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2009 - Hay Local Environmental PLan (LEP) Review
Booth Associates have been engaged by Hay Shire Council and the Department of Planning to undertake an Urban and Rural Study, Rural Settlement Strategy and Local Environmental Plan for the shire. As part of this project Booth Associates have undertaken community engagement, including targeted stakeholder meetings, facilitated an Issues, Values and Vision Workshop. They have also prepared community survey to assist with values and issues identification, land supply and demand analysis. At this state Booth Associates have reported an Issues Paper to the Project Steering Committee, undertaken urban and rural land use surveys, conducted development and demographic analysis, biophysical analysis, environmental risk assessment, constraints mapping and are currently midway through the draft background report. Stage 2 will involve preparation of the LEP and associated mapping, and is expected to be completed in 2010. 2008 Booth Associates completed a SoEE on a property at Binya, as required by local Council, to support an application for a proposed sandstone quarry. This required project development including delineation of all proposed working areas, stockpiling, amenities and vehicular areas. As the area of the proposed development had moderate landscape values it was necessary to undertake a detailed fauna and flora survey survey, plus traffic, noise, amenity and air quality impact assessments. It was considered a range of threatened species were likely to utilise the site and accordingly the "7 Part Test" was required to be conducted for those species. The SoEE contained all the information necessary to enable a development application to be lodged with the local council for the proposed landuse. Booth Associates conducted an environmental audit of one of the largest wineries in Australia. The project involved a compliance assessment and an assessment of the environmental performance of the winery having regard to identified risks, environmental mitigation measures and controls and the environmental management framework implemented. Booth Associates prepared environmental flow advice on behalf of a client seeking a modification of development consent with a local Council. The advice included an overview of the planning and environmental management regime required of a surface-dependent wetland. This included a discussion of the importance of environmental flows particularly timing, seasonality, and volumes required for wetland rehabilitation. The discussion considered the impacts of rainfall and irrigation and the transformation of the locality through land use change and the resultant impacts on the wetland and riparian environment. On behalf of a regional council, Booth Associates reviewed a Fauna and Flora Survey which supported a proposed quarry development. Booth Associates undertook on-site targeted fauna and flora surveys, assessed habitat condition and identified a number of threatened species likely to be impacted by the proposal. The final report included recommendations for the preparation of a Species Impact Assessment if development was to be further considered by the Land and Environment Court. As well, this project involved an assessment of the planning requirements including recommendations for an Environmental Impact Assessment and the provision of expert evidence to the Land and Environment Court. 2007 Booth Associates were contracted by Four Arrows Ethanol Pty. Ltd. to undertake an Environmental Assessment for all pre design level investigations on a 300 ML ethanol production facility and 6000 milker intensive dairy. On behalf of a large producer review the background behind the rejection of a subdivision in 2001. The review included discussion with Council and agencies as to changing policy with a draft LEP now in place supporting this changing policy. Recommendations were made as to how to modify proposal to meet current planning guidelines. Booth Associates prepared a review of proposed sewage management facilities, irrigation disposal and reuse at a rural tourism development. The report provided an overview of the relevant planning provisions including reference to regional environmental plans, local environmental plans and designated development provisions and the various guidelines that govern proposals. The report provided advice on the statutory obligations of Council and included an overview of the various issues. The project also contained an assessment of the suitability of the site to sustain the proposal particularly in view of existing biophysical conditions and significant evidence of land degradation. The report included a review of soil chemistry, project wastewater volumes and quality. The report also provided recommendations to Council to facilitate the determination of the proposal. Booth Associates undertook an assessment of the environmental management performance of an intensive livestock operation. Framework for monitoring, assessment and reporting of this site had not previously been undertaken. Booth Associates developed a suite of sustainability indicators for the development based upon the identified range of risks (environmental, social and economic) and in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development. The project involving a site assessment, a review of existing Environmental Management Systems and an assessment of derived performance indicators to provide recommendations for future improved company environmental and management performance. Booth Associates completed a PDP to support a development application for a proposal to transform an extensive grazing enterprise into a high value horse breeding operation. The integrated report considered a number of aspects to assess impacts upon the biophysical and ecological environment from the varied landuse. The report also provided Council with sufficient financial information and forecasting to assess the viability of the proposed enterprise and suitability for a dwelling entitlement. The information presented allowed Council to approve the application in light of restrictions imposed on minimum lot size for agricultural developments contained within the Local Environmental Plan. Booth Associates undertook a flora and fauna study to assess the environmental impacts of a proposed gravel quarry upon native species and remnant vegetation. This study was a requirement for a proposed development application as expressed within Section 5A of the EPA Act 1979 as a consideration of significant effects upon threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitat. The result of assessment provided Council with the assurance that the development would not significantly affect threatened or native species inhabiting the area allowing approval of quarry operations.
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