Concern clearing could damage habitat
![Emma Pinnell and Nancy Paterson are concerned wildlife habitat will be destroyed when work begins to widen Puzey Road in Yallingup.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/YA-103875/b88126295z.1_20160415112343_000_gvmh6dg9.1_1-1bh0o1q.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Residents are concerned plans to widen a road in Yallingup could lead to detrimental clearing of endangered western ringtail possum and black cockatoo habitat.
Puzey Road in Yallingup is one of several approved for clearing by the City of Busselton and the Department of Environment, which began work last week.
The same stretch of road was referenced in a 2009 Roadside Vegetation Conservation Values in Busselton study by the City, which said the biological corridor along Puzey Road was extremely valuable for conservation.
Resident Nancy Paterson said the stretch of road also contained up to 70 tagged habitat trees and the biological corridor was an attraction for tourism.
“We are not opposed to the upgrading of the road, but we don’t want the trees cleared — it will damage habitat, impact tourism and change the character of the road,” she said.
City of Busselton director of engineering and works services Oliver Darby said there was a need to upgrade Puzey Road because of the ever-increasing demands of motorists and tourist activity.
“The City has undertaken extensive research and assessments in developing concepts for the upgrade,” he said.
“The City has not identified any trees needing removal at this stage.
“The widening of Puzey Road within the existing road and shoulder is a balance between the safety of road users and the preservation of roadside vegetation.”
Puzey Road business owners Vasse Virgin and Bootleg Brewery said they were concerned about road safety, but hoped there could be a balance between upgrades and retaining the vegetation.
Resident Emma Pinnell said she was concerned by the rate at which the City was cutting down trees.
“Once those trees are gone, they are gone — it’ll take 200 years for them to grow back,” she said.
“It’s not just wildlife that is affected.
“These roads will be upgraded to the point where they are no longer a tourism attraction.”
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