Fauna management is a key priority during construction of the FGP, with a strong focus on protecting local wildlife along the 117-kilometre alignment.
On the FGP, our people are everyday heroes—safeguarding and reducing impacts to the environments in which we operate. The team is always on the lookout for the “little dudes” who live in and around our worksites.
Before work began in each area, comprehensive fauna surveys were carried out to identify and safely relocate animals, helping to minimise impacts as construction progressed.
MBJV engaged local First Nations business Tunuba and fauna experts from Fauna Spotters Australia to assist with these efforts. Together, they’ve helped to rescue, relocate and rehabilitate many animals affected by construction activities.
One standout moment was the safe release of a turtle found near one of our sites. Watch the video below to see this little traveller head off to its new home.
We’re also incredibly grateful for the support of local wildlife carers and volunteers, whose dedication to injured and orphaned wildlife has been invaluable. When a significant number of pardalotes were found nesting in the soil, impacted nests were carefully relocated to expert carers, who provided round-the-clock feeding to ensure the chicks’ survival.
Wildlife encountered during construction included native bees, Australian wood ducks, little corellas, swiftlets, microbats and little forest bats. Bird species observed included pardalotes, pale-headed rosellas, glossy black cockatoos and barn owls. Other species expected along the alignment included sugar gliders, common brushtail possums and yellow-bellied gliders.
Wildlife monitoring also focused on species known to inhabit tree hollows and overhangs, or those identified by field signs such as scratches, rubs, or claw marks.
A variety of habitats were present along the alignment—including waterholes, dams, tall grasses, trees, social cracks, dense undergrowth, hollow logs and leaf litter. These areas were carefully surveyed and managed to support the diverse native fauna that call the region home.
