The Federal Department of the Environment and Energy is calling upon all community members to comment on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project.
In September, Main Roads referred the Bunbury Outer Ring Road's Southern Section to the department for assessment, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Last week saw the department launch the public comment period for the Southern Alignment.
"Public comments play an important part when the department looks at whether or not a significant impact is likely and further assessment of a referred project is required," a department spokesperson said.
"Public submissions have to be considered by the minister, or their delegate, when deciding whether the proposed project will require further assessment and approval before it can be undertaken.
"This is also a legislative requirement under the EPBC Act."
The WA Environmental Protection Authority is also assessing the project, with the next public comment period scheduled for 2020.
Main Roads' Bunbury Outer Ring Road team has been investigating two corridors of the Southern Section since mid-2018.
While investigating the matter, Main Roads' staff members have held community consultations and met with South-West residents.
"Main Roads encourages any interested parties to comment on the referral, regardless of their location," Main Roads spokesperson Dean Roberts said.
With help from community members, the Friends of the Gelorup Corridor EST 1995 have started a citizen's tree count in the area.
The group is encouraging residents to voice their concerns to the department and to the WA EPA.
The public comment period is expected to close on December 18.
Visit epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/invitations/ for more details on the project, under reference number 2019/8543.
Submissions can be sent via epbc.comments@environment.gov.au or by post.
