Review of Environmental Factors - Camden Valley Way Upgrade and Liz Kernohan Drive Extension (Final) - Flipbook - Page 75
9.
CONCLUSIONS
This REF has been prepared for Camden Council by Monteath & Powys Pty Ltd to satisfy obligations
under Part 5 of the Act. It has been prepared in accordance with Section 5.1 of the Act and provides
an environmental assessment considering the factors outlined in section 171 of the Regulation.
Review of the proposal has determined that the activity is not likely to significantly affect the
environment. The activity would not impact on, or require any substantial changes to, existing site
activities. As such, it is concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for this
activity.
As identified in the REF, Lot 301 DP1143646 (440 Camden Valley Way) is listed as potentially having
an Aboriginal heritage item. The works associated with the project on this site are located along the
immediate frontage of Camden Valley Way and in terms of disturbance of the ground is considered
relatively minor. Further, the proposal is supported by a Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by
Niche Heritage and Environmental which identifies the actual location of the heritage items with
recommendations to maintain an acceptable risk to the heritage value of the subject area and identified
heritage items.
9.1
JUSTIFICATION
The upgrades are required to improve the long-term capacity of the Camden Valley Way network in
the Elderslie area and will enhance traffic flows and address peak period delays at the identified
intersections. Traffic modelling conducted for the project indicates that the identified intersections are
currently performing, although will deteriorate unless an upgrade is implemented given the population
growth being experienced in the area.
The potential environmental impacts of the project have been identified and they include loss of some
vegetation, visual impacts and noise. These impacts will be minimised as far as practicable during the
finalisation of the design and can be adequately managed. On balance, the benefits derived from
proceeding with the project are considered to outweigh the potential impacts. On this basis, the project
is considered justified.
9.2
ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) is a development that improves the total quality of life,
both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends.
The principles of ESD have been a consideration throughout the development of the Proposal. The
EP&A Act recognises that ESD requires the effective integration of economic and environmental
considerations in decision-making processes. The four main principles supporting the achievement of
ESD are considered in the context of the proposal below.
9.3
PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE
The precautionary principle deals with certainty in decision-making. It provides that where there is a
threat of serious or irreversible environmental damage, the absence of full scientific certainty should
not be used as a reason to postpone measures to prevent environmental degradation.
The threat of serious or irreversible environmental damage is one of the essential preconditions to the
engagement of the precautionary principle. As no threat of serious or irreversible environmental
damage has been identified the precautionary principle does not apply.
17/065 | Revised REF: Camden Valley Way Road Widening Works
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