The planned upgrade would see the existing dam’s capacity doubled to 1.0 gigalitres to service seven local communities (Bridgetown, Boyup Brook, Hester, Greenbushes, Balingup, Mullalyup, Kirup) out to 2050.

Water Corporation regional business manager Scott Moorhead said the corporation’s proposal was submitted to the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) this week for consideration.

The referral document will be available for public comment until Wednesday, September 1, as part of DEWHA’s assessment process.

“The report identifies potential impacts to species of black cockatoos listed as species of national significance under the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999); and outlines how we plan to avoid, minimise, or mitigate potential impacts,” he said.

“It is available for viewing at www.environment.gov.au/epbc.”

“ DEWHA’s process allows interested local residents and groups an opportunity to have comments on the proposal formally considered.”

Mr Moorhead said the corporation had worked closely with the Department of Environment and Conservation and consultants to develop a proposal that delivers minimal impacts.

“Important flora and fauna, including various species of cockatoo are in the area, so it’s important to develop a plan that minimises clearing,” Mr Moorhead said.

“Less than eight hectares of vegetation will need to be cleared in total, which represents less than one-hundredth of one per cent of the existing cockatoo habitat within 20 kilometres of the dam.

“To further minimise impacts, we expect the regulators to require us to establish an off-site conservation area that significantly exceeds the cleared area.”

Mr Moorhead said the plan would also be referred to the EPA for review under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act (1986) in the coming weeks.

The EPA will consider matters of State significance, including dieback management and management of construction impacts, and there will be another opportunity for stakeholders to have input through this process.