The Times understands an oversight by Endeavour failed to include in an environmental impact statement the likelihood the shorebirds would nest in the vicinity of the work, which it first proposed to start next Monday, November 16.

Replacement of electricity cables to Chinaman’s Island could restrict some foreshore access around Carroll Avenue at the start of the school holidays.

Endangered pied oystercatchers (like the one photographed below) nest at Lake Conjola every year.

Presence of the birds drew the attention of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to Endeavour’s proposed timeline.

Conjola residents are now waiting to hear exact dates from the state-owned corporation, to know if the project could affect their Christmas holiday planning.

Endeavour re-advertised in this week’s Times classifieds that restricted access to the Conjola estuary and foreshore near Carroll Avenue and on Chinaman’s Island would be “rescheduled to early December”.

Endeavor says the cable replacement works will ensure safe and reliable electricity supply to residents on Chinaman’s Island.

It is proposed water and land traffic management will direct vessels, vehicles and pedestrians and intermittently no access will be permitted to the work area.

Heavy machinery would be used at the cable launch point near the foreshore.

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