Burchills and EcOz (Darwin) collaborated to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for a proposed mineral sand mine at Urquhart Point, south of Weipa. As part of the process an EPBC Referral and Offset Strategy were also prepared.
Burchills managed the project and our Environmental Scientists undertook detailed ecological and technical investigations on the site in collaboration with EcOz and the Wik and Wik Way Traditional Owners of Urquhart Point.
Significant species recorded during the assessments include the Cooktown Orchid, the Beach Stone Curlew and the Green Turtle. Targeted management strategies were prepared and incorporated into the project’s Environmental Management Plan to ensure these species are protected throughout the life of the project.
The EIS was approved by the Queensland Government in 2013 and Burchills are now involved in the construction and pre-operational phases.
Offsets were required to meet both Commonwealth and State Government statutory requirements. The Client was keen to mitigate the project’s potential environmental impacts by giving back to the local community. This was achieved by providing a trust fund for the ongoing sustainability of the Indigenous Land Management activities associated with the establishment of the Ranger Station on Urquhart Point.