Cowie conducted an ecological assessment for the City of Moreton Bays Suttons Beach Public Space Project to support the Development Application (DA). The Project will involve replacement of the current facilities and buildings of ‘Suttons Beach Pavilion’ by a new mixed-use facility that will be built in its space.
The City of Moreton Bay Council required an ecological assessment to be conducted of the project site, that incorporated a response to the ‘Environmental Planning Comments’ – PO114 (setback from waterways and wetlands that protects natural and environmental values) from the minutes of the pre-lodgement meeting. The ecological assessment needed to include a response to the guidance provided by the town planner – “An ecologist to provide supporting information to justify the proposed development’s location within the mapped riparian and wetland setbacks area. Considering the extent of existing development located within this mapped area, ecological input is not considered mandatory as part of the development application material. However, this information may be requested by Council as part of an information request”.
Cowie undertook the following project aspects:
This role included undertaking the initial desktop planning and environmental searches for the project including the Protected Matters Search Tool, Wildlife Online, MNES data bases etc. and preparation of a project constraints analysis. The outcome of these searches allowed for the design of a site-specific ecological assessment to be undertaken. The associate environmental scientist also provided support during the DA process with relevant information where appropriate.
The graduate environmental scientist assisted with desktop searches, report writing, planning and the site survey.
Development of in-house ecology team and capabilities and broadening of ecology experience.
Fine tune field work policies, procedures and organisational skills.
Sustainability support
Sustainability support
Sustainability support
Sustainability support