The Project
e2m has been comissioned to deliver a contemporary Terrestrial Ecological Assessment and Significant Impact Assessment report to support the project’s environmental approvals and Environmental Impact Statement. An originally proposed expansion project was referred under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC2023/09723) by the designated proponent being BM Alliance Coal Operations Pty Limited, which was then changed to Whitehaven who are proposing to vary the action.
e2m was engaged during the early planning phase to develop a preliminary Environmental Offset Strategy aligned with the current Blueprint. This desktop-based assessment leveraged advanced GIS habitat modelling to provide early insights and strategic direction.
Our Approach
Reviewing existing ecological reports to identify MNES and MSES, including koala, ornamental snake, Australian painted-snipe, endangered regional ecosystems (REs), and watercourse vegetation.
Conducting a desktop gap analysis and data review to refine survey targets.
Mobilising field teams to undertake targeted ecological surveys in accordance with Commonwealth and State guidelines.
Outcomes
e2m’s assessments will provide a clear and balanced basis for offset planning, ensuring alignment with both Commonwealth and State environmental policies. The Terrestrial Ecology report is being finalised in accordance with the Commonwealth Environmental Management Plan Guidelines. Our ability to expedite reporting to meet project delivery timeframes—while managing seasonal constraints in species detection—is enabling a timely and effective support for the approvals process. This project highlights e2m’s capacity to deliver high-quality ecological assessments under complex regulatory frameworks and tight timelines.
