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Preparation of a regional biodiversity strategy and facilitation
of implementation across seven Councils in the Lower Hunter
Valley and Central Coast region. Involves working with planning
tools, management processes, liaison and negotiation with politicians
and senior management. Undertaking a conservation assessment,
identification of corridors, mapping of vegetation, assessment
of conservation values and identification of conservation priorities.
Developed comprehensive strategies integrating State,
regional and national policies, based on the identification
of biodiversity values, incorporating objectives and strategies
and actions relevant to the regulatory framework and council
procedures and programs. Communication between our team, councillors
and council staff was an essential element of this project.
Award winning (First Prize - Keep Australia Beautiful Award
for Urban Habitat Renewal). Developed comprehensive strategies
integrating ecological values assessment with policy, operational
and planning strategies relating to all areas of Council responsibility.
A habitat offsetting policy and a comprehensive connectivity
and conservation significant assessment were core elements of
this strategy.
This project involves the collation of strategies, issues and
projects identified in existing council documents and through
consultation with the community, as well as by reconnaissance
of the study area. Projects are prioritised based on a set of
agreed criteria to allow Council to apply a strategic approach
to applications for funding and allocation of Council and Community
projects.
Carried out a natural heritage assessment of the Edmondson Park
Composite Release Area to define a development footprint for
the Edmondson Park site that balances urban development outcomes
with biodiversity conservation. This involved surveying, mapping
and analysis of the extent, condition and conservation significance
of vegetation.
Preparing a set of biodiversity provisions for inclusion in
Councils local environment plan, followed by the preparation
of a full Biodiversity Development Control Plan (DCP) and a
review of councils landscaping guidelines and landscaping DCP.
There was close consultation with council to produce mapping
for an environmentally significant lands layer.
Developed a detailed strategy which incorporates national, state,
regional and local policies to enhance, protect and restore
biodiversity in the Shire. The strategy addresses and provides
actions for each of the key functions of Council including land
use planning, land management, education, resourcing, monitoring/reporting
and data management. Research on local issues, biodiversity
data audit and analysis for conservation significance was carried
out in the Shire. Active communication with Council and staff
was a significant part of the process.
This project involved developing a stormwater strategy and water
quality monitoring program for the base’s Environmental
Management Plan (EMP). Detailed descriptions of the terrestrial,
riparian and aquatic environment were undertaken which included
invertebrate and water quality sampling.
Prepared a supplementary State of the Environment (SOE) report
for Merriwa Shire Council. The supplementary SOE was linked
to performance measures in Councils overall 2002 – 2005
Management Plan.
Providing ecological advice (estuarine and riparian) on Part
3A permit applications under the NSW Rivers and Foreshores Improvement
Act.
Provide an expert witness role for any relevant court cases.
Provision of ongoing ecological and strategic conservation planning
advice.
This project for Rockdale City Council involves the design,
implementation and evaluation of a community environmental education
program focusing on stormwater and waste management.
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