Snowy Hydro 2.0 Vegetation Surveys
Ecological Surveys & Planning was engaged by EMM Consulting to undertake flora surveys in Kosciusko National Park as part of the large ecological assessment of the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project. I worked with EMM staff and other consultants to sample a large number of vegetation survey plots in and near areas that would be affected […]
Expert Witness for RAID Moorebank Inc. / Environmental Defenders Office
This complex case entailed a merits appeal in the Land & Environment Court against approval of a very large-scale road and rail freight terminal on former Defence Department land between Casula, Moorebank and Wattle Grove. The project was initially approved by a Planning Assessment Committee, but it was revealed that the PAC was not given […]
Specialist Ecological Advice and Research Relating to the Conservation Status and Ecology of the Vulnerable Araluen Gum
I was contracted by mining consultants, RW Corkery P/L as part of a team of consultant ecologists to assess the effects of a proposed gold mine and processing plant at Majors Creek, NSW. Work entailed providing advice on relevant threatened ecological communities, particularly Tablelands Basalt Forest; a literature review in the context of the forest […]
Removal of Properties or Parts Thereof from the Biodiversity Values Map
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act introduced a new statutory map layer – the Biodiversity Values (BV) Map. It displays properties or parts thereof that are known or likely habitat for Critically Endangered species and / or Critically Endangered Ecological Communities; old-growth forest; and designated riparian (stream-side) protection zones. Due in part to underfunding and a […]
Urban, Rural and Industrial Development Proposals
Over many years, the business has assessed a large number of urban, rural and industrial development proposals. These range from single dwellings and factory units to multi-lot subdivisions. Some of the industrial developments have also required the preparation of Vegetation Management Plans e.g. Rouse Hill (storage units adjoining significant riparian vegetation), and Prestons (factory and […]
Assessment of Proposed Temple Facility, Cooranbong
The business has been involved in assessments for new or redeveloped religious facilities, and preparation of vegetation management plans and advice associated with those facilities. This has included the Vipassana Meditation Centre at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains; the Baha’i Temple in northern Sydney; Shanti Mission Harmony Centres facilities at Canyonleigh (Southern Highlands) and Cooranbong […]