Biodiversity
Page 292
visual amenity and biodiversity value of the area. Where large scale loss of
mature trees occurs there is a parallel loss of nesting and feeding habitat for the
large native birds including parrot and lorikeet species, without a nearby
substitute area being available for the populations of birds and animals to
relocate. The management of major infrastructure projects must include a high
level of mitigation and management of these major losses, including putting
population relocation projects into place wherever possible, at the appropriate
seasonal stage.
The proposed Northern Connector Expressway connecting to the Superway
and traversing through Barker Inlet Wetlands and estuarial tidal zones has
potential to impact upon the local biodiversity, through the:-
•
Worsening of existing noise and vibration impacts
•
Removal of some 17 hectares of wetland habitat throughout Dry Creek
and Gillman
•
Effects on mangroves, fish breeding grounds and migratory bird habitats
at North Arm and the Barker Inlet.
Diversity of planted flora species
The diversity, number and type of trees planted in reserves are an indicator of
Council's action to 'green' the city and support biodiversity. There are
approximately 20,000 indigenous species planted in the Coastal Sand dunes
per annum which are important for creating indigenous habitats and species
diversification. Indigenous trees are well adapted to local conditions such as
climate and soil. They play an important role in weed control, species balance
and the preservation of local identity.
Table 67: Number and types of reserve tree plantings 2007 - 2009
2007
2008
2009
Plantings
555
433
504
Native
388 (70%)
303 (70%)
353 (70%)
Exotic
167 (30%)
130 (30%)
151 (30%)
(Source: Technical Services, 2010)
Site specific biodiversity management plans
Council is currently developing site specific biodiversity management plans to
complement the Council's Strategic Biodiversity Management Plan 2009 - 2014.
This project aims to:-
•
Undertake site-specific biodiversity monitoring and surveying at Barker
Inlet Wetland, Dry Creek, North Haven, Taperoo and Semaphore Coastal
dunes and Torrens River Linear Park.
