The Curragh Mine is directly north of the town of Blackwater in the Bowen Basin, Central Queensland. The mine is a significant producer of metallurgical coal, most of which is exported for the iron and steel-making industries.
The primary purpose of the mine’s Biodiversity Offset Strategy is to replace environmental values which may be significantly impacted by the mine’s extension.
The strategy aims to determine the potential offset areas for Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), and Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) prescribed under the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014.
Specialist Advice for Long-term Biodiversity
Taking into account the Australian and Queensland Environmental Offset Policies, our specialist Ecology team developed a comprehensive strategy. This included interpreting the relevant legislation and assessing the offset requirements for impacts of national and state significance.
Our team identified potential biodiversity offset locations in consultation with relevant authorities. We prepared a technical report for public exhibition and produced detailed maps for regulatory bodies responsible for the approval of the offset strategy.
Our team identified strategic offset sites that have the potential to help manage and protect the long-term biodiversity of the area.