Rail project gives threatened plant a new start

10/10/02
A threatened Western Australian plant has been given a strong chance of revival following a flora survey undertaken as part of the construction of the northern suburbs railway extension to Clarkson.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said about 50 of the threatened Acacia plants had been replanted in the Neerabup National Park near where the plants originated.
Ms MacTiernan said small populations of the Acacia Benthamii, a yellow-flowered shrub that grows to about 1.2m in height, were found in the rail reserve near the intersection of Hester Avenue and Quinns Road.
"This discovery demonstrates the benefits of carrying out flora surveys," she said.
"Acacia Benthamii is a Priority Two plant on the Department of Conservation and Land Management's Priority Flora List.
"When the plants were discovered, the Kings Park Seed Centre was called in to take cuttings for propagation prior to earthworks commencing.
"The seedlings have now been replanted at a site adjacent to the proposed Nowergup railcar depot, which has been securely fenced and will be carefully managed."
Ms MacTiernan said the flora survey was part of a wider environmental review carried out during 2000 in consultation with the Department of Conservation and Land Management and local conservation group, the Quinns Rock Environmental Group.
The Northern Suburbs Railway Extension incorporates approximately four kilometres of track from Currambine to Clarkson and a further four for a rail depot to the north at Nowergup. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2004.
By 2007, Clarkson will be at the northern end of a 105km, 78-minute, high-speed rail link with Mandurah.
Minister's office: 9213 6400