wind and wildlife brolga presentation
TRANSCRIPT
Aaron Organ – Director / Principal Ecologist
Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane
Ph (03) 9377 0100, Mob. 0425 873 159
Relevant Research
Background
Case Study - South West Victoria
Key considerations for Industry (Proponents, Ecological Consultants, Government)
Conclusion
Presentation Outline
6
7
1. Caughley 1977 – Considered methods of aerial survey – both practically and statistical efficiency. Transect sampling is preferred
2. Morton et al. 1993 – Distribution and abundance of Brolgas and Black-necked Storks in the Alligator Rivers Region, NT
3. Dolbeer et al. 1997 – Aerial photography techniques to estimate populations of Laughing Gull nests at Jamaica Bay, New York
4. Kingsford 1999 - Aerial survey of waterbirds on wetlands as a measure of river and floodplain health
5. Harding, C. 2002 - The use of remote sensing and geographic information systems to predict suitable breeding habitat for the Brolga in SW Victoria
Relevant Research
8
Vulnerable in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, listed under relevant State legislation
Listed as ‘migratory’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Action Statement and Recovery Plans in place
Subject to a range of threatening processes (largely wetland drainage, fox predation)
Brolga Grus rubicunda
9
Abundant and widespread occurring across northern and south-eastern Australia
In Victoria, the species occurs in the western part of the state and on the Northern Plains adjacent to Murray River
Australian population estimated to be 20,000 to 100,000
Victorian population ◦ 1980s and 1990s - 600 to 650 individuals
◦ 2007 - 465-576 individuals
Distribution and Population
10
11
12
Wetland Distribution across Victoria
SW Vic Brolga breeding
13
Survey objectives
Spatial distribution of Brolga nests
Extent of available habitat
Importance of study area
Information used to inform turbine and infrastructure layout
Risk and impact under relevant legislation and policy
Measures to avoid, minimise and offset the impacts to Brolga
South West Victoria – Case Study
14
Methods
Surveys undertaken in accordance with survey guidelines developed by DSE and other experts
Cessna 172, four-seat, high-wing, fixed wing aircraft
Flight height of 500 feet
Flight speed of 60-70 knots
Two observers observing 250 metres to the north and the south of the transects
Observers scanned the landscape and all wetlands, dams, creeks and drainage lines with binoculars
Each observer had an aerial map showing wetlands and numbered transects
Each observer had a GPS and data sheets
Case Study - South West Victoria
15
16
18
19
Swan Nests
20
Brolga Nest
21
Brolga Nests
22
Brolga Nests
23
24
The Proponent Reliable survey method accepted by DSE
Cost effective
Major time reductions (important for quicker decisions regarding site layout)
Early determination of the magnitude of constraints across the wind farm site
Information on the relative importance of habitat (avoid, minimise and offset)
Key Considerations
25
The Consultant
Ensure survey techniques remain consistent and repeatable for analysis over time
Surveys obviously need to coincide with when the species is nesting
Be prepared (take tablets and a paper bag)
Understand your role during the flight
Bad lighting conditions, turbulence, using naked eye rather than binoculars and motion sickness is likely to reduce detectability of brolgas
Communication is important
Collect data consistently
Augment with other intensive survey methods
Key Considerations
26
The Government Further refinement to the survey guidelines and
policies (detection probabilities, turbine buffer distances)
DSE should improve spatial data on important Brolga breeding habitat across the SW and make it publicly available (exclusion areas for development?)
The Government continues to receive data, and our understanding of the species’ distribution and relative importance of areas for breeding
Assists all levels of Government in ensuring accurate and consistent planning decisions
Key Considerations
27
A proven survey technique that shouldn’t be used in isolation
Spatial understanding of habitat
High detection rates
Allows areas which have access restrictions to be surveyed
Determine any potential impacts associated with a proposed wind farm facility on the species
Inform avoidance and minimisation strategies
Reduced time and costs
Can determine where wetland restoration actions should be directed
Conclusion
28
29
30
Video clip - start
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkgfMcn2ZOo&feature=player_embedded
31
Questions?
Adelaide - (08) 8372 7829 Brisbane – (07) 3221 3352 / Geelong – (03) 5221 8122 / Melbourne – (03) 9377 0100
www.ehpartners.com.au
Aaron Organ Director / Principal Ecologist
0425 873 159