Author: David Walsh

On the 7th February 2020, the South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy was adopted. This Strategy has included the adoption of widespread Koala Habitat Areas, which is based on Remnant and Regrowth Vegetation listed as Essential Habitat for the koala. The second and more significant category that has been introduced is the Koala Priority Areas which includes more than 500,000ha of koala bushland and potential habitat areas in SEQ. These areas include the former ‘Koala Assessable Development Areas’ and ‘Priority Koala Assessable Development Areas’, as well as additional land considered to be high priority for koala conservation.

The clearing of Koala Habitat Areas for development within Koala Priority Areas is prohibited under the new Strategy. Where development is located within a Koala Priority Area but does not propose clearing of Koala Habitat, other conservation outcomes may be required (such as habitat restoration or fauna passage requirements).

Developments that are outside of the Koala Priority Areas and are proposing to clear mapped Koala Habitat will need to address the “avoid, minimise, offset” framework identified by the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy. This policy requires that development first and foremost avoids impacts on mapped Koala Habitat. Where it can be demonstrated that impacts are unable to be completely avoided but have been minimised, an offset may be accepted by DES to facilitate the development. Offsets can be delivered by the proponent through land protection and restoration or a financial settlement. Where a financial settlement offset is agreed upon by the applicant and assessing agency, the calculation uses the existing DES method which is capped at $230,000 per hectare of Koala Habitat impacted.

These new regulations do not apply to applications that were lodged or approved prior to 7th February 2020, and do not apply to Priority Development Areas.

Burchills can help you determine if Koala Priority Areas and / or Koala Habitat is mapped on your property, and how this mapping may affect future development.

If you need any assistance with your development please contact:
Kaidon Anderson, Environmental Scientist on P: 5509 6400 or M: 0400 482 452
E: kaidon.anderson@burchills.com.au

Managing Director Steve Coote has announced that Burchills Engineering Solutions’ new Brisbane office will open in Eagle Street, Brisbane on Monday 3rd February 2020. The office will be led by Brisbane local, David Williams, a Civil Engineer with 17 years’ experience servicing the Brisbane urban and property market.

“Opening the Eagle Street office in Brisbane is a logical and exciting step for Burchills. It allows our team to be based closer to our existing Brisbane clients, partners and projects, benefiting clients by enhancing our ability to service and deliver projects throughout the Brisbane region”, says Steve. Burchills, a 40 person multi-discipline engineering and environmental consultancy team, is currently delivering urban and infrastructure projects in and around Brisbane including Narangba Heights, The Village at Jimboomba, Palm Lake Beachmere, Wynnum Road Upgrade, Indooroopilly Golf Course, Aspect Estate Karalee, Wamuran to Woodford and Yarrabilba rail trails along with many other projects in Logan Reserve, Park Ridge, Ipswich and Moreton.

A Brisbane office makes even more sense for Burchills when you consider that the Greater Brisbane LGA’s of Brisbane, Moreton, Redland, Logan, and Ipswich are some of the fastest growing in the country and will accommodate much of South East Qld’s population growth. Burchills are positioning to be a “go to” consultant for the growth opportunities shaping the region over the next 40 years. Brisbane Manager David Williams says “With Burchills SEQ experience and multi-discipline capabilities, we are now offering Brisbane clients a genuine quality local consultant for their projects. We are keen to help add value where it is most needed, from site evaluations, feasibilities, project reviews, through to full design and construction services”.

For more information or for assistance with your project needs please contact or make an appointment:
David Williams, Brisbane Manager M: 0409 935 884 E:david.williams@burchills.com.au
Steve Coote, Managing Director M: 0412 148428 E:steve.coote@burchills.com.au

Brisbane Office Details Level 14, 167 Eagle St, Brisbane PO Box 83, Brisbane QLD 4000

About Burchills Engineering Solutions
Established on the Gold Coast in 1974, Burchills Engineering Solutions provides Civil, Water, Structural, Traffic, Environmental engineering and scientific services to the SEQ and Northern NSW urban and infrastructure sectors. Visit our website www.burchills.com.au

We are pleased to announce some exciting elevations to the senior ranks of the Burchills team. We have increased our project delivery capability which will help fulfil our purpose of making life easier and more rewarding for those creating great places of the future. 

Click here to read full article