Environmental Assessment is a necessary process contributing to the management of Ecologically Sustainable Development in Australia. It is one of the main tools used to minimise environmental degradation associated with human activities. The process is complex and involves input from numerous disciplines including science, engineering, social sciences and economics. In addition to the collection and analysis of data, it requires the effective communication of information, public consultation, and an appreciation of human needs and values.
The main purpose of the assessment is to facilitate the conservation and preservation of areas of ecological, natural, landscape or cultural interest or significance, recreational value or geological or geomorphological significance. The intention of an assessment is to ensure that management principles facilitate ecologically sustainable development to protect natural and other environmental assets.
A person must not take an action that has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on any matter of environmental significance without approval. If a management activity or development is likely to make an impact on a site of significance then it must be assessed by the processes required by the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Federal, State and local legislation requires environmental issues to be formally considered prior to commencing development. While some legislation is consistent across the States and Territories, other legislation requires specific formats and considerations within the impact assessment documentation.
As a specialist environmental consultancy, ENSPEC has experience in undertaking Phase 1 environmental assessments, including community consultation. Our staff are experienced in assessment of vegetation, ecology, geology and geomorphology and can provide specialist advice and documentation to meet our client needs.