Ecological Assessment & Planning

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An ever increasing focus on the environment has raised awareness about the importance of protecting and managing our natural resources. The future of the human race is inextricably linked to the health of our waterways, soil, the air we breathe and the flora and fauna.

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Ecosure works with clients to provide clear thinking, forward planning and a long term approach to environmental management. Whilst many of the assessment, planning and management services we offer are related to some level of development, our interests lie in ensuring that the natural values of the area in question are not compromised.

Ecological Assessment Reports

Ecosure’s ecological assessment reports capture data and recommendations on the flora and fauna species and vegetation communities which occur or are likely to occur within a project area. Ecosure staff review relevant literature and databases and conduct field surveys to form an ecological assessment report that aligns to local councils’ specifications where relevant.

Ecosure’s data can focus on:

species and/or communities of legislative significance
ecologically significant areas
wildlife corridors and buffers
aquatic ecosystem health
aquatic fauna diversity
the impacts of any proposed plan of development on the ecological features and functions of the project area
compliance against regulations with a biodiversity conservation focus.

Management Plan Preparation and Implementation

Ecosure’s management plans are comprehensive documents that provide for the best suited application of management for a particular species, a collection of species, or for entire habitats and ecosystems. Preceded by thorough field investigations, management plans set realistic targets and objectives, which are dependant on the overall goal of the project. Monitoring provides the feedback loop to confirm success, or allow modification of the management approach - this is adaptive management.

Ecosure can also assist in the implementation of management plans, including the provision of environmental compliance officers to ensure the requirements of the management plans are met.

Natural Area Management and Rehabilitation Plans

Ecosure staff are specialists in the rehabilitation and management of natural areas. Sound field assessment, literature and data reviewing, mapping and close consultation with the client and relevant stakeholders ensure the best possible management outcome. Rehabilitation is undertaken with site specific environmental and anthropogenic parameters considered. Long term objectives dominate the management and rehabilitation process, utilising natural processes to their full advantage whilst managing unwanted external influences.

Ecosure’s rehabilitation plans are comprehensive with clear guidelines, targets, and recommendations and a strong emphasis on setting realistic and achievable goals.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

As a legislative requirement for many developments and changes to land use activities, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are an increasingly important process. Ecosure develops and implements field surveys that capture quality survey data (including all flora and fauna), review relevant literature and data, review environmental legislation relevant to the site, and develop a comprehensive report that consolidates all facets of the assessment process with guidelines and recommendations designed to be as realistic and practical as possible.

IDAS Development Applications

The Integrated Planning Act 1997 is the primary legislative guide for planning and development assessments in Queensland. Derived from this Act is the requirement for Integrated Development Assessment Systems (IDAS). IDAS is generally divided into four stages – Application stage; Information & Referral stage; Notification stage; Decision stage.

The type, scale and location of the proposed development dictate which stages of the IDAS are triggered. Ecosure assists with advice and recommendations on all IDAS stages, and provides clients with comprehensive reporting pertinent to the IDAS process.

Koala Management Plans

Linked to statutory and policy requirements of the Integrated Planning Act1997 and the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the conservation framework for koala management in Queensland, the Nature Conservation (Koala) Management Program 2006-2016, requires the development of Koala Management Plans. The principal objective of such plans are to assist the survival of koalas in southeast Queensland by the protection and conservation of identified koala habitat, and the adoption of conservation actions that aims to reduce the conflict between koalas and urban development. Ecosure can assist with all elements of developing and implementing Koala Management Plans, from field surveys and data assessment, right through the high level reporting and management plan development.

Fauna Survey Programs

Ecosure’s survey programs are prefaced by historical data and literature reviews to determine the most effective survey design. Good experimental design underpins all quality ecological management and monitoring programs. We adopt rigorous statistical methods in survey design and analysis to answer specific research questions and minimise costs to the client.

A range of sampling and trapping methods are employed to ascertain species presence and abundance. We use Elliott and cage trapping, pitfall trapping, direct observation, call playback, acoustic monitoring, harp trapping, arboreal trapping, aerial surveying, scat identification & analysis, track/scratch identification and hair-funnel trapping.

Monitoring Programs

Ecosure’s fauna monitoring programs involve repeated surveys to determine trends in species abundance and distribution and identify changes in species assemblages. We are proficient with telemetry (radio-tracking) to derive home ranges, movement patterns and habitat usage profiles.

Ornithological Assessment, Research & Monitoring

Ecosure has over ten years experience with ornithological survey and assessment. Our staff are licenced under the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme. Census methods can include roost counts, nesting colony counts, timed species counts, line and point transect counts, and call playback. Direct capture such as mist netting can also be deployed to gather data on individual animals such as sex, weight and age. We also survey migratory waders.

Legislation Compliance Assessments

Legislative compliance assessments are land use assessments based on requirements and conditions set out in relevant state and/or federal legislation. Ecosure’s compliance assessments are important for developers or land owners whose operations and activities may contravene the prescribed legislation. We conduct Significance tests (such as the 7 Part Test), Review of Environmental Factors (REF), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and Species Impact Statements (SIS).

Targeted Species Research & Monitoring

We implement targeted programs to monitor the movement, behaviour, habitat use, physiological and pathological status of critical species. These programs generate detailed relevant information which is the basis for successful management.

Community Consultation & Stakeholder Involvement

A key component of environmental management is the contribution by stakeholders and local communities. Regular meetings provide stakeholders with up to date information, and can empower the local community with knowledge and understanding of their local environment.

Our Projects

Ecological Survey, Gold Coast Airport

Ecosure has undertaken a flora and fauna assessment of Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd managed lands. A detailed ecological survey was required which included targeted surveys for legislatively significant species within state and federal legislative frameworks. Survey efforts incorporated Elliott, cage and pitfall trapping, arboreal trapping, ANABAT detection units, call playback, and direct observation.

Fauna Survey, Townsville Airport

Townsville Airport required a comprehensive assessment of fauna immediately adjacent airside areas. The information derived from these surveys contributed to the most appropriate development and management of these lands.

Ecological Assessment Report (Green Heart Reserves), Gold Coast City Council

Ecosure prepared an Ecological Assessment Report for a parcel of land in Merrimac which will be dedicated to recreational and conservation purposes. Flora and fauna surveys were carried out, including an in-stream aquatic survey and seasonal terrestrial fauna surveys. Recommendations were provided to ensure that ecologically significant areas were protected whilst allowing the project to meet its key objectives. As a result of this report, Ecosure attended and contributed to a concept planning workshop for the site hosted by Gold Coast City Council.

Environmental Management Plan (Burleigh Heads Dunes), Gold Coast City Council

In order to highlight the ecological importance of dunal systems in terms of structure, function and biodiversity, Ecosure was contracted to complete flora and fauna surveys of the small dune system at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast. The resultant Environmental Management Plan is the first of its kind for urban dune management on the Gold Coast.

Fauna Surveys (Glades Golf Course), Thakral Holdings

Ecosure undertook a fauna survey to develop a comprehensive species lists in order to best gauge the extent of faunal diversity within the golf course and residential dwellings.

Environmental Impact Statement

(Aquatic Biology) at Hinze Dam Stage 3, Sinclair Knight Merz

In response to the proposal to raise the Hinze Dam wall for flood mitigation and to increase storage capacity, Ecosure identified environmental values, potential impacts of construction and operation and developed mitigation measures.

Flying-fox Monitoring Program, Cairns International Airport

Ecosure has been contracted, in conjunction with CSIRO, to monitor the flight patterns of flying-foxes over Cairns Airport, monitor camp size and structure, and apply an in depth risk assessment on the data obtained within the context of aircraft safety.

Flying-fox Colony Monitoring, Gold Coast City Council

Ecosure has been contracted since 2003 to monitor the colony size, species composition, and map the temporal movement of Flying-fox throughout Helensvale to better understand their dynamics. Data derived from monthly surveys is incorporated into Gold Coast City Council’s GIS mapping system.

Yaun Creek Riparian Rehabilitation Plan, Gold Coast City Council

Yaun Creek is part of the Coomera River Catchment in southeast Queensland, the ecological deterioration of which led to the need to develop a specific rehabilitation implementation plan. This plan aimed to restore and protect to the fullest extent, the ecological health and riparian vegetation corridors along Yaun Creek.

Water Quality Monitoring, Gold Coast Airport Proprietary Limited

The Gold Coast Airport lies on leased Commonwealth land and has two major waterways flowing through and adjacent to the airport. As part of the legislative requirements associated with environmental management at Gold Coast Airport, a water quality monitoring program began in 1996. Fauna monitoring at Coolangatta Creek has also been undertaken seasonally since March 2001. It aims to identify changes in abundance and diversity of the local creek fauna, to gain an understanding of how fauna are utilising the creek and identify important species. Biological monitoring is an important compliment to water quality testing for detecting pollution events. In 2005-06 these programs were combined by Ecosure to produce a consolidated report. Quarterly surveys are still carried out by Ecosure to guarantee that the Gold Coast Airport are meeting their environmental management objectives.

Significant Terrestrial Fauna Monitoring Program, Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd

Ecosure has been monitoring populations of legislatively significant frogs, mammals and birds on Gold Coast Airport since 2006. The monitoring involves a number of different survey techniques including call playback (frogs and cryptic birds), pitfall trapping (planigales), observational surveys and habitat assessments.

Environmental Management Plan, Cobaki Environmental Precinct, Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd

The Cobaki Environment Precinct (CEP) is among the most ecologically intact areas within the Gold Coast Airport and includes endangered ecological communities that are rarely found elsewhere due to the widespread development on the coastal fringe of northeast NSW and southeast QLD. It is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare and threatened species listed under state and federal environmental legislation and bird species that migrate annually from the northern hemisphere. The CEP is also significant from an Aboriginal cultural heritage perspective, containing within its boundaries the remains of an ancient camping place and midden site complex which was included on the Register of National Estate in 1991.

The main objectives for this project were to:

1. Evaluate the site via surveys and literature reviews to identify areas that require conservation and/or regeneration.

2. Create a site specific management plan that provides the frame work for a long term strategy to protect and/or enhance biodiversity and the Cultural heritage sites within the Cobaki Environment Precinct. The main goals being:

Increase connectivity between existing vegetation.
Increase floristic value and species diversity to enhance habitat quality and appeal to native fauna.
Implement a weed removal plan with regular monitoring in place to quantitatively assess the number of species, as well as the amount of weeds removed.
Design and implement the construction of frog ponds for the Wallum Froglet (Crinia tinula) and the Wallum Sedge Frog (Litoria olongburensis), which are both protected local species.

3. Design a pathway network to allow access to the site in a sustainable manner, maximising recreational enjoyment while protecting the surrounding environment.

Assessing the feasibility and requirement of interpretive signs throughout the site to provide cultural and environmental education during the walk.

Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), Gold Coast Airport Runway Extension Project

Ecosure developed a CEMP for the extension of the airport’s apron and runway. This involved identification of potential impacts on environmentally significant features, development and implementation of mitigation strategies and ongoing compliance monitoring of construction works with the CEMP. Ecosure were also responsible for follow-up monitoring after the project completion. Ecosure has been engaged in this large developmental project from start to finish.

Environmental Legislation Monitoring, Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd

Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd (GCAPL) identified the need to closely monitor changes in state and federal environmental legislation that may impact on their current and future operations. Ecosure monitored all changes to environmental legislation and provided regular reporting to GCAPL identifying relevant and applicable legislative changes, with a particular emphasis on flora, fauna and significant ecological communities. Legislation monitored included, but was not limited to, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the Qld Nature Conservation Act 1992, and the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

Our Staff

Julie Whelan. BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology. Principal Environmental Scientist.

Julie is Team Leader of the Ecosure’s Environmental Consulting Team. She is experienced in the planning and conduct of field based flora and fauna surveys in a variety of locations and the preparation of ecological assessment reports and management plans. Relevant experience also includes consultation with relevant stakeholders, developing recommendations and management actions, preparing reports for submission under various planning schemes and reviewing and collating relevant literature and data. Julie is knowledgeable in the application of relevant Local, State and Commonwealth government regulations having a biodiversity conservation focus. Previous experience as a revegetation officer has provided Julie with knowledge at the ground level of the techniques and requirements for environmental rehabilitation. Julie has also successfully completed a training program in Qld Regional Ecosystem Mapping.

Trudy Thompson. BSc, Cert IV Project Management. Catchment Consultant.

Trudy has worked extensively in catchment management with over seven years experience in local government. Her main focus has been in community consultation, having established and facilitated community catchment groups throughout the Gold Coast. She also has considerable experience in catchment issues, including water quality, erosion, sedimentation, rehabilitation, and stormwater management. She has in-depth knowledge of catchment and waterway issues, and a detailed understanding of planning schemes and legislation relevant to wetlands and waterways.

Bonita Scheier. BSc. Environmental Scientist.

Bonita has over eight years experience working in the field of environmental science. Her strong background in GIS mapping has provided her with the skills to produce accurate and informative maps to highlight results of field studies, site prioritisation, and rehabilitation options. She has been responsible for, and assisted in, the mapping component of a number of projects throughout the region.

Carla McKevitt. BSc (Hons). Ecologist and Vegetation Team Leader.

Carla has a strong botanical background and currently performs the majority of Ecosure’s vegetation surveys and assessments including photo monitoring. Carla has completed a course in Regional Ecosystem Mapping of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems. Carla was the project manager and primary surveyor for the ‘aerial mapping of riparian weeds within the Nerang River Catchment’ project for Gold Coast City Council. Over 150hrs of field work were carried out for this project, surveying from the air. A considerable amount of time was also spent ground-truthing. Carla was also part of the field team that performed the vegetation assessments for Saltwater Park Environmental Assessment and Helensvale Road Environmental Impact Report.

Phil Shaw. BSc (Ecology), Dip Ed. Director.

Phil has over 20 years consulting experience. He is internationally recognised in his specialist field of aviation ornithology. Phil also has a strong ecological background having completed projects as diverse as flora and fauna surveys, environmental management plans and EMS reviews. Phil is involved in national and international committees; stakeholder consultation is a strength. Having written and reviewed hundreds of reports in his career, he frequently uses this experience to value add and quality assure projects and the reports that result from them.

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Australian White Ibis Census 2011

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