Work to re-start on Princes Highway upgrade at South Nowra
Posted On February 28, 2012
The Hon Duncan Gay MLC
Minister for Roads and Ports
The Hon Shelley Hancock MP
Member for South Coast
NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay today announced work will soon restart on the $62 million Princes Highway upgrade at South Nowra.
“Work was suspended in late November after green and golden bell frogs were found on the site,” Mr Gay said.
The work was expected to resume on Monday, February 27 but has been delayed to update the environment assessments for the project in light of the discovery of the frogs, to include the studies carried out and conditions of approval from the Australian Government.
The frogs are listed as a NSW threatened species and protected by federal legislation, so a reassessment was necessary.
“A site inspection and meeting was held with representatives from both the State and Federal departments January 16 to discuss the issue and a determination has now been provided,” Mr Gay said.
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said work can now recommence provided a number of approval conditions are met.
“These include the implementation of the green and golden bell frog management plan, which provides frog ponds, ‘frog friendly’ culverts to help them cross the highway and planting of ‘frog friendly’ plant species in the median,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Some biodiversity offset measures such as research and population studies have also been carried out.
“We are very pleased all levels of government have worked together to resolve this issue as quickly as possible," Mrs Hancock said.
Work is expected to restart as soon as possible.
When completed the upgrade the will provide four lanes on the Princes Highway between Kinghorne Street and Forest Road, improving traffic flow for local motorists and for those travelling through the area, particularly during peak holiday periods.
Work on the 6.3 kilometre upgrade will take around two years to complete, weather permitting.
Source: Projectlink.com.au
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