The Project
e2m was engaged to deliver ecological monitoring services in support the implementation of the Carmichael Coal Mine Project, one of Queensland’s most complex and closely regulated developments. Our role was to support the implementation of a suite of approved environmental management plans including:
- Black-throated Finch Management Plan
- Offset Area Management Plan
- Species Management Plan; and
- Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan.
Our Approach
e2m is delivering a comprehensive terrestrial ecological monitoring program for the Carmichael Coal Mine and its associated offset areas—designed to ensure long-term compliance and measurable conservation outcomes.
Our services include:
- Annual black-throated finch population census, providing critical data on population trends and habitat use.
- A large-scale bioacoustic and remote camera monitoring program to track the relative abundance of both threatened and pest species, including black-throated finch, squatter pigeon, feral pigs, cats, cane toads, and wild dogs.
- Mist-netting and genetic sampling of black-throated finch populations, delivered in collaboration with the Conservation Genetics Laboratory at Macquarie University—demonstrating our commitment to science-led conservation.
- Habitat quality monitoring and auditing aligned with Offset Area Management Plan conditions, ensuring that management actions are evidence-based and outcome-focused.
- Biomass monitoring to inform grazing and fire management—two key levers for improving habitat condition and ecological resilience.
- Preparation of annual compliance reports to meet both State and Commonwealth regulatory requirements.
Outcomes
Key project outcomes include:
- Delivered a robust, repeatable method for tracking black-throated finch populations—supporting long-term conservation outcomes.
- Enabled large-scale, efficient monitoring of biodiversity using AI and remote sensing, reducing field time while increasing data accuracy.
- Supported effective habitat management implementing the fire and burning requirements for the offset area management plans, improving ecological conditions for the black-throated finch, squatter pigeon, brigalow threatened ecological community and ornamental snake.
- Ensured regulatory confidence through comprehensive, timely compliance reporting.
