Nature group says a rare and vulnerable frog species has been found at proposed Northern Regional Prison site

A nature group has called on the Government to follow its own department’s advice and protect the habitat of a vulnerable frog species found at the Northern Regional Prison development site.

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AN unusual and rare frog species has been added to a nature group’s list of vulnerable and endangered flora and fauna it says are found on Crown land earmarked for a major prison development.

Sarah Lloyd, of Central North Field Naturalists, said group members visited the Government’s proposed Northern Regional Prison site at Brushy Rivulet near Westbury on July 5.

She said the purpose of the expedition was to add to the list of species on their records.

“As well as 31 plant species, we observed one green and gold frog (commonly known as a growling grass frog) on the sunny north-facing slope of Marney’s Hill — the site proposed to be levelled for the prison,” Ms Lloyd said.

Sarah Lloyd. Picture: SUPPLIED

“Populations of green and gold frogs have declined and the animal is locally extinct in areas where it was once common, such as the Midlands, Derwent Valley and the North-West Coast. “The frog is now legally protected under state and Commonwealth legislation. Its ‘vulnerable’ status means that populations will continue to decline if their habitat continues to be cleared.”

The Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment’s threatened species listing for the green and gold frog states: “any newly discovered populations and their habitats should be protected”.

“We call on the government to comply with its own departmental advice,” Ms Lloyd said.

Ms Lloyd said she had seen a “rich assemblage of bird species” on the site and residents had sighted spotted and eastern quolls and eastern barred bandicoots.

Green and gold frog. Picture: SUPPLIED

Corrections Minister Elise Archer said the Government understood the importance of protecting and managing the environment when progressing infrastructure developments.

“The Northern Regional Prison is no exception and we will be fully cognisant of the local environment during this process,” she said.

“A preliminary investigation has been conducted by DPIPWE and it is understood there are no eagle nests, covenants or records of threatened wildlife on the block.”

Ms Archer said the prison was likely to only require a footprint of approximately 15 hectares of the 70-hectare site, and initial feasibility of the site, including flora and fauna studies, were still being conducted.