Permit requirements IN Australia 

Obtaining permits and approvals is crucial for any development project. At SkySafe Ecology we specialise in supporting compliance with Australian standards. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 serves as the cornerstone of environmental legislation in Australia, ensuring that developments do not adversely affect matters of national significance including habitats and animal species. Our team is well-versed in the EPBC Act and state legislation ensuring all necessary permits and approvals are obtained efficiently as required. Whether your project involves land development or renewable energy, we ensure your activities are aligned with national and regional guidelines.

Some bird and bat species are protected under federal and state environmental laws in Australia, particularly for projects that might impact their habitats, foraging & breeding activities or migration patterns.

  • State-specific Wildlife & Scientific Research Permits: We obtain all necessary permits for handling, tagging, or capturing wildlife for research, issued by relevant state authorities.

  • Bird and Bat Impact Assessments: Required to evaluate risks to these species from wind turbines, infrastructure projects, or other developments.

  • Animal Ethics Approvals: Animal welfare is paramount. Thus, we obtain the necessary permits for projects that involve capturing or tagging birds and bats, to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and care are maintained.

Wind energy projects are subject to rigorous environmental regulations, particularly concerning threatened bird and bat fatalities from turbine collisions.

  • State Environmental Impact Assessments: Each Australian state has its own environmental assessment process for wind energy developments. For example, in Victoria, projects are assessed under the Planning and Environment Act Act 1987.

  • Bird and Bat Management Plans (BBMP's): Many wind farm projects require BBMP's as part of their operational plans. We develop adaptive BBMPs that outline strategies to monitor and mitigate the impact of turbines on threatened or at-risk species of birds and bats.

  • Turbine Curtailment Strategies: Regulatory authorities may require the installation of curtailment systems to shut down turbines during peak bird and bat migration periods or high-risk weather conditions.

  • Development Approvals: Local councils or regional authorities may require conservation initiatives to off-set impacts to bird and bat populations or important habitats.

Marine projects, including offshore wind farms, oil and gas platforms, and other coastal developments, must comply with stringent regulations aimed at protecting marine species and ecosystems.

  • Marine Parks Permits: Projects within or near marine protected areas must secure special permits from agencies like Parks Australia, ensuring minimal disruption to marine life.

  • Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act (OPGGSA): Requires environmental approvals for offshore oil and gas exploration, ensuring compliance with marine biodiversity protection laws.

  • Seabird and Marine Mammal Impact Assessments: Environmental assessments may be required to evaluate the impact on seabirds, migratory birds, and marine mammals from offshore developments.

  • Dredging and Seabed Disturbance Permits: Projects involving dredging or seabed modifications must obtain environmental permits to ensure minimal harm to marine ecosystems.

Mining projects often intersect with sensitive ecological zones, requiring specific permits for land use, habitat protection, and impact on species like migratory birds and bats.

  • State Environmental Approvals: Mining projects need approvals under state mining laws, such as the Mining Act 1978 (Western Australia) or Mining Act 1992 (New South Wales), which include environmental considerations.

  • Water Use and Contamination Permits: Permits are required for the use of water resources, waste management, and preventing contamination, which may affect local wildlife.

  • Rehabilitation Plans: Mines must develop rehabilitation and closure plans, ensuring the restoration of habitats and compliance with biodiversity protection regulations.

  • Wildlife and Vegetation Permits: Depending on the mining location, permits may be needed for the removal of native vegetation and any interaction with local wildlife populations, including bat species in caves or underground habitats such as karst landscapes.

Infrastructure developments such as roads, bridges, and urban expansion projects can have significant ecological impacts, particularly on wildlife and migratory species.

  • Flora and Fauna Impact Assessments: Required to evaluate the potential impact on local and migratory bird species, bats and wildlife under state and federal environmental regulations.

  • Waterway Impact Permits: If the project involves work near or in waterways, permits under state Water Acts are required to protect aquatic ecosystems and the species that rely on them.