LIVERPOOL RANGE WIND FARM, NSW
Blackwood Ecology worked with NGH Environmental on an ecological assessment of the proposed Liverpool Range Wind Farm site near Coolah, NSW for Australian renewable energy company Epuron. Field investigations involved assessment of suitable turbine locations on exposed hilltops throughout the site as well as access tracks and energy infrastructure locations. Fauna surveys throughout the study area involved microchiropteran bat surveys, call playback and spotlighting and morning and dusk bird surveys targeting significant birds such as the Painted honeyeater, Glossy black-cockatoo and Speckled warbler.
"AERO PARK" REZONING AND RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION, GILGANDRA
Located in central west NSW, Gilgandra Council contracted Blackwood Ecology to undertake Ecological Assessments associated with the rezoning and residential subdivision of 16 hectares in order to provide the Gilgandra community with a range of residential land for the next 10-15 years. Works involved the assessment of vegetation communities within the site as well as fauna habitats for Threatened fauna species including the Grey-crowned babbler. A range of amelioration measures were recommended, with the objectives of reducing the risk of degradation of neighbouring areas of habitat, managing invasive species and identifying potential opportunities to increase habitat value of proposed stormwater retention basins.
CLARRIE HALL DAM SPILLWAY UPGRADE
Blackwood Ecology were engaged by NSW Public Works on behalf of Tweed Shire Council to complete a Terrestrial and Aquatic Flora and Fauna Assessment for the upgrade of the existing spillway and dam wall at Clarrie Hall Dam to meet revised NSW Dams Safety Committee (DSC) safety standards. A significant population of the Threatened Comb-crested Jacana is known from the dam, this species inhabiting extensive Water lily beds on the dam surface. Specific management measures were formulated to minimise impacts to aquatic habitats and fauna species occurring at the site.
Blackwood Ecology were engaged by NSW Public Works on behalf of Tweed Shire Council to complete a Terrestrial and Aquatic Flora and Fauna Assessment for the upgrade of the existing spillway and dam wall at Clarrie Hall Dam to meet revised NSW Dams Safety Committee (DSC) safety standards. A significant population of the Threatened Comb-crested Jacana is known from the dam, this species inhabiting extensive Water lily beds on the dam surface. Specific management measures were formulated to minimise impacts to aquatic habitats and fauna species occurring at the site.
BOOLARA GEOTHERMAL PROJECT CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS
A preliminary desktop analysis and groundtruthing exercise was completed for Gradient Energy to examine the potential for development of a geothermal resource in Northern NSW. The report included a series of maps highlighting areas of ecological sensitivity, wildlife corridors, matters of National Environmental Significance under the Commonwealth EPBC Act (1999), Koala habitat, acid sulphate soils as well as Threatened species records.
TERRESTRIAL FAUNA IMPACT ASSESSMENT, PNG TO QUEENSLAND GAS PIPELINE
Blackwood Ecology worked with Natural Solutions Environmental Consultants on the Fauna impact assessment component of a comprehensive environmental study for a proposed gas pipeline from Papua New Guinea to Weipa in Far North Queensland, with an extension to Gove in the Northern Territory. A detailed desktop assessment process was followed up with fieldwork in Far North Queensland and in Arnhem Land.
In 2005, the old multistorey brick and stone surf clubhouse at Lighthouse Beach was demolished and planning commenced for a new clubhouse that will include an observation tower, first aid room, public toilets, offices, function rooms, storage and a cafe. Blackwood Ecology completed an ecological assessment for the site that made several recommendations to minimise the potential for damage to the neighbouring dune ecosystem and protect important trees such as Pandanus and Coast banksia.
