When you need someone first on the ground to survey and assess a potential project, our ecology consultants help you with early decision-making on your proposed project. This includes environmental monitoring as well as providing solutions to help you minimise impact on the environment and/or mitigate risk. Our ecology consulting also complements and informs our Approvals services with extensive knowledge of Commonwealth and State legislation.
Ecological surveys
Ecological survey and monitoring
Flora and fauna surveys
Threatened Species Surveys
Biodiversity Assessments
Terrestrial ecology
Marine ecology
Aquatic fauna passage studies
Environmental Value & Impact Assessments
Environmental Approvals and Regulatory Compliance (QLD & NSW)
Clearing
Conservation Projects
Biodiversity offsetting and negotiations
Ecological Restoration & Rehabilitation
When do I need an ecology assessment for a project?
An ecology assessment may be required when a project could impact vegetation, habitat, waterways, protected species or environmentally sensitive areas. These assessments identify biodiversity values, ecological constraints, approval triggers and mitigation requirements before works begin. Cowie Environmental provides ecology assessments from its Brisbane base for development, infrastructure, resources, renewables and water projects across Queensland and New South Wales.
What is included in a flora and fauna assessment?
A flora and fauna assessment identifies the plant and animal species, habitat values and ecological constraints present on or near a project site. It may include desktop research, field surveys, habitat mapping, threatened species assessment, impact analysis and recommendations for mitigation, approvals or ongoing management. Cowie Environmental prepares flora and fauna assessments to support environmental due diligence, approvals and compliance.
Do I need a threatened species survey before development?
A threatened species survey may be required if a project area contains suitable habitat or records of protected plants, animals or ecological communities. These surveys help determine whether local, state or Commonwealth environmental approvals may be triggered. Cowie Environmental undertakes threatened species assessments and ecological reporting for projects that need clear biodiversity and approvals advice.
What is biodiversity offset planning?
Biodiversity offset planning is used when a project has residual impacts on significant biodiversity values after avoidance and mitigation measures have been considered. Offsets may be required as part of an environmental approval to compensate for unavoidable ecological impacts. Cowie Environmental supports biodiversity offset planning, habitat mapping and ecological impact reporting for regulated projects.
What is the difference between an ecology assessment and an environmental impact assessment?
An ecology assessment focuses specifically on plants, animals, habitats, threatened species and biodiversity values. An environmental impact assessment is broader and may consider ecology alongside water, air, noise, land, heritage, social impacts and regulatory requirements. Cowie Environmental provides ecology services that can stand alone or support broader environmental impact assessments and approval processes.