Plan ahead: Spring surveys for large-scale renewable projects is almost upon us
For land developers, particularly those working on large-scale renewable energy projects, planning ahead for biodiversity assessments is critical. Effective planning ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, optimises project design, and facilitates timely project approval.
Planning for Biodiversity
Statutory agencies at both state and commonwealth levels require biodiversity surveys to be conducted during specific periods, such as spring and pre-wet season months in northern Queensland. Spring and wet seasons are times of heightened activity for many plant and animal species. Conducting surveys during these periods allows for better observation and identification of species, providing a more comprehensive assessment of the ecosystem and a project’s potential environmental impact.
Amegilla cingulata is a species of blue-banded bee native to Australia. Spring is the busiest time of year for the bees, it’s the season when new colonies are started, established colonies re-emerge, and food is restocked.
Optimise Project Planning
Planning to undertake spring surveys early in your project is essential to ensuring that you meet your seasonal survey requirements. Completing successful spring surveys helps identify both opportunities and constraints. This proactive approach provides a very real opportunity to design a project that is suitable and fit for purpose for your site, assisting in expediting project approval. Early identification of environmental factors helps in creating designs that are more likely to gain regulatory approval and be implemented successfully.
Contact Specialists Early
It’s really important that developers contact their biodiversity specialist early. There is always a lot of intense competition across the environmental consulting industry for resources, especially during peak survey seasons. We often receive requests for spring surveys early to midway in spring, making it very challenging to resource a field team across our eastern states.
If you need help, be sure to contact us early so that we can ensure we are able to resource your project effectively. Early engagement allows us to allocate the necessary expertise and resources for thorough assessments, avoiding delays and complications later.
Plan ahead, engage early, and ensure your renewable energy project meets all biodiversity requirements efficiently.
