Assessment Projects

Greater Blue Mountain World Heritage Visitor Centre Options Assessment and REF:
Conducted a location options analysis of a visitor’s centre and office/depot. This involved issue identification, an environmental assessment, provision of management recommendations and site identification. This will be followed by the preparation of an REF for the preferred site.

Ulan Coal Mine Hazard Reduction Burn REF:
Preparation of the hazard reduction burn REF for bushland on the Ulan Coal Mine site. This involved consideration of Aboriginal cultural heritage and flora/fauna issues, and liaison with a range of stakeholders including the RFS, NPWS and local Aboriginal communities.

South Windsor Sewage Pipeline REF, Ecological Report and Assessment: Prepared a report identifying ecological issues and assessing impacts, nominating a preferred route and outlining management recommendations for a sewage pipeline to Windsor.

Hammondville Sports Field REF:
A comprehensive REF was prepared for proposed sports field on environmentally sensitive lands near Harris Creek in Liverpool Local Government Area. A number of 8 Part Test for both flora and fauna threatened species were undertaken and an assessment of koala habitat (SEPP 44) was also undertaken.

Public wharf at Pleasure Point REF:
A comprehensive REF for a new public wharf was prepared, taking into account complex planning requirements and multi-agency consultation. Aquatic and terrestrial assessments were undertaken and mitigation measures were recommended.

Ecological Assessment- Managing Sydney’s Urban Growth (South West and North West Sector):
Preparation of an assessment of the ecologic values of two large scale proposed urban release areas in western Sydney, including field validation of aerial photography analysis, and mapping. This project also included an aquatic biodiversity assessment and identification of threatened flora and fauna. A number of options for regional scale habitat connectivity were also produced, and expert workshops were held. A report detailing findings and an analysis of the each connectivity option was also provided.

Illawarra Escarpment Conservation Assessment:
The conservation values of the Wollongong LGA were comprehensively identified, assessed for significance and mapped. Risks to conservation values were identified and mapped. Priorities for Council, NPWS and land holder conservation efforts were identified and mapped.

Royal National Park Garie Valley Redevelopment Options Assessment: Prepared information, identified issues, undertook comprehensive environmental assessment and options analysis, and provide management recommendations for the redevelopment of the Garie Valley.

Rouse Hill Sewage Master Plan Ecological Report and Assessment:
Provided an assessment of remnant ecological communities, threats and values. Examined statutory framework and its application to environmental management and developed recommendations for the Master Plan.

Murruin and Yengo Wilderness Assessment:
Assessing these two areas for their suitability for declaration as wilderness. Assessment included, accessing, interpreting and analysing environmental and biodiversity databases and targeted field survey and community consultation.

Former RAAF Stores Master Plan, Ecological Overview:
Examined vegetation communities, flora and fauna, and habitat values. Reviewed the ecological values and issues of the site and recommended issues that needed to be considered during the site’s future development.

Picton, Thirlmere, Tahmoor Local Environment Study, Wollondilly:
Performed an ecological assessment including Endangered Ecological Communities, significant flora and fauna, integrating with a detailed GIS mapping project. Identified relevant planning recommendations to address a range of ecological values.

Glenlee Resource Recycling Facility LES, Flora and Fauna Assessment:
Provided a flora and fauna assessment report as part of a Local Environment Study for the Glenlee Resource Recycling Facility being prepared by GHD.

Coffs Harbour Regional Cultural Heritage Assessment:
ELA staff worked in close consultation with the NPWS to prepare maps and data of archaeological values and wild resource use areas. Analysis of this information in relation to environmental attributes was undertaken in the Arcview GIS system to determine trends across the study area. A training program was prepared for members of the Coffs Harbour ALC and GIS training provided to assist ALC members in responding to requests in relation to develop applications and land management.

Sydney Catchment Authority Cultural Heritage Assessment:
Provided GIS support for the team examining the cultural heritage values of the Sydney water catchment area. This involved procurement of data from a number of sources, as well as data conversion to ensure compatibility, liaison with state and local government departments, and the production of publication quality maps.

Salinity Pilot Study:
ELA collated information on salinity, landuse and archaeological sites for use in the preliminary assessment of potential impacts of salinity on Aboriginal Archaeological sites. This information was collated for the NPWS to undertake further analysis.