Wind Energy ProjectsAERS has assisted proponents and principal contractors of wind energy developments to meet their environmental and Planning Permit requirements. AERS has undertaken ecological projects for the four wind farm sites of the Portland Wind Energy Project, Oaklands Hill Wind Farm, and Macarthur Wind Farm. Most of these projects have involved flora and fauna surveys including seasonal monitoring of microbat presence and activity, seasonal monitoring of bird
Dr. Wood was also contracted by Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd to undertake the position of Site Environmental Representative for the Macarthur Wind Farm Project. This role involved ensuring all requirements of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) were implemented and those construction activities complied with the EMP and Planning Permit conditions. Liaison with government departments such as the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Local Council was extensive, particularly in the preparation and submission of Planning Permit applications. Dr. Wood was actively involved in modifications to the wind farm layout which provided opportunities to reduce the impact on the environment, particularly through avoiding areas of native vegetation and reducing the extent of vegetation loss.
AERS is currently implementing the Bat and Avifauna Management plan of the Macarthur Wind Farm, undertaking surveys of bird and bat
Infrastructure ProjectsAERS was commissioned by Padbury Amber Civil Contractors Pty Ltd to oversee environmental management during construction of the Hamilton-Grampians Pipeline Project. This involved ensuring compliance with the Environmental Management Plan,
AERS has similarly been involved with the replacement of water pipeline near Port Campbell, managing on-site environmental responsibilities and ensuring compliance with environmental management plans.
Flora and Fauna Research and Monitoring ProjectsAERS has undertaken annual surveys of the Koala population within Mt Eccles National Park since 2003 and biannual assessments of Manna Gum condition since 2004. This is a long-term monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of population control of Koalas via fertility suppression and to assess any improvements in habitat condition following a decline in the Koala population. Research has also been undertaken to monitor the health and movements of Koalas via radio telemetry that
Surveys of small mammals have been undertaken within the Grampians National Park as part of Victoria's Adaptive Fox Management Program. This project involved surveying small mammals via trapping before and after an extensive fox control program within the National Park to evaluate the effectiveness of fox control in reducing predation on wildlife.
Bird and bat surveys have been undertaken at a number of wind farm sites to monitor changes in activity and
AERS has undertaken several projects to capture Kangaroos and Wallabies using a
Oil and Gas ProjectsAERS was commissioned by Beach Energy Pty Ltd to undertake a Vegetation Quality Assessment (Habitat Hectare and Net Gain Assessment) in areas of native vegetation where a seismic exploration survey to identify potential hydrocarbon reserves was proposed. Targeted surveys for rare and threatened flora species were also conducted.
Pest Animal Control ProjectsAERS has been involved in various Fox and Rabbit control programs including the Bushfire Recovery Program coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries within the Grampians National Park, surrounding State Forests and private land, the Glenelg Arc Project coordinated by the Department of Sustainability and Environment in south-west Victoria and Fox baiting programs coordinated by Parks Victoria to reduce predation on the threatened Hooded Plover near Yambuk, Western Victoria. All of these projects have involved 1080 baiting.
