Singleton Bypass batting for microbats

A colony of microbats near the Singleton Bypass site won’t have to find a new ‘fur-ever’ home following the implementation of protective measures as part of the project’s Microbat Management Plan.
Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said Transport for NSW is working to minimise impacts to identified microbats and their habitats while they build the Singleton Bypass.
“Our early investigations discovered two species of threatened microbats, Southern myotis and large bent-winged bat, roosting in sandstone culverts near the project area,” Ms Zycki said.
“Both of these microbat species are listed as vulnerable threatened species under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 which makes protecting them a top priority for the project team.
“By implementing the management plan, we are doing our best to ensure these cute little critters are safe and comfortable in their residences while we build the bypass.”
Ms Zycki said the plan contains various mitigation measures, such as exclusion zones, activity restrictions, and ongoing monitoring, that the team will implement to minimise the noise and vibration impacts to the microbats and their habitat during construction.
“The purpose of the Microbat Management Plan is to avoid indirect impacts on the species. By implementing measures like not disturbing the culverts that provide homes for the microbats, these creatures won’t need to relocate during construction,” Ms Zycki said. 
“The preservation of threatened species, such as these microbats, is an important part of any Transport for NSW project. 
“We are working hard to ensure the best possible future survival of all our furry, scaley and feathered friends.” 
The Australian Government has committed $560 million and the NSW Government is providing $140 million to deliver the new Singleton Bypass.  
The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.  
More information about the project is available at nswroads.work/singleton.