Pre-clearing Surveys
A Project Ecologist in New South Wales (NSW) is an environmental professional specializing in the study, management, and conservation of ecosystems, flora, fauna, and biodiversity within the context of development, land use, or natural resource projects. They apply ecological science to assess environmental impacts, guide sustainable planning, and ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
What Does a Project Ecologist Do?
A project ecologist typically:
- Conducts ecological assessments and surveys (flora, fauna, habitat, threatened species, ecological communities)
- Prepares reports such as Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDARs), Flora and Fauna Management Plans, or Microbat Management Plans
- Advises on environmental impact mitigation and offset strategies
- Designs and implements monitoring programs for threatened species, ecological communities, and habitat restoration
- Provides expert input on regulatory compliance with NSW environmental laws (e.g., Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016) and Commonwealth legislation (e.g., EPBC Act)
- Liaises with government agencies, local councils, and stakeholders during project approvals
- Supports adaptive management through ongoing monitoring and reporting
Why Would You Need a Project Ecologist in NSW?
- Development projects
- Residential, commercial, or infrastructure developments often require ecological assessments to identify environmental constraints and meet planning approval conditions
- A project ecologist can help prepare BDARs, identify Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) or threatened species, and recommend management measures
- Vegetation clearing or land management
- Clearing native vegetation, especially in biodiverse or bushfire-prone areas, triggers the need for ecological expertise to ensure legal compliance and ecological sustainability
- Biodiversity offsetting
- When offsets are required, ecologists design, implement, and monitor offset sites to achieve conservation outcomes
- Environmental compliance and reporting
- Ensuring your project meets conditions imposed by the NSW Rural Fire Service, local councils, or the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE)
- Conservation projects
- Restoration, rehabilitation, and threatened species recovery initiatives require ecological knowledge to guide planting, habitat creation, and long-term monitoring
- Pre-Clearing Survey
- Before any vegetation clearing, the ecologist inspects the site to identify flora and fauna, with a focus on threatened species, habitat trees (especially those with hollows), and ecological communities.
- They conduct targeted surveys using appropriate methods (e.g., spotlighting for nocturnal animals, tree hollow inspections, habitat assessments).
- The survey results determine if protected species or communities are present and inform how clearing should proceed to minimise environmental impact.
- The ecologist produces a report or checklist detailing what was found and provides recommendations for clearing practices or avoidance zones.
- Clearing Supervision
- During clearing operations, the ecologist is on-site to oversee vegetation removal, ensuring that contractors follow the recommended environmental safeguards.
- They watch for wildlife that might be disturbed or at risk, such as animals sheltering in trees, and can stop work if threatened fauna are detected.
- The ecologist advises on staged clearing, timing restrictions (e.g., avoiding breeding seasons), and handling of hollow-bearing trees.
- Their presence ensures compliance with environmental approvals and reduces the risk of harming protected species.
- Dam Dewatering
- For projects involving lowering or emptying dams, the ecologist assesses if aquatic or semi-aquatic fauna (e.g., frogs, fish, turtles) could be affected.
- They may conduct surveys for species presence before dewatering begins.
- During dewatering, the ecologist ensures that fauna are rescued or relocated safely if needed.
- They advise on timing and methods to minimise harm to aquatic ecosystems, ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
Why Do You Need an Ecologist for These in NSW?
- Legal Compliance: NSW laws such as the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 require assessment and protection of threatened species and habitats before and during clearing or water management activities.
- Protect Threatened Species: Many native animals and plants rely on habitat trees, waterways, and surrounding vegetation. Without expert surveys and supervision, these species can be unknowingly harmed or displaced.
- Avoid Penalties: Non-compliance with environmental conditions can lead to fines, project delays, or legal action.
- Ensure Best Practice: Ecologists provide expert advice on how to reduce environmental impacts and meet conditions set by local councils, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), or the NSW Rural Fire Service.
- Support Biodiversity Offsets: Their surveys help determine if offsets or rehabilitation works are necessary to compensate for habitat loss.
- Risk Management: On-site supervision minimizes the chance of accidental damage to protected species or habitats, reducing project risks.
Summary Table
| Service | What the Ecologist Does | Why You Need It |
| Pre-Clearing Survey | Surveys flora and fauna, identifies threatened species and habitats, reports findings. | To identify protected biodiversity before clearing, comply with laws. |
| Clearing Supervision | Monitors clearing to protect wildlife, ensures environmental safeguards. | To prevent harm during clearing, meet consent conditions. |
| Dam Dewatering | Assesses aquatic fauna, oversees rescue and relocation, advises on best practices. | To protect aquatic species and comply with water management laws. |
Clearing Supervision / Spotter-Catcher
A Fauna Spotter-Catcher (sometimes called a Fauna Spotter or Fauna Handler) in NSW is a specially trained ecologist or wildlife professional who is responsible for locating, identifying, safely capturing, and relocating native animals—particularly during activities like vegetation clearing, construction, or habitat disturbance.
What Does a Fauna Spotter-Catcher Do?
- Spotting and identifying fauna on or near a worksite, especially threatened or protected species such as reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians.
- Safely capturing animals that may be at risk from clearing or construction activities, using humane methods and appropriate handling techniques.
- Relocating fauna to safe habitat areas away from the disturbance zone.
- Working closely with ecologists to ensure species protection and compliance with environmental laws.
- Advising contractors and workers on how to avoid harming wildlife during operations.
- Maintaining records and reports on fauna encountered and relocated.
Why Do You Need a Fauna Spotter-Catcher in NSW?
- Legal compliance: NSW laws like the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 require protection of native fauna during land clearing and development.
- Mitigate impacts: Spotter-catchers minimize harm to wildlife by actively removing animals from harm’s way before clearing or construction.
- Protect threatened species: Ensures compliance with conditions protecting vulnerable or endangered species.
- Reduce project risks: Avoids delays or fines that may result from harming protected animals.
- Support environmental approvals: Their work is often a condition of development consents or biodiversity offset management.
