Koala survey qualification Dr Wotherspoon
Surveys Must be Carried Out by a Suitably Qualified Person
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The surveys must be carried out by a suitably qualified person. This is taken to mean a person with:
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a minimum undergraduate qualification in natural sciences ecology environmental management forestry or similar from a university and
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BSc (ecology)
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PhD (ecology)
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with a minimum 3 years’ experience in environmental assessment including field identification of plant and animal species and habitat.
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Ecological consultant since 1991
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Certified Practicing Ecological Consultant (ECA NSW registration number 1)
This includes having as a minimum the following experience in conducting koala surveys:
• Greater than 10 surveys
LGAs include Hawkesbury, Campbelltown, Port Macquarie, Blue Mountains, Pittwater, etc.
• Experience in using the koala presence survey methods identified below
Yes.
Training workshop AKF annual Conference Philip Island 1999.
NSW LEC expert witness.
• Can accurately identify preferred koala use trees
Yes.
Arborist expert witness.
• Can distinguish between koala faecal pellets and those from other species that may present similar characteristics
Yes.
Training workshop AKF annual Conference Philip Island 1999
The person’s skills in koala survey should be demonstrable by relevant qualifications and the following:
• a history of experience in koala habitat / population assessments and associated survey methods and/or
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Research paper published Australia Koala Foundation
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Paper presented AKF annual Conference Philip Island 1999
• a resume giving details of koala survey projects conducted over the previous 10 years including employers’ names and periods of employment (where relevant).
Owner and founder of Abel Ecology P/L (previously Blue Mountain Wilderness Services P/L) since 1991
The experience and qualifications of the surveyor must be documented in the koala assessment report.
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https://webmap.environment.nsw.gov.au/Html5Viewer291/index.html?viewer=KoalaSEPP.htm5