The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) on behalf of Gosford City Council (Council) engaged Kleinfelder to undertake a BioBanking assessment of selected lands within Rumbalara and Katandra Reserves—in accordance with the BioBanking Assessment Methodology (BBAM)—to support an application to establish this Council-owned land as a BioBank site.

Complex, Challenging Terrain

This particular BioBank site covered an area of 59.4 hectares and supported four native vegetation communities, including one Endangered Ecological Community (EEC). Tricky terrain—a steep site with thick vegetation—meant Kleinfelder needed to use significant GIS, aerial photo interpretation, and data management resources. In addition, a change in the BBAM late in the project demanded flexibility and quick reactions from Kleinfelder staff in order to successfully complete the project in adherence to the strict standards expected.

Strategising For Safe Data Collection

To collect sufficient data, the team first wrote a safety plan to identify risk and devised a strategy to minimise and mange those risks. The team used Kleinfelder’s data collection and management system, based on Trimble Juno™ data collection devices, which increased efficiencies and reduced potential errors. To ensure quick communication on project changes and accurate adherence to expectations, Kleinfelder staff worked closely with the clients at both OEH and Council.

Project Results

Kleinfelder’s four accredited BioBanking assessors  successfully and safely conducted BioBanking assessments across the Reserves, enabling this project to gain acceptance as a BioBanking site. The team also provided a set of specific management actions to enable retirement of ecosystem credits, including a bush regeneration strategy and a fire management plan to minimise risk and biodiversity loss on the site.

Project Details

Location:
Gosford, New South Wales

Owner:
Office of Environment and Heritage Rumbalara and Katandra Reserves