The Project
e2m was commissioned to undertake an on-ground ecological constraints assessment for a proposed wind farm near Atherton, focusing on turbine siting and transmission line placement. The objective was to identify and evaluate Commonwealth and State Government Prescribed Environmental Matters (PEMs) that could influence project feasibility and infrastructure layout.
Our Approach
e2m began with a detailed desktop assessment of the project area, summarising relevant Commonwealth and State legislation, identifying Prescribed Environmental Matters (PEMs), and mapping their potential distribution. This was followed by extensive field surveys across challenging topography to verify vegetation and habitat values, particularly at proposed turbine locations. To ensure full site coverage, our team employed a range of technology-driven ecological and GIS-based tools, allowing access to otherwise inaccessible areas and enhancing the accuracy of our insights. We developed a custom scoring system to evaluate ecological constraints, factoring in fauna, flora, threatened ecological communities (TECs), regulated vegetation, biodiversity corridors, and connectivity values. This integrated approach enabled a comprehensive understanding of environmental constraints and informed infrastructure siting decisions.
Outcomes
e2m’s integrated desktop and field assessment provided a comprehensive understanding of ecological constraints across the project area. Our scoring system and resulting maps enabled the client to make informed decisions about turbine and transmission line siting—minimising environmental impact and regulatory risk. The use of advanced spatial tools and ecological expertise ensured accurate, site-wide insights despite challenging topography. This project highlights e2m’s ability to support infrastructure planning with precision, innovation, and full-cycle ecological assessment.
