Project Sea Dragon
Seafarms Group Limited proposed to develop a substantive aquaculture project located on the Legune coastal floodplain within the extreme north-west corner of the Northern Territory.
Client: Lend Lease
Project: Large Urban Development
Timeline: 2014 – present
Spanning approximately 2,000 hectares, the Yarrabilba Urban Development Area represents a significant State urban planning initiative in South-East Queensland.
Initially, Austecology was commissioned to assist with the EPBC Act referral. This body of work involved a comprehensive review of the previous relevant assessments for the site, and the applicability of Government policy and ecological mapping. Based on the findings, we prepared detailed habitat suitability assessments for a variety of threatened fauna. Addressing issues around the protection of the local koala population emerged as a key issue.
To support the referral, we also prepared two main resource documents. These comprised a report which analysed fauna corridor options and justification for the preferred option, and a koala management plan. The plan provided recommendations identifying the proposed habitat network to be retained, and a wide-ranging and detailed suite of strategies to direct management of koala habitat values as development progresses.
Our contribution to EPBC referral was accepted and became conditioned requirements for the development’s approval, demonstrating our ability to guide clients through a smooth approvals process and ensuring that our ecological expertise directly shaped regulatory outcomes.
Following the EPBC approval, Austecology was commissioned to prepare an Offset Management Plan and a Koala Monitoring Plan to address requirements of the conditions of approval.
Austecology, in collaboration with the University of Queensland’s Koala Ecology Group, implemented a comprehensive monitoring program which comprised three main investigation streams, being:
This program was implemented over five years. Annual reports summarised research findings and were subject to a scientific peer review process. This reporting stream also supported the client’s requirements for annual compliance reporting required under the EPBC Act approval.
Our work has not only ensured compliance with regulatory conditions but has also generated important data on koala ecology, informing management and conservation strategies. This underscores our commitment to sustainability and scientific rigor in environmental consultancy.
With continued quarterly monitoring and an annual site-wide population survey extensively implementing thermal drone techniques, we continue to monitor and report on the health of the koala population.
This project serves as a prime example of balancing urban development with environmental stewardship, demonstrating our capability to manage complex ecological assessments and compliance procedures effectively.
Seafarms Group Limited proposed to develop a substantive aquaculture project located on the Legune coastal floodplain within the extreme north-west corner of the Northern Territory.
The Coomera Connector (sometimes referred to as the Second M1), is a future state-controlled road extending some 45 kilometres from the northern Gold Coast to Loganholme.
Austecology was commissioned by a principal consultant to implement a series offset monitoring surveys across South-west Queensland for Santos energy.
Delivering sustainable environmental solutions for clients since 2006.