About
Aaron has 28 years experience in the environmental field, including 24 years as an ecological consultant across many parts of Australia.
He has extensive experience undertaking ecological assessment, survey and monitoring for a range of flora and fauna species, and ecological communities (many listed as threatened under the EPBC Act and State legislation), and plays a critical role in providing advice during the design, planning and delivery stages on projects in linear infrastructure (e.g. road, rail, pipelines, utilities), mining and exploration, large scale EES / EIAs, and strategic planning and design.
He has been a lead author or co-author of over 700 projects and has provided expert advice to a range of clients in various industries. Projects include proposed wind farms in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, long-term ecological monitoring throughout the Illawarra escarpment New South Wales, and various urban development projects in Victoria. He also continues to work collaboratively with clients as part of their project approvals and compliance in mining and exploration, and coal seam gas / LNG across Queensland.
Aaron provides higher level advice to clients with respect to their obligations under various Commonwealth and State Government environmental legislation and policy, and regularly represents clients (over 50 hearings) at Planning Panels and Appeals Tribunals (e.g VCAT) often for highly complex and contentious projects.
Major projects Aaron has played a lead role in:
> Delburn Wind Farm (OSMI Australia)
> Fingerboard Mineral Sands Project (Kalbar Operations Pty Ltd)
> Dendrobium Coal Mine (Dendrobium Coal)
> Mortlake Power Station Project (Origin Energy Limited)
> Mortlake Wind Farm (Accionia)
> Ouyen Mineral Sands Project (Iluka Resources Limited)
> Shaw River Gas Power Plant project (Santos)
> Regional Rail Link (Department of Transport)
> Stockyard Hill Wind Farm (Origin Energy Limited)
> The Victorian Desalination Plant (Thiess Degrémont)
> WIM 150 Mineral Sands Project (Australian Zircon NL)
Articles by Aaron
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Outcomes-based Conditions under the EPBC Act - What does it mean for you?
Outcomes-based Conditions under the EPBC Act - What does it mean for you?
By Aaron Organ
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Advanced Environmental Offsets under the Commonwealth EPBC Act
Advanced Environmental Offsets under the Commonwealth EPBC Act
By Aaron Organ
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Streamlining Environmental Legislation - Update
Streamlining Environmental Legislation - Update
By Aaron Organ
Activity
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Today, the NSW Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge from a pro-feral horse group seeking to overturn the use of aerial culling in Kosciuszko…
Today, the NSW Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge from a pro-feral horse group seeking to overturn the use of aerial culling in Kosciuszko…
Liked by Aaron Organ
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Botanic gardens across the world are at the forefront of conserving our flora and all its biodiversity and the 8th BGCI Global Botanical Garden…
Botanic gardens across the world are at the forefront of conserving our flora and all its biodiversity and the 8th BGCI Global Botanical Garden…
Liked by Aaron Organ
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It's with great sadness that we mark the passing of our friend and colleague, John Kiriakidis. John was a Senior Transport Executive for Stantec for…
It's with great sadness that we mark the passing of our friend and colleague, John Kiriakidis. John was a Senior Transport Executive for Stantec for…
Liked by Aaron Organ
Experience
Education
Publications
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Range extension of Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)
Australian Mammalogy
We report spotlight and camera-trap observations of Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) at six locations up to 15km east of its described range. Half of our records occurred in fire-affected, mixed-species forest, with a tree species and seral stage composition that differs markedly from its predominant habitat: late-mature forests dominated by Eucalyptus regnans, E. delegatensis and E. nitens.
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The use of aerial surveys for the detection of the Brolga Grus rubicunda through south-west Victoria: Key considerations for the Wind Industry
Springer - Wind and Wildlife - Proceedings from the Conference on the Wind energy and Wildlife Impacts
The brolga Grus rubicunda breeds primarily in shallow freshwater wetlands and is classified as Vulnerable in Victoria. Specific guidelines have been developed to mitigate potential impacts of the wind industry on brolga populations. Identifying brolga nest sites is a key aspect of these guidelines and aerial surveys are suggested as one method. We used aerial surveys to identify brolga nesting sites over a large area of south-western Victoria during the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons. We…
The brolga Grus rubicunda breeds primarily in shallow freshwater wetlands and is classified as Vulnerable in Victoria. Specific guidelines have been developed to mitigate potential impacts of the wind industry on brolga populations. Identifying brolga nest sites is a key aspect of these guidelines and aerial surveys are suggested as one method. We used aerial surveys to identify brolga nesting sites over a large area of south-western Victoria during the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons. We surveyed approximately 800 km2 over the two seasons, and detected 44 nests which were subsequently ground-truthed. Of these nests, nine were confirmed as belonging to brolgas, 14 as belonging to black swan Cygnus atratus and 21 were either abandoned or not accessible. Aerial surveys covered a much larger survey area over a shorter time period compared with ground surveys (approximately half the time), and covered wetlands not otherwise easily accessible (e.g. sites located away from roads and/or on private property). Given the difficulties in distinguishing between brolga and black swan nests, it is imperative that wetlands are ground truthed to accurately identify nests. Given that not all nests are active concurrently in a given season, our results reveal that at least two aerial surveys are required across a study area to detect 75 % of the brolga nests in a season.
Other authorsSee publication -
Integrating road underpasses for the threatened Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis into broad-scale residential development in south-east Melbourne (Pages 102-104). In: Reducing the impacts of development on wildlife - James and Deborah Gleeson
CSIRO Publishing
The rapidly increasing number of threatened flora and fauna species worldwide is one of the chief problems confronting environmental professionals today. This problem is largely due to the impact humans have had on land use through development (e.g. agricultural, residential, industrial, infrastructure and mining developments).
The requirement for developers to implement measures to reduce the impacts of development on wildlife is underpinned by government legislation. A variety of…The rapidly increasing number of threatened flora and fauna species worldwide is one of the chief problems confronting environmental professionals today. This problem is largely due to the impact humans have had on land use through development (e.g. agricultural, residential, industrial, infrastructure and mining developments).
The requirement for developers to implement measures to reduce the impacts of development on wildlife is underpinned by government legislation. A variety of measures or strategies are available to reduce such impacts, including those to reduce impacts on flora and fauna during land clearance, to deter fauna from potential hazards, to facilitate the movement of fauna around and through a development site as well as those to provide additional habitat. In recent years, considerable advances have been made in the techniques used to reduce the impacts of development on wildlife in Australia and overseas.
Reducing the Impacts of Development on Wildlife contains a comprehensive range of practical measures to assist others to reduce the impacts resulting from development on terrestrial flora and fauna, and promotes ecologically sustainable development. It will be very useful to environmental consultants and managers, developers, strategists, policy makers and regulators, as well as community environmental groups and students.
Other authors -
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EPBC Act Referral Guidelines for the Vulnerable Striped Legless Lizard, Delma impar
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities
Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd facilitated and managed the expert workshop, and developed the initial draft Striped Legless Lizard Policy Statement under the EPBC Act, and background document in conjunction with other experts on the species.
The Striped Legless Lizard is listed as a vulnerable species under the EPBC Act, and vulnerable species are a matter of national environmental significance under the Act. The policy statement is intended to provide guidance to proponents on…Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd facilitated and managed the expert workshop, and developed the initial draft Striped Legless Lizard Policy Statement under the EPBC Act, and background document in conjunction with other experts on the species.
The Striped Legless Lizard is listed as a vulnerable species under the EPBC Act, and vulnerable species are a matter of national environmental significance under the Act. The policy statement is intended to provide guidance to proponents on the need to refer an action to which the EPBC Act applies.
The key elements of this policy statement were developed during an expert workshop with scientific experts, state and territory threatened species officers and environmental consultants. The policy statement has been available for public comment and where appropriate changes have been made. -
Sub-regional Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis within the Revised Urban Growth Boundary and Associated 28 precincts: Technical Background and Guidelines
Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to prepare technical details and guidelines for a Sub-regional Strategy (SRS) for the nationally threatened Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis to meet the requirements of the Melbourne Strategic Assessment Program (the Program), under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
This technical background and guidelines should…Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to prepare technical details and guidelines for a Sub-regional Strategy (SRS) for the nationally threatened Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis to meet the requirements of the Melbourne Strategic Assessment Program (the Program), under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
This technical background and guidelines should be read in conjunction with the main SRS for the species that has been prepared by DSE. The SRS has been developed to provide a strategic framework for the conservation of L. raniformis throughout the revised Urban Growth Areas Boundary (UGB) and associated 28 precincts included within the Program (referred to as the study area). -
Aspects of the ecology and conservation of the Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis in an urban-fringe environment, southern Victoria
Australian Zoologist, 34, 393-407
Populations of the threatened Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis in metropolitan Melbourne
currently occur in human-made habitats and there is little information on their current status. We
conducted systematic field surveys at 28 waterbodies within a population distributed over agricultural
land in the Pakenham area, on the south-eastern urban-fringe of Melbourne,Victoria, during the 2005106
breeding season. Our aim was to identify key areas for the conservation of L…Populations of the threatened Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis in metropolitan Melbourne
currently occur in human-made habitats and there is little information on their current status. We
conducted systematic field surveys at 28 waterbodies within a population distributed over agricultural
land in the Pakenham area, on the south-eastern urban-fringe of Melbourne,Victoria, during the 2005106
breeding season. Our aim was to identify key areas for the conservation of L. raniformis.We recorded L.
raniformis at 14 waterbodies where we marked 3 1 males and 16 females. Occupied waterbodies had a
greater proportion of submerged vegetation, a higher pH, and were situated close to other occupied
waterbodies, generally < 200 m.The adult male and female population size was estimated at 45 f
10 (It S.E.) and 23 f 8 individuals, respectively.There was high site fidelity at occupied waterbodies
(> 80% recapture rates). Recruitment was recorded in only two waterbodies.Two males and four
females were recorded moving 15 - 20 m between adjacent waterbodies, whereas one additional
male moved 130 m. Dispersal and movement corridors important for the persistence of L raniformis
in the study area include agricultural drains and Gum Scrub Creelc High priority conservation areas
are waterbodies situated in close proximity to the creek and Melbourne - Bairnsdale railway reserve,
and clusters of occupied waterbodies to the south.Other authors -
Projects
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EXPERT EVIDENCE EXPERIENCE
Aaron has represented clients (private and government) at over 50 Planning Panels and Appeals Tribunals (VCAT).
A selection of projects where Aaron has acted as an expert witness:
> Yaringa Boat Harbour Expansion (Panel)
> Kilmore – Wallan Bypass (Panel)
> NBN Telecommunication Tower (VCAT)
> Eastern Golf Course Redevelopment Plan (Panel)
> Princes Highway Duplication - Winchelsea to Colac (Panel)
> Western Highway Duplication - Sections 1, 2…Aaron has represented clients (private and government) at over 50 Planning Panels and Appeals Tribunals (VCAT).
A selection of projects where Aaron has acted as an expert witness:
> Yaringa Boat Harbour Expansion (Panel)
> Kilmore – Wallan Bypass (Panel)
> NBN Telecommunication Tower (VCAT)
> Eastern Golf Course Redevelopment Plan (Panel)
> Princes Highway Duplication - Winchelsea to Colac (Panel)
> Western Highway Duplication - Sections 1, 2 and 3 (Panel)
> Cherry Tree Wind Farm (VCAT)
> Peninsula Link Freeway and Officer Service Centres (VCAT)
> Craigieburn R2 Precinct Structure Plan (Panel)
> Mortlake Wind Farm (Panel)
> Donald Mineral Sands (Panel)
> Anglesea Golf Club - Amendment C32 (Panel)
> Dollar Wind Farm (Panel)
> Several Urban Developments (VCAT) -
LINEAR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Aaron has a solid track record working with government agencies and industry as part of the approval and delivery of large infrastructure projects throughout Australia.
A section of linear infrastructure projects:
ROADS
> Craigieburn Bypass - (Vic)
> Donnybrook Interchange Project - (Vic)
> Pakenham Bypass (Vic)
> Palmers Road Extension (Vic)
> M80 Road Upgrade (Western Ring Road) (Vic)
> Anthony's Cutting Upgrade (Vic)
> Princes Highway…Aaron has a solid track record working with government agencies and industry as part of the approval and delivery of large infrastructure projects throughout Australia.
A section of linear infrastructure projects:
ROADS
> Craigieburn Bypass - (Vic)
> Donnybrook Interchange Project - (Vic)
> Pakenham Bypass (Vic)
> Palmers Road Extension (Vic)
> M80 Road Upgrade (Western Ring Road) (Vic)
> Anthony's Cutting Upgrade (Vic)
> Princes Highway Duplication (Winchelsea to Colac) (Vic)
> Kilmore - Wallan Bypass (Vic)
> Peninsula Link (Vic)
> Traralgon Bypass (Vic)
> Hume Highway Duplication (Tarcutta) (NSW)
> Oxley Bypass (Vic)
> Western Highway Duplication - Stages 1, 2 and 3 (Vic)
> Barwon Heads Rd and Breakwater Rd Intersection (Vic)
> Bass Highway Duplication - Stages 4-7 (NSW)
RAIL
> Ballarat Line Upgrade (Vic)
> Regional Rail Revival (Vic)
> Regional Rail Link (Vic)
> South Morang Rail Extension (Vic)
> Sunbury Electrification Project (Vic)
> Melton to Sunshine Rail Upgrade (Vic)
> Penola to Wolseley Rail Project (SA)
> Altona Rail Loop (Vic)
> Laverton Railway Upgrade (Vic)
> Multiple Train Station Upgrades and Grade Separation Projects (Vic) -
MINING, EXPLORATION, OIL AND GAS PROJECT
A selection of projects completed in the mining and exploration, oil and gas industries:
MINING
> Fingerboard Mineral Sands Project (Vic)
> WIM100 Mineral Sands Project (Vic)
> Middlemount Coal (Qld)
> Fosterville Goldmine (Vic)
> Donald Mineral Sands Mine (Vic)
> WIM150 Project (Vic)
> Dendrobium Coal Mine (NSW)
> Carmichael Coal Mine (Qld)
> Stawell Gold Mine (Vic)
> Big Hill Gold Mine (Vic)
> Iluka Echo Project…A selection of projects completed in the mining and exploration, oil and gas industries:
MINING
> Fingerboard Mineral Sands Project (Vic)
> WIM100 Mineral Sands Project (Vic)
> Middlemount Coal (Qld)
> Fosterville Goldmine (Vic)
> Donald Mineral Sands Mine (Vic)
> WIM150 Project (Vic)
> Dendrobium Coal Mine (NSW)
> Carmichael Coal Mine (Qld)
> Stawell Gold Mine (Vic)
> Big Hill Gold Mine (Vic)
> Iluka Echo Project (Vic)
> Ouyen Mineral Sands Project (Vic) -
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
Over the past 20 years Aaron has played a major role in the planning, assessment and approvals of over 40 wind farm projects throughout south-eastern Australia. He has also worked with proponents and civil contractors during the construction, operational and maintenance stages of projects.
A selection of renewable energy projects include:
> Delburn Wind Farm - OSMI Renewables (Vic)
> Warracknabeal Wind Farm - West Wind (Vic)
> Mt Gellibrand Wind Farm - Acciona…Over the past 20 years Aaron has played a major role in the planning, assessment and approvals of over 40 wind farm projects throughout south-eastern Australia. He has also worked with proponents and civil contractors during the construction, operational and maintenance stages of projects.
A selection of renewable energy projects include:
> Delburn Wind Farm - OSMI Renewables (Vic)
> Warracknabeal Wind Farm - West Wind (Vic)
> Mt Gellibrand Wind Farm - Acciona Energy (Vic)
> Berrimal Wind Farm - Acciona Energy (Vic)
> Stockyard Hill Wind Farm - Origin Energy (Vic)
> Darlington Wind Farm - Union Fenosa Wind Australia (Vic)
> Ben More Wind Farm - Transfield Services (Vic)
> Lexton Wind Farm - Origin Energy (Vic)
> Mortlake Wind Farm - Acciona Energy (Vic)
> Mt Mercer Wind Farm - West Wind (Vic)
> Mortons Lane Wind Farm - CGN Wind Energy Limited (Vic)
> Salt Creek Wind Farm - TrustPower (Vic)
> Ryans Corner Wind Farm - Union Fenosa Wind Australia (Vic)
> Hawkesdale Wind Farm - Union Fenosa Wind Australia (Vic)
> Dollar Wind Farm - Meridian Energy (Vic)
> Port Pirie Wind Farm - Wind Farm Developments (SA)
> Nalpa Wind Farm - Pacific Hydro (SA)
> Woolnorth (Studland Bay) Wind Farm - Tasmanian Hydro (Tas)
> Musselroe Wind Farm - Tasmanian Hydro (Tas)
> Heemskirk Wind Farm - Tasmanian Hydro (Tas) -
RESEARCH, NATURAL ESTATE AND RESERVE MANAGEMENT
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WATER INDUSTRY PROJECTS
Organizations
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Urban Development Institute of Australia (National)
National EnviroDevelopment Advisory Board Member
- PresentEnviroDevelopment is a scientifically-based assessment scheme that independently reviews development projects and awards certification to those that achieve outstanding performance across four or more of the provided elements - Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water and Community. EnviroDevelopment serves to make it easier for purchasers to recognise and, thereby, select more environmentally sustainable developments and lifestyles. Certified developments will have been carefully designed…
EnviroDevelopment is a scientifically-based assessment scheme that independently reviews development projects and awards certification to those that achieve outstanding performance across four or more of the provided elements - Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water and Community. EnviroDevelopment serves to make it easier for purchasers to recognise and, thereby, select more environmentally sustainable developments and lifestyles. Certified developments will have been carefully designed to protect the environment and use resources responsibly, whilst offering a range of benefits to homeowners, industry and government. http://www.envirodevelopment.com.au/
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Earthwatch Institute
Non Executive Director
- PresentEarthwatch’s role in the community is one which nurtures and grows the inspiration and actions necessary for society to develop a more balanced approach to business and sustainability. Our efforts improve how scientific research is funded and communicated, and our volunteering opportunities provide the means by which everyday people can reconnect with nature. There are few organisations operating on such a global scale that engage citizens, corporate supporters, scientists, and government with…
Earthwatch’s role in the community is one which nurtures and grows the inspiration and actions necessary for society to develop a more balanced approach to business and sustainability. Our efforts improve how scientific research is funded and communicated, and our volunteering opportunities provide the means by which everyday people can reconnect with nature. There are few organisations operating on such a global scale that engage citizens, corporate supporters, scientists, and government with such positive environmental outcomes. Participants in Earthwatch programs span all age groups and all nationalities—our common denominator is our wish to participate in sustainable activities for the benefit of our planet.
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The Banksia Foundation
Banksia Awards Judge
- PresentAaron is a Judge of The Banksia Awards (currently the Banksia Natural Capital Award) The Banksia Foundation is a well-established not-for-profit organisation dedicated to working with industry and community to focus attention on the recognition of environmental excellence and sustainability. Banksia is a strong and expanding brand and it’s Awards program, the Banksia Sustainability Awards, are regarded as the most prestigious and longest running sustainability awards in Australia. The 2015…
Aaron is a Judge of The Banksia Awards (currently the Banksia Natural Capital Award) The Banksia Foundation is a well-established not-for-profit organisation dedicated to working with industry and community to focus attention on the recognition of environmental excellence and sustainability. Banksia is a strong and expanding brand and it’s Awards program, the Banksia Sustainability Awards, are regarded as the most prestigious and longest running sustainability awards in Australia. The 2015 Banksia Sustainability Awards comprise of 13 category Awards and 4 specialist Awards including the Banksia Gold Award awarded to the best of the best. The Banksia Sustainability Awards reward Australian individuals, communities, businesses and government for their innovation, achievement and commitment to sustainability.
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Urban Development Institute of Australia (Victoria)
EnviroDevelopment Advisory Board Member
-EnviroDevelopment is a scientifically-based assessment scheme that independently reviews development projects and awards certification to those that achieve outstanding performance across four or more of the provided elements - Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water and Community. EnviroDevelopment serves to make it easier for purchasers to recognise and, thereby, select more environmentally sustainable developments and lifestyles. Certified developments will have been carefully designed…
EnviroDevelopment is a scientifically-based assessment scheme that independently reviews development projects and awards certification to those that achieve outstanding performance across four or more of the provided elements - Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water and Community. EnviroDevelopment serves to make it easier for purchasers to recognise and, thereby, select more environmentally sustainable developments and lifestyles. Certified developments will have been carefully designed to protect the environment and use resources responsibly, whilst offering a range of benefits to homeowners, industry and government. http://www.envirodevelopment.com.au/
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Join now to viewMore activity by Aaron
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VALE JOHN KIRIAKIDIS (1973-2024) A few days ago, I was completely heartbroken with the untimely passing of John Kiriakidis - a wonderful person and…
VALE JOHN KIRIAKIDIS (1973-2024) A few days ago, I was completely heartbroken with the untimely passing of John Kiriakidis - a wonderful person and…
Liked by Aaron Organ
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We’re currently in Canberra at the National Biodiversity Offsets Conference 3.0. 😀 It’s been fascinating to hear updates on the various…
We’re currently in Canberra at the National Biodiversity Offsets Conference 3.0. 😀 It’s been fascinating to hear updates on the various…
Shared by Aaron Organ
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These are the Wilkerr (dingoes) that we are studying in Big Desert-Wyperfeld (NW, Victoria). Story by Ella Archibald-Binge, Australian Broadcasting…
These are the Wilkerr (dingoes) that we are studying in Big Desert-Wyperfeld (NW, Victoria). Story by Ella Archibald-Binge, Australian Broadcasting…
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Ecology and Heritage Partners Photo of the Month! 📸 We are thrilled to announce the winner of our Photo of the Month contest for January 2024! 🥁…
Ecology and Heritage Partners Photo of the Month! 📸 We are thrilled to announce the winner of our Photo of the Month contest for January 2024! 🥁…
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The Panel Report for Mt Fyans Wind Farm has been released, nine months after being submitted to the Minister for consideration. Its a mixed result…
The Panel Report for Mt Fyans Wind Farm has been released, nine months after being submitted to the Minister for consideration. Its a mixed result…
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Join us to celebrate 35 years of VPELA and this "coral" milestone as we dive deep into an underwater wonderland! Early Brid price closes 17 April.…
Join us to celebrate 35 years of VPELA and this "coral" milestone as we dive deep into an underwater wonderland! Early Brid price closes 17 April.…
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On today’s World Frog Day, we’re proud to highlight the work being done by citizen scientists to monitor frog populations and keep track of the…
On today’s World Frog Day, we’re proud to highlight the work being done by citizen scientists to monitor frog populations and keep track of the…
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We were delighted to host Planning Minister the Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP again at our annual Minister’s Address this week. The Minister outlined her…
We were delighted to host Planning Minister the Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP again at our annual Minister’s Address this week. The Minister outlined her…
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