EXPERTISE
Integrating research and practical management
Strategic Ecological Advice
Our core skills focus on developing plans and strategies to help our clients understand the risks to their ecological assets and plan for their future.
Key capabilities include:
• Developing and implementing monitoring, evaluation, reporting, improvement (MERI) framework
• Developing and reviewing conceptual models on ecosystem processes and functions
• Developing business cases, strategies, environmental management and operating plans through obtaining information (through desktop reviews, interviews and surveys) and identifying opportunities for improvement, as well as current and future threats to ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Providing expert advice and assistance to Murray Darling Basin Authority, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, state governments, water authorities and councils
• Reviewing state and national guidelines for water quality, EPBC Act and national watering plans
• Undertaking systematic approach to prioritisation and feasibility assessment
Ecological Modelling and Data Analysis
We use a range of ecological conceptual models and modelling tools to assist in the development of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation policies, planning and management of natural reserve networks and assessment of the impacts of climate change.
Key capabilities include:
• Developing ecological conceptual models and logic framework to understand ecosystem functions, stressors, drivers and impacts
• Review of datasets, identification of issues and development of databases to ensure the capture of accurate data
• Developing Bayesian network modelling and statistics
• Undertaking biostatistical modelling e.g.population modelling, survival analysis, linear mixed effects modelling, Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
• Statistical toolbox e.g.R, Python, Minitab
• Developed software in R and ArcGIS e.g.SSNbayes, SSNdesign, SSN
• Machine learning, Gaussian mixture of experts model
Spatial Analysis and Visualisation
Spatial analysis and visualisation are integral to much of our consulting work’s success. Our team specialises in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide valuable insights and advice to clients through presenting complex ideas and concepts in a visually-appealing manner.
Key capabilities include:
• Remote sensing, in-situ sensing in GIS systems
• Visual and graphical representation of data, including heat maps, georeferenced maps
• GIS tool development (STARS, IDW-Plus custom toolset for GIS, FLoWS v1)
• Drone survey and mapping
• Developing interactive mapping tool using Power BI dashboard
Biodiversity Restoration – Planning and Prioritisation
EcoFutures core business is assisting clients in conserving and restoring biodiversity in the context of climate change and other long-term pressures facing our land and seascapes.
Key capabilities include:
• Bushfire rehabilitation planning
• Vegetation and weed management planning
• Ecological risk assessment for prioritisation of restoration activities
• Applying climate change adaptation concepts to revegetation
• Coastal revegetation for foreshore management planning
• Wetland and riparian revegetation
• Stakeholder engagement to inform prioritisation and planning
Ecological Monitoring and Management
Our team has extensive experience in developing and implementing ecological monitoring programs across Australia for local councils, state and federal governments, natural resource management organisations and water utilities.
Key capabilities include:
• Water quality and aquatic health assessment programs
• Development and implementation of Receiving Environment Monitoring Programs (REMPs) for receiving waters and land.
• Coastal, estuarine and riverine habitat assessments, including AusRivAS and seagrass surveys.
• Wetland condition and extent assessments
• Faunal surveys
• Statistical analysis and interpretation of monitoring results e.g.R, Python, Minitab
• MERI framework application and evaluation
Environmental Risk Management
Our team has extensive knowledge in the identification of potential environmental risks, preparation of environmental scoping reports (ESRs), review of environmental factors (REFs), environmental auditing against legislative requirements and obtaining environmental approvals.
Key capabilities include:
• Preparation of ESRs and REFs, review and input into planning and designs.
• Obtaining environmental approvals including Environmental Authorities for Environmentally Relevant Activities, Species Management Programs (SMPs), development approvals, including waterway barrier works and exemption certificates.
• Offsetting under federal, state and other local offset requirements.
• Amendments to mapping, such as wetland mapping.
• Determining actions and requirements to comply with compliance notices such as Warning Notices, Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) and Enforceable Undertakings in accordance with the DES Enforcement Guidelines.
• Site environmental auditing to identify potential compliance risks and management plans and frameworks to address these risks.
• Site Based Management Plans.
• Stormwater management and erosion and sediment control plans.
• Environmental compliance monitoring, including water, noise and air quality monitoring.