ensure all environmental aspects of the project were carefully managed and monitored.
Contact us to view copies of environment effects statement documentation.
Protecting flora and fauna
As much native vegetation as possible was retained, with No-Go Zones set up to protect as many areas of trees and native vegetation as possible, and to protect habitat for vulnerable species like the Growling Grass Frog.
Native vegetation that could not be retained was offset at a 30-hectare roadside vegetation site between Sheepwash Creek, Traralgon East, and Flynns Creek Road along the south side of the Princes Highway and a 140-hectare site in Bengworden. The Department of Transport was the custodian of this site.
While as many trees as possible were protected and retained, some tree removal was necessary. All timber was harvested and reused in beneficial ways.
Procedures were in place to ensure that a qualified ecologist inspected construction areas for native wildlife prior to construction commencing and if necessary, relocated wildlife to a safe place.
Managing waste
Among the sustainability initiatives were:
- Eco-Bins to sort waste and minimise the amount of material going to landfill
- an organic waste farm on site
- grey water recycling
- a sustainable herb garden.
Material from the works was also repurposed. During the mobilisation stage of the project the contractors undertook comprehensive testing of material. The material which was classed as clean fill was redirected to local quarries for utilisation in rehabilitation. Some of the clean fill was maintained as stockpiles on site for landscaping and remedial works.