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.
Environmental Management Plans (EMP) and Compliance Auditing, including for Construction Projects
Environmental Management Plans (EMP) for construction and operational phases of major developments and construction provide clear legislative and compliance guidelines to which the operator must adhere. The overall aim of EMPs, is to monitor, manage and mitigate for potential and actual environmental impacts. They are specifically design to cater for the existing local environmental in which the development is taking place.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Ecosure assists in, and guides, the development of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) that comply with the international standard ISO 14001. The development and implementation of an EMS significantly contributes to reduced environmental impact, promotes positive outcomes for sustainable operations, and provides for the implementation of standard operating procedures relevant to the EMS. Overall, ethical environmental practice by a company and its employees is the ultimate objective.
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 staff develop and implement field surveys that capture quality survey data (including all flora and fauna), undertake relevant literature and data reviews, 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.
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, and long term objectives dominate management and rehabilitation process, utilising natural processes to their full advantage whilst managing unwanted external influences. Rehabilitation plans produced are comprehensive with clear guidelines, targets, and recommendations and a strong emphasis on setting realistic and achievable goals.
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 is able to assist with advice and recommendations on all IDAS stages, and provide clients with comprehensive reporting pertinent to the IDAS process.
Koala Management Plans
Linked to statutory and policy requirements of the Integrated Planning Act and the Nature Conservation Act, 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.
Water quality
Ecosure can deliver a range of water quality monitoring, management and advice, including:
- Water quality evaluation
- Biological, physical and chemical investigations into marine, estuarine, freshwater & groundwater environs
- Biomonitoring of aquatic environments, including the use of phytoplankton, zooplankton macroinvertebrates and fish. Also shellfish bioaccumulation research
- Design and implementation of water monitoring programs
- Water quality and quantity modelling
Waste management
Management of waste is one of the most pertinent environmental practices facing the 21st century. The business and industry sectors are responsible for generating the largest proportions of waste, however by having the right waste management program in place, these sectors can significantly reduce the volume and type of waste generated. Ecosure facilitates waste audits that provide an understanding of the type of wastes, and in what proportions, are being generated. The information derived from such audits can then be utilised to develop waste management and recycling programs. These programs are individually designed for the client and account for the type of operation in place. Such programs also provide the client with options for the development of internal purchasing policies, and product choice alternatives.