Flora & Fauna Report (Ecology)

A Flora and Fauna Report is often required in the process of obtaining approvals for development projects, especially where there is potential impact on natural habitats and species.
The F&F Report often accompanies a Development Application (DA) to Council. These reports may also be referred to as Ecological Reports or other similar names.

Here is a breakdown of what such a report typically includes and why they are important:

  1. Identification of Ecological Features:
    The report will identify and map native vegetation communities, threatened species, and their habitats. This involves field surveys and data collection to catalogue the biodiversity of the subject site.
  2. Assessment of Impacts:
    It evaluates how the proposed development will affect the identified ecological features. This includes considering direct impacts such as habitat loss, fragmentation, and disturbance, as well as indirect impacts like changes in hydrology or nutrient cycles.
  3. Test of Significance (5-part Test):
    This is a structured assessment to determine if a proposed development or activity is likely to have a significant impact on threatened species, ecological communities, or their habitats.
    The five parts typically include:
    • Nature & Scale: What is the nature, scale, and duration of the impact?
    • Context: Where is the impact located and what is its context?
    • Magnitude: How significant is the impact in terms of severity, duration, and reversibility?
    • Ecological Sensitivity: How sensitive are the affected species or communities?
    • Importance: What is the conservation status and value of the affected species or communities?
  4. Mitigation Measures:
    Recommendations are provided to minimise or offset potential negative impacts identified during the assessment. This might include habitat restoration, conservation set-asides, or modifications to the project design to reduce impacts.
  5. Compliance with Regulations:
    The report ensures compliance with local, regional, and national environmental regulations and guidelines. It helps stakeholders understand and adhere to legal requirements related to ecological conservation and protection.
  6. Decision Support:
    Authorities use the Flora and Fauna Report to make informed decisions regarding the approval or modification of development proposals. It helps balance development needs with environmental protection, ensuring sustainable outcomes.
In summary, a well-executed Flora and Fauna Assessment integrates field surveys with data comparison and analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of ecological conditions and potential impacts of the proposed development. This information is essential for decision-makers to evaluate the environmental implications and implement appropriate mitigation measures where required.

Policies & Guidelines

McIvor Environmental will undertake Ecological Assessments in accordance with:
  • The relevant Council’s published Flora and Fauna Report Guidelines
  • The relevant Council’s Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plans
  • Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW Regulation)
  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth Regulation)
  • Koala Habitat Protection State Environmental Planning Policy 2021
  • State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021
  • Local Land Services Act 2013
  • Other legislation / governing documents that may be relevant for a particular site

What's included in the Scope of Works

for a Flora & Fauna Report from McIvor Environmental
Scope of Works
1. Site Inspection & Flora Survey
PURPOSE Identify Ecological Features of the Site
The site inspection involves a comprehensive survey of all plant species, both native and introduced, within the project area. This inventory helps establish a baseline of the existing flora, which is essential for assessing potential impacts.
METHOD
Our ecologists conduct systematic surveys across the site, documenting species richness, abundance, and distribution. This data is critical for understanding how proposed development activities might affect local plant communities.
2. Comparison with Published Data
PURPOSE Verify ground observations and assess impacts
On-site observations are cross-referenced with existing literature and databases to verify plant community types and species composition. This also determines the ecological importance and conservation status of vegetation communities affected by the proposal.
METHOD
Identification of NSW Government mapped Plant Community Types and comparison to on-site field data. The investigation will include an analysis of flora and fauna observations within 10km of the subject site using the DPIE BioNET database.
3. Compliance with Regulations
  • Assessment of any threatened plants and animals listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 & NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
  • May include Assessments of Significance (also known as ‘five-part tests’) for certain species. This is a structured assessment to determine if a proposed development or activity is likely to have a significant impact on threatened species, ecological communities, or their habitats
  • Where required, provision of recommendations on how the site can be managed in an environmentally sensitive manner whilst facilitating planning requirements including Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019 in relation to the development proposal.
  • Koala Habitat Protection State Environmental Planning Policy 2021 (Koala SEPP) assessment (if required).
  • Assessment of the proposed development against the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) thresholds to ascertain whether a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) is required.
4. Communication
  • All data and analyses will be reported in the Flora and Fauna Report and supplied in electronic PDF format. All details of survey methods and investigations are presented in the clear and concise document.
  • We will liaise with your other consultants regarding their findings and recommendations where required.
  • Consultation with the relevant Council regarding any ecological issues if required.
  • Consultation and discussion of the assessment with the client/owner.