Biodiversity
“Owing to the good condition of much of the vegetation, the area of the proposed site has a high conservation value for flora and fauna, particularly as much of the Darling Scarp outside the metropolitan area has been heavily modified through human activity.” (p i)
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“Herne Hill quarry is located on the Darling Scarp which constitutes an open space area of regional significance owing to its high conservation, recreation and scenic values”. (p 5)
“a valuable conservation area on the Darling Scarp”. (p 5)
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“The Pioneer landholding is a significant area of relatively undisturbed wildlife habitat in the Perth region, as are all remaining areas of native bushland on the Darling Scarp. It has local and regional conservation significance as it acts as a refuge for species which have disappeared from the Swan Coastal Plain or are under pressure in the Darling Range.” (p 3)
Relocation of Herne Hill Quarry Operation Pioneer Concrete (WA) Pty Ltd: Report and Recommendations of the EPA. Bulletin 510 April 1991
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A flora survey of the site was undertaken by Dames and Moore in 1988. This survey took place in January and April, a time of year when plants are harder to identify and when annual species are not visible. Nevertheless the survey recorded a total of 142 native flora species. If additional surveys had been carried out in winter and spring it is likely that more species would have been added to the list.
The EPA gave approval for the quarry relocation on the condition that it rehabilitate the land after extraction was completed. This was necessary to comply with the Principle of Intergeneration Equity…
“It is proposed to remove all structures and equipment from the Pioneer No. 1 area and to landscape and rehabilitate it using predominantly indigenous plants. The existing quarry area has been the subject of an extensive planting and rehabilitation programme over the last three years. This will continue until all visible areas are revegetated.” (p 2)
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“The PER states (Section 8.10.1) that rehabilitation aims to restore vegetation that is as close to the indigenous as practicable. It also states that this is not always possible, due to changed conditions of light, soil, etc. In the early stages, the priority is to replace and stabilise the soil cover and prevent erosion. At all stages a high priority is given to the use of indigenous upper storey and lower storey speces. In time, further indigenous species will recolonise rehabilitation areas. However, it is unrealistic to expect or attempt perfect recreation of the original vegetation” (Appendix 2, p 21)
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