Media response: 26 March 2025
In response to questions from The Illawarra Flame, a Transport for NSW spokesperson said:
"The Mount Ousley interchange project team has measures in place to ensure only necessary vegetation is removed during work, and to minimise any environmental impacts.
"These measures include clearing limits and environmental protection zones which ensure the minimum amount of vegetation required for the project is removed. Pre-clearing inspections are carried out daily to confirm clearing limits and check for fauna.
"Extensive community engagement was carried out during the planning and development phase for the project. Since construction started last year, the team has continued to engage with the community through monthly project updates, information sessions and by doorknocking impacted residents ahead of varying work schedules.
"Transport for NSW and our contractors continue to engage closely with residents to ensure work impacts can be minimised where possible.
"In the past two weeks, Fulton Hogan met with local residents and community stakeholders including Illawarra Landcare, Growing Illawarra Natives, Healthy Cities Illawarra, Save Our Trees and Keiraville Residents Action Group to discuss upcoming work, including clearing activities.
"In May 2024 Transport released the Urban Design and Landscape Strategy Report for consultation which outlines the design and landscape vision and objectives for the project.
"The landscape design is responsive to the local environment and seeks to minimise the impacts of the interchange by planting areas with native vegetation unique to the lower Illawarra escarpment and coastal plain which connect to the existing vegetation corridors. This includes the Blackbutt Forest to the north and Moist Blue Gum Forest to the south.
"Generally planting will not be able to occur until construction has been completed. In some cases, revegetation can commence soon after construction begins, in areas where there will not be any further disturbance. Transport and Fulton Hogan will revegetate as soon as possible.
"Fulton Hogan will be responsible for landscaping maintenance for a period of 18 months from construction completion. Transport and other relevant land owners will then be responsible for maintaining vegetation in their respective areas.
"Transport is continuing to work with local stakeholders including Landcare Illawarra and Growing Illawarra Natives to discuss plans for revegetation including species selection and maintenance and opportunities for local involvement."
For more information on the Urban Design and Landscape Plan, visit the Mount Ousley interchange website
