The discovery of a rare eastern barred bandicoot at the site of a proposed $45 million shopping centre in Kingston has raised concerns about the potential impact of the development on local wildlife.
Spring Farm Village will be anchored by a Coles supermarket and will feature more than a dozen other stores.
Sydney-based developer Tipalea Partners have proposed the complex for a site on the Channel Highway opposite Bunnings.
According to a natural values assessment report submitted with the development application, a single eastern barred bandicoot was observed in the southern end of the property during a 2023 survey.
The bandicoot is listed as vulnerable under national legislation.
The assessment also identified potential nesting habitat for the endangered swift parrot in several trees on the property.
It also noted that other native species, including the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, masked owl and Tasmanian devil, may be affected by the development.
The report downplays the potential impact on these other species, suggesting that the development poses “no additional risk” to swift parrots and has a “negligible effect” on foraging habitat for other threatened birds due to the small size of the area.
It acknowledges limitations in the survey, conducted during winter, which may have overlooked seasonal movements of animals.
The development application is open for public feedback until early September.
