The Project
The Moorlands Project is proposed by Huaxin Energy (Aust) Pty Ltd as a greenfield thermal coal mine located approximately 40 km north of Clermont, Queensland. e2m was engaged to lead the terrestrial ecology and ground-water dependent ecosystem components of the Commonwealth environmental approvals process.
Our Approach
e2m worked as part of a multidisciplinary team our work was critical in identifying environmental risks and opportunities, informing biodiversity offset requirements, and supporting a robust ecohydrological impact assessment:
- Conducted detailed ecological field surveys and prepared a technical ecological assessment report tailored to Commonwealth standards.
- Assessed habitat quality to inform biodiversity offset calculations and ensure alignment with regulatory expectations.
- Coordinated GDE assessments in collaboration with a specialist sub-consultant, ensuring scientific rigour and consistency.
- Participated in a series of ecohydrological workshops to map potential water impact pathways, addressing the requirements of the Commonwealth’s Independent Expert Scientific Committee (IESC).
- Joined pre-lodgement meetings with the Commonwealth to clearly communicate ecological findings and support transparent decision-making.
Outcomes
Provided a clear, evidence-based understanding that the project was unlikely to impact groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
Informed the project’s biodiversity offset strategy, ensuring compliance and ecological integrity.
Supported the ecohydrological impact assessment with robust ecological data and expert input.
Responded to IESC comments, helping to de-risk the approvals process and build regulator confidence.
