Developers, councils and other planning authorities often need to check the veracity of ecological information. Practical Ecology has the expertise to review ecological reports, assess their accuracy and clearly explain their findings
When assessing planning permits, councils and other planning authorities frequently need to review flora and fauna surveys, habitat hectare assessments, net gain analyses, offset requirements and property management plans. Because Victoria’s planning provisions can require complex applications of the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s ‘Native Vegetation Management Framework’, these reports sometimes need explanation and review. Councils and planning authorities can also want a review as in the absence of set standards the quality of ecological reports can vary. Practical Ecology provides clear-English reviews of reports, thoroughly checking methodology, calculations and legislative requirements to ensure accuracy. If required our ecologists will present their findings to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Developers also make use of our peer review service to protect themselves against expensive delays caused by poor advice, as well to check the accuracy of their legislative requirements.
Our ecologists thoroughly review reports complied by other ecological consultants, checking methodology, legislative implications and calculations. If need be, our ecologists return to the site to gather their own information.
Practical Ecology have been involved in environmental planning and ecological restoration since 1993, and keep abreast of the latest legislative requirements. We pride ourselves on answering our clients’ questions with clear, expert ecological advice.
Brimbank City Council’s concern for the remnant grassland in their shire led them to request a review of an assessment for a proposed subdivision. The developer, Investa Property Group, employed Practical Ecology to review the original report.
The original report recommended a grassland reserve be established on part of the site to meet legislative requirements to offset native vegetation loss. Practical Ecology’s review found this to be predominantly sound, although the original report contained several errors and lacked detail is some crucial areas. Our review proposed:
Practical Ecology’s peer review gave the council the information they needed to assess the developer’s permit application and ensure the proposed grassland reserve was adequate.
Photo: Proposed grassland reserve, Deer Park
A proposed development in Eltham was referred to VCAT after the local council, Nilumbik, failed to determine the planning application within the required 60 days. The developer proposed to subdivide a block of land into six lots for a rural residential development. Although the land was degraded, it contained some native vegetation with potential for restoration. Despite receiving 17 objections to the plan the council supported the development proposal, but wanted changes to the proposed onsite conservation reserve as it considered the reserve incompatible with the development.
In preparation for the VCAT hearing, the developer employed Practical Ecology to Peer Review the initial ecological consultant’s report which had indicated the methods with which the subdivision could satisfy the requirements, including the conservation reserve.
Practical Ecology’s Peer Review report generally supported the initial consultant’s findings including the conservation reserve. Practical Ecology found the proposal satisfied legislative requirements to avoid and minimise habitat loss, while the calculations used to determine the offsets were valid. Lincoln Kern, the Managing Director of Practical Ecology, appeared before VCAT as an Expert Witness. His testimony played a critical role in the panel finding in favour of the developer’s proposal.
Photo: Flax-lily flower
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