Newsletter September 2005

Contents

Click on any of the subject headings to jump to the article, or just scroll down.

NGHenvironmental open our doors in Sydney

nghenvironmental are currently establishing an office in Sydney which we expect to have up and running in the next few months. We have already employed a new staff member (Carlos Teuffer) who will be based there - read more about Carlos below.

This is a very exciting step for us. The new office will help service our existing Sydney based clients, and allow us to develop more of a market base in the Sydney region.  Our existing regional office and staff will remain in Bega.

 

 

Carlos Teuffer joins NGH

Carlos Teuffer joined nghenvironmental in August 2005 as Project Officer, focusing on Sustainable Tourism. Carlos is our first Sydney based employee. He holds a B.A. Marketing, from Mexico (ITESM-Mexico City Campus), and a MSc. Environmental Management that was gained at Macquarie University, in Sydney. Carlos will be working hard at developing and promoting our capabilities in sustainable tourism.

Carlos’ professional experience includes working for 3 years with a Mexican environmental NGO, Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C., where he focussed on eco and sustainable tourism as strategies for the conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity and community development in northwest Mexico. During this time, Carlos successfully coordinated and managed the process to acquire Green Globe 21 International Ecotourism Standard certification for a community-based ecotourism company in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The company became the first ecotourism operation in the world to achieve the GG21 IES Certification (January 2003 - May 2005).

Other milestones reached by Carlos, while working in Mexico include:

  • Establishing and coordinating an ecotourism learning and capacity-building group consisting of key regional leaders including NGOs, academic and government institutions, tourism operators and natural area managers;

  • Undertaking extensive lobbying, capacity building and strategic planning with key decision-makers to place eco and sustainable tourism concepts in the agendas of relevant segments of industry, conservation groups and government;

  • Coordinated a wide array of projects that aimed to promote sustainable development through market-based incentives such as certification and the development of marketing positioning strategies based on eco and sustainable toursim market trends.

We are looking forward to working with Carlos and further developing our expertise in the area of sustainable travel and tourism.

 

Sustainable Tourism Solutions and Innovations

With at least 72% of tourists participating in nature based activities, and a noteable shift in public perceptions and government policies, it can make sense for tourism developers to think ‘eco-tourism’ from the outset. Not only will this help give the development the best chances of getting off the ground with minimal delays and costs, but it will also bring other advantages such as cost savings through more efficient resource use, better chances of attracting investment and the creation of a more innovative workplace where staff will have pride in their contribution to a tourism industry leader.

nghenvironmental have significant expertise supporting the development of ecotourism and the application of environmental technology within the tourism industry.

Green Globe is an internationally recognised ecotourism accreditation brand and ngh staff member John Turville is an accredited Green Globe 21 Distributor. He is currently working with Kosciusko Thredbo Ltd in the development of an Environmental Management System for the resort which will help them to attain Green Globe accreditation to the Community Standard (see article below).  ngh are also registered with Ecotourism Australia to undertake audits on EcoCertified products.

Last November Daniela Brozek-Cordier attended the Ecotourism Australia national conference, the highlights of which included details of numerous different approaches to ecotourism both within Australian and internationally. Before joining ngh, Daniela has worked in all levels of the tourism and ecotourism industry including helping to establish a member based marketing organisation for the Port Arthur Region in Tasmania, a small nature guiding company, and working for multi eco-tourism award winning company Cradle Mountain Huts. And Carlos… if you haven't already read the article about him, go back and take a look! Otherwise, read on for more information about some of the recent tourism projects nghenvironmental has been involved in.

 

Developing an Environmental Management System for Thredbo

Kosciusko Thredbo Pty. Ltd. has engaged nghenvironmental to develop and implement an Environmental Management System. Following the development of an Initial Environmental Review (IER) in March, 2005, examining the major components of the resort and their actual and potential environmental aspects and impacts, it was recommended that Kosciusko Thredbo Pty. Ltd., as head lessee of Thredbo Alpine Resort, develop an EMS in line with the Green Globe 21 Community Standard. This would place the Thredbo community as the world’s leaders in becoming the first ski resort to benchmark and certify their resort to the International Standard for Sustainable Travel and Tourism.

The Thredbo Alpine Resort will be embarking on developing and implementing their EMS over the proceeding 12 to 18 months with an anticipated implementation date of December 2007. nghenvironmental will be assisting the Thredbo Community to develop this system and to assist in the collection and benchmarking of key performance data.

 

Human Waste Management Strategy for the Roof of Australia

The Main Range of Kosciuszko National Park is the jewel of Australia’s mainland alpine reserves. It contains fragile and unique vegetation communities, alpine-dependent fauna and some of our best and most spectacular glacial formations.

The beauty, accessability and icon status of Mount Kosciuszko and the Main Range are drawing ever increasing numbers of visitors. This brings challenges for managers, and highlights a key problem in natural area management; how to provide quality recreation and tourism experiences while protecting conservation values.

One of the more insidious visitor impacts is human waste. For some years now, unmanaged waste deposited by skiers and walkers has negatively impacted on vegetation, soils and visitor experiences, and threatens to contaminate water supplies at campsites.

The NPWS engaged nghenvironmental to prepare a draft strategy for the management of human waste in the Main Range. The draft Human Waste Management Strategy was officially launched for a period of public comment on 1 August this year. The draft strategy analyses current problems, resources and practices, proposes a set of best-practice objectives and criteria, assesses the suitability of various waste management options and provides an overarching policy and management regime for the Main Range.

In line with the draft Plan of Management for the park, the strategy divides the Main Range into a series of ‘recreation settings’, each with particular visitor and environmental characteristics, and proposed management solutions. Central to the strategy is the provision of permanent toilets at appropriate intervals within high-use/high-accessability areas, such as grandstand sites like Charlotte Pass and the major walking track system. This keys with the environmental assessment recently undertaken by nghenvironmental for the construction of a permanent toilet at Rawsons Pass, below Mount Kosciuszko.

Bushwalkers and cross-country skiers visiting remote or ‘backcountry’ areas in the Main Range, away from major tracks and huts, would be expected to ‘carry-out’ their solid waste, using a range of methods and products currently available. Disposal bins would be provided at entry/exit points in the park. We know that this will require significant cultural and behavioural change within the backcountry visitor population. The strategy contains a raft of facilitation measures to ensure that visitors understand the changes and are easily able to comply. In developing the strategy, nghenvironmental drew on experiences elsewhere in Australia and overseas, and our staff diligently ‘road-tested’ a number of carry-out products!

The draft Strategy was prepared by Paul McPherson and Michael Gromer of nghenvironmental, and recreation planning consultant Stig Virtanen. It can viewed at

www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/Human_waste_KosciuszkoNP_draft.pdf

 

A Walk on the Wild Side

 

nghenvironmental have always had a strong background in biodiversity and has been continually developing its specialist skills in surveying and identifying wildlife. We currently have a small biodiversity team (mob) who have experience in flora surveying (Jackie Miles and Paul McPherson) and fauna surveying (Nick Graham-Higgs, Brooke Marshall, Kate Gillespie and Jackie Miles). Collectively, this equates to 60 years of surveying experience.

In the past year nghenvironmental have been involved in approximately 40 biodiversity based projects, ranging from targeted threatened flora surveying and biodiversity assessments for developments (including Species Impacts Statements) to developing threatened species monitoring programs and community based government funded projects.  During survey work we always get excited when we happen to come across a threatened species. This year has seen us attract and observe the following species listed on the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995: Powerful Owl, Masked Owl, Sooty Owl, Alpine Tree Frog, Glossy Black Cockatoos, Eastern False Pipistrelle, Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Broad-toothed Rat, Mountain Pygmy-possum, Hooded Plover, Pied Oystercatcher, White-footed Dunnart and Yellow-bellied Glider. Targeted searches for threatened flora species have been successful for Discaria nitida (Leafy Anchor Plant), Diuris ochroma (Pale Golden Moths), Prasophyllum canaliculatum (image right), Pomaderris cotoneaster and Haloragis exalata ssp exalata var exalata (Winged Raspwort).

The fauna highlight over the past year has been the successful trapping of a number of threatened White-footed Dunnarts in the Eden region. These small dasyurids (pictured to the right) don’t mind a bit of disturbance and are found in a range of habitats, primarily foraging on invertebrates and small lizards. We caught a number of these small mammals using the pitfall trap technique, which involved lots of backbreaking digging (they are difficult to catch in Elliot traps). This technique enabled us to target this elusive species but was also successful at capturing a diversity of other fauna species including the Swamp Rat, Mustard-bellied Snake, Martin's Toadlet, Bibron’s Toadlet, Smooth Toadlet, Southern Bullfrog, Verreaux's Tree Frog and Striped Marsh Frog.

Green Growth: Strategic Planning in the Snowy River Shire

 

In 2005, the Snowy River Shire Council instigated the Jindabyne and Villages Planning Project; a three-fold project which aims to review residential land use and zoning issues within Jindabyne and the smaller villages of the Shire, and work with the various communities to develop practical plans for the future growth of these towns and villages.

nghenvironmental were commissioned to carry out the Analysis of the Natural and Archaeological Values, one of several background studies, conducted to inform the review process and thereby assist in the achievement of the Planning Project’s aims.

The report is primarily a desktop study that collates previously recorded flora, fauna and archaeological information for Jindabyne, Adaminaby, Berridale and Dalgety, in the Snowy River Shire. A “broad based” survey of each of these areas was also conducted to verify the current condition of habitats for threatened flora and flora.

The report takes a “broad-brush” approach to identify areas of high conservation value and discusses indicators of such areas and land management practices and land uses appropriate to retaining these values. It has been formatted to allow planners and community members to use the collated information to facilitate community workshops and develop options for growth. Environmental management principles common to all target areas are provided.

The studies will assist strategic planning in the Shire, and should combat the erosion of natural values that can easily accompany incremental decision making.

 

What's in the Wind? Assessing the Impacts of Wind Farms

nghenvironmental is currently involved in three proposed wind farm developments in New South Wales. Wind farms have potential to provide considerable environmental benefits by offsetting fossil fuel combustion and providing a more sustainable source of electricity generation. However wind farms remain a contentious topic in New South Wales, as well as other areas around the world.

Inappropriate siting can lead to adverse environmental impacts, ranging from community disruption to unacceptably high numbers of collisions with bats and birds. Because they are still considered a novel development and long term data is not available in Australia, comprehensive environmental impact assessments are required to obtain development consent for a wind farm in New South Wales.

Key issues requiring investigation via specialist studies include:

Social Impacts

With all our proposals we have or will be conducting extensive community consultation. Our process involves direct contact, newsletters, questionnaires and public meetings.

‘Open House’ sessions, as opposed to one-sided presentations have proven to be an effective means to initiate a dialogue with residents and other stakeholders. It has allowed a flow of stakeholder dialogue throughout these sessions, which we believe is preferable to a more constrained discussion that can potentially be dominated by the most vocal individuals. It allows a larger proportion of stakeholders to voice their individual concerns in a less confrontational situation.

 

Visual Impacts

 

The hub of individual wind turbines can be 80 metres high, and the tip of the blades up to 125 metres high. They can be dominant features in the landscape, visible from several kilometres away. The impact of them is perceived differently by different people. In production landscapes, the look of these turbines is likely to be more acceptable than in residential or recreational landscapes. Community feed back is used to understand the values of the landscape and to find out how residents feel they will be impacted. Photomontages are a very useful assessment tool.

Biodiversity Impacts

The objective of biodiversity assessment is to see how flora and fauna might be impacted by the proposal, and identifying if there are ways to manage or offset these impacts. The greatest risk of impact appears to be impact on birds and bats. These issues are given a priority in our impact assessments. Under the new Native Vegetation Act 2003 there is an opportunity to restore degraded or underrepresented ecological communities.

Archaeological Impacts

Like any site, windfarm sites have the potential to contain both indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage sites. As part of the investigation we carry out thorough archaeological assessments.

The Future of Wind Farms

Only specific locations have average wind speeds suitable for wind farm development. While most people agree that wind farms form an important component of sustainable energy production, the ‘not in my backyard’ sentiment is slowing their development. How the community and government agencies decide what impacts are acceptable is likely to remain contentious. Improving our understanding of the impacts by studying existing wind farms and keeping an open mind are required to contribute to the ongoing debate.

 

An Update on the Bega Valley Shire Vegetation Management Policy

nghenvironmental recently developed draft best practice guidelines for vegetation management and a draft Vegetation Management Development Control Plan (DCP) in order for the Bega Valley Shire Council to effectively address and clarify its position in relation to tree and vegetation management within its Shire.

With increasing pressure being placed on natural vegetation either through residential subdivisions, unauthorised land clearings and commercial expansion, finding the most appropriate way to preserve and maintain our existing native vegetation is essential to keeping the Bega Valley a place of natural beauty.

The Vegetation Management DCP and Best Practice guidelines are essential as:

  • Management of vegetation is a significant issue for the Bega Valley Shire and its residents;

  • Bega Valley Shire Council is committed to ensuring that trees and native vegetation are retained where possible and that residents are given every opportunity to remove trees that are either inappropriate or declared unsafe;

  • To protect and enhance the environmental amenity, special landscape characteristics, unique vegetation qualities and ecological values of the Shire;

  • To ensure the health and safety of the residents of the Bega Valley Shire;

  • To ensure that risk management objectives are achieved, thereby minimising Council’s and the community’s exposure to liability;

  • To clarify the responsibilities for vegetation management within local, State and Commonwealth legislation.

Bega Valley Shire Council will be utilising these documents to further advance its policy position in relation to vegetation management.  Contact Graham Roche, Natural Resources Officer, Bega Valley Shire Council for further information.

 

Improving Water Management in Eurobodalla Shire

Under recent changes to State policy, Councils are required to prepare Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Strategies. The aim of this strategy is to provide a system to manage water supply systems more efficiently to maximise benefits to the community and environment.

Eurobodalla Shire Council recently developed their IWCM strategy, in which, a need for improvements to the water transfer capacity between the Moruya (Deua) River and Deep Creek Dam was identified. Proposed improvements include upgrading existing pumps and installing a larger diameter pipeline along a 30 km route from the Moruya River to Deep Creek Dam.

nghenvironmental recently prepared the environmental impact assessment for this work, which included carrying out detailed flora, fauna, accoustic and archaeological studies of the proposed route, and providing advice on potential for refinement of the route, environmental controls and other methods which can be used by the contractor to efficiently minimise the impact of the works on the surrounding environment.

 

Rolling on with Telstra

Over the last year, nghenvironmental have continued to provide Telstra with environmental impact assessments and planning advice for proposed mobile phone installations. Whereas previously these sites were limited to the south western and southern NSW region, we have recently taken on a number of sites in western NSW and northern Victoria. This has provided an opportunity to develop our planning skills and expanding on our knowledge of interstate planning.

Environmental Management and Auditing

With proposed works requiring environmental assessments, there is often a concurrent need for appropriate environmental management to ensure that all impacts on the environment are minimised and controlled. This is particularly applicable to developments in sensitive areas such as those close to water features, areas of relatively undisturbed native vegetation, National Parks and areas in or adjacent to threatened flora, fauna habitat and communities. Over the last 12 months we have developed a number of environmental management plans for both small and large scale development. This included preparation of EMP’s for major components of the Adaminaby water supply pipeline, a job with a development budget of approximately $12M. The EMP completed for this job included soil and water management plan as well as the provision of measures necessary to protect natural and cultural features. nghenvironmental also prepare  specialised reports such as Erosion and Sediment Control Plans, Stormwater Management Plans, Landscape Rehabilitation Plans.

nghenvironmental also have four staff members that have completed the ISO 14000 environmental auditor training course (QSA approved).  We have recently undertaking environmental auditing of large dam and water line construction developments.

Professional Development of Our Staff

 

      

Nick Graham-Higgs Becomes One of Australia's First Certified Environmental Practitioners

Nick Graham-Higgs has become one of the first Certified Environmental Practitioners in Australia. The certification of environmental practitioners or CEnvP is an initiative of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). Its aim is to boost community and business confidence in environmental professionals. The program will ensure that talented, skilled and ethical environmental professionals are given due recognition, similar to their professional counterparts from engineering, accounting, planning and architecture. The program requires that you at least hold an environment related degree, have a minimum of five years relevant experience, undertake continued professional development and participate in a rigorous assessment program.

 

nghenvironmental actively supports the ongoing professional development of our staff. Some of the recent courses completed by our staff are described below.

  • John completed a Green Globe 21 Certificate of Proficiency course in Tasmania last year. Under John’s supervision, nghenvironmental is now an authorised Green Globe 21 Distributor.

  • Earlier this year, Daniela and John attended, Latrobe University's Alpine Rehabilitation course. Topics covered during the course included seed collection, alpine plant production, planting techniques and weed control and the preparation of rehabilitation plans.

  • In May Daniela, Jackie and Paul attended a course on the Translocation of Threatened Plants, which was held in Queanbeyan. This covered topics such as “When is it appropriate to use translocation as a tool to conserve threatened species?” and how to plan, implement and monitor a translocation program.

  • Michael completed an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Auditor course in April. This course has also been completed previously by Daniela, John and Nick, all of whom are now registered as Provisional Auditors under RABQSA International.

  • Michael also recently completed a Permaculture Consultant’s Design Course with emphasis on soil and water conservation and management. Michael is now qualified as an Permaculture Design Consultant and can assist with Rural and Domestic Landscape design and implementation for sustainable soil and water management, by enhancing diversity and productivity.

  • John and Michael have also recently been along to the Organic Soil Management course conducted by the Organic Agriculture Association Inc. in Bairnsdale. The course focused on the monitoring and management of Australian soils, based on William Albrecht’s system of soil analysis. Albrecht showed how balancing the positive ions in soils can help to improve fertility.

  • Last year, Kate attended a three day wildlife training course run by State Forests NSW. The course developed skills in survey methods and identification of arboreal mammals and targeted terrestrial mammals (including threatened species), and nocturnal birds. nghenvironmental undertake numerous biodiversity surveys in south-east NSW and skills developed during this course will certainly enhance our expertise in wildlife surveying and identification.

  • In August, Kate and Brooke spent a day with Dr. Lindy Lumsted of the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. The workshop focused on the use of Anabat equipment to record the presence of microchiropteran bats. Topics such as echolocation frequency ranges, the use of various survey equipment, considerations for study design, and Anabat hardware and software were covered. The analysis of Anabat data is a specialised field which will assist with comprehensive fauna surveying that ngh carries out for biodiversity and threatened species assessments.
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