Nature Advisory has over 20 years’ experience in the assessment and monitoring of wind farm impacts on biodiversity. We are one of the Australia’s leading ecological consulting teams and an outright technical leader in wind farm bird and bat impact assessments.
Nature Advisory has assessed ecological impacts for over 80 wind farm projects across Australia and has monitored impacts on birds and bats at over 25 operating projects in that time. Through this work, its team has developed a deep understanding of the impacts of wind farms on wildlife and of the monitoring and mitigation methods appropriate to such projects. In addition, it has a clear understanding of the requirements of decision-makers and regulators for robust biodiversity information.
Offshore wind energy is an emerging industry in Australia, and one that presents significant scientific challenges in meeting the biodiversity information requirements of decision-makers and regulators. To service our clients better in this sector, Nature Advisory has made significant investment in both relevant in-house skills and capabilities, and key partnerships. We have strengthened our team with marine bird and wildlife experts, further cemented our partnerships with specialist sub-consultants in marine mammals, and statistics and modelling, as well as forged new partnerships with other specialists, such as aerial wildlife photographic surveys, marine ecosystems and fisheries. This enables us to bring the best possible team together to address the biodiversity impacts of offshore wind farms. This builds on our in-house capacity to:
- Assess the risks and impacts of projects on species protected under state and Commonwealth legislation
- Undertake boat-based and aerial surveys of offshore wind farm sites for marine mammals, turtles and sea-birds
- Map areas of high marine wildlife activity
- Use our proprietary spatially-sensitive bird collision risk model to predict collision risk for projects, including comparing different turbine layouts
- Evaluate project areas for fisheries resources and associated industry implications
- Prepare assessment reports that address all relevant requirements of decision-makers and regulators.
Our existing team of highly experienced terrestrial ecological specialists can also undertake detailed biodiversity assessments to meet regulatory requirements for the land-based elements of offshore wind farm projects, including shore crossings, underground and overhead transmission lines, and substation and terminal sites.
Our key partners are:
- Applied Ecology Solutions (marine mammals and turtles)
Nature Advisory brings a refreshing approach to development assessment that combines a commitment to good scientific investigations that reliably inform decision-makers while understanding the commercial and compliance concerns of clients. Contact us for early advice on your project’s potential biodiversity issues and likely future assessment and information requirements. Contact our one of our Directors:
Bernard O’Callaghan bernard@natureadvisory.com.au
Inga Kulik inga@natureadvisory.com.au
Ph (03) 9815 2111
E. enquiries@natureadvisory.com.au
