The Project
To continue operations at an open-cut coal mine near Blackwater, the client required comprehensive ecological assessments and strategic biodiversity offset planning to meet both Commonwealth and State Government approval requirements.
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
Since 2022, e2m has provided end-to-end ecological services, supporting the full environmental approvals pipeline. Our work has been instrumental in minimising ecological impacts, optimising offset strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Conducted baseline ecological assessments across the proposed disturbance footprint to identify key species and habitat values.
Identified onsite and offsite biodiversity offset options, balancing ecological integrity with project feasibility.
Collaborated closely with mine planners and environmental approvals specialists to optimise the disturbance footprint—minimising impacts and offset liabilities while retaining high-value onsite offset areas.
Calculated offset area requirements and developed a comprehensive Biodiversity Offset Strategy.
Prepared technical reports to support the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), including an Offset Area Management Plan aligned with Commonwealth Environmental Management Plan Guidelines.
Outcomes
e2m’s ecological and GDE assessments directly supported the Commonwealth approvals process for the Mine. Our habitat quality analysis informed biodiversity offset requirements, while our coordination of groundwater-dependent ecosystem studies helped demonstrate minimal impact risk—addressing key concerns of the Independent Expert Scientific Committee. The Offset Area Management Plan was completed in full compliance with Commonwealth Environmental Management Plan Guidelines, contributing to a strong regulatory submission. By expediting reporting to align with project delivery timeframes and overcoming seasonal survey challenges, e2m delivered a responsive, outcome-focused service. This project highlights our ability to manage complex ecological inputs across the full assessment pipeline of a large-scale development.
