The Project
This project involved an extension to an existing coal mine in Central Queensland. e2m was engaged to support the development of approval documentation for both State and Commonwealth processes, including an Environmental Authority (EA) amendment and referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). These approvals were critical to securing future operations for the mine.
Our Approach
e2m were engaged to provide support for an Environmental Authority (EA) amendment to support the extension of the coal mining operation following a referral under the EPBC. From there, we conducted a terrestrial ecology assessment to identify and characterise ecological values including threatened flora, fauna and ecological communities within the study area.
We undertook targeted surveys across two survey periods and produced an ecological assessment report and impact assessment for Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES). The surveys identified suitable habitat for threatened fauna species including the ornamental snake, squatter pigeon, Australian painted snipe, short beaked echidna and common death adder. Two threatened flora species, Dichanthium queenslandicum and Solanum adenophorum, were also identified.
Following the impact assessment, the team undertook an evaluation of biodiversity offset properties, building offset documentation to support the offset area management plans. We undertook targeted surveys across two survey periods and produced an ecological assessment report and impact assessment for MNES and MSES.
Outcomes
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, including evolving safety protocols and fieldwork logistics, all work was delivered within the agreed timeframe. The offset assessment supported the identification of suitable offset areas and contributed to a clear, defensible approvals pathway for the project.
