Our Services

Environment. Heritage. Planning. Renewables.

site selection

Site Selection & Feasibility

Echo Consultants has experience in prospecting and scoping sites for potential renewable development. Using a combination of resources and a refined methodology, Echo Consultants has successfully identified numerous sites for large-scale solar, pumped hydro energy storage and wind potential in Queensland and NSW. 

Through a pragmatic and thorough process, sites are further assessed for fatal flaws and constraints to determine future development viability and potential regulatory requirements. We provide further support and are well-experienced in approaching and negotiating with Landholders to discuss land leasing/purchasing option agreements.

PLANNING APPROVALS

Echo Consultants has successfully navigated solar, battery, green hydrogen, electricity and transport infrastructure projects in Queensland, and renewables projects in NSW and Vic through a pragmatic and efficient approvals process. We provide expertise in Local, state and Commonwealth approvals, and are well-experienced in liaison and negotiation with government agencies and regulatory authorities. Our approach considers the project objectives, staged development, time and funding constraints, site and natural constraints.

Preparation of Development Applications:

  • Planning Report/ EIS/ Planning Application
  • Engaging and managing consultants for technical/ specialist assessments and reports
  • Liaising and Pre-lodgement meetings with relevant State Depts and Agencies, Assessment Manager
environmental planning approvals
site selection

Environmental Assessment & Management

Proactive identification and assessment of environmental risks and impacts, coupled with the successful implementation and monitoring of associated management plan/s leads to a reduction of potential impacts during all stages of projects.

Environmental Management Plans

Echo Consultants has developed environmental management plans (EMPs) for major energy and utility infrastructure projects throughout Queensland. Our EMPs deliver pragmatic measures to address the identified risks associated with the project development for construction and operations and maintenance.

Compliance Monitoring & Auditing

Implementation of management measures must be monitored by appropriately skilled technicians, who can provide valuable insight for practical improvement opportunities. Echo Consultants has extensive site supervision and auditing experience and skills to ensure environmental obligations are met.

Environmental Legislation

  • Identification and interpretation of compliance obligations and practical application
  • Preparation of permit/approval applications and supporting documentation (e.g. Vegetation Clearing, EPBC Referral, Protected Plants permit, etc.)

Environmental Management Systems

Echo Consultants has significant expertise in developing environmental management system components to meet AS/NZ ISO 14001, as well as supporting system and Certification maintenance through internal and external auditing.

Stakeholder Engagement

A primary consideration for developments is early and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
Echo Consultants delivers:
  • Stakeholder mapping and analysis
  • Community consultation meetings
  • Community Information sessions
Stakeholders
site selection

Cultural Heritage

Echo Consultants facilitates engagement with Traditional Owners to ensure legislative and Duty of Care obligations have been met and to avoid or minimise harm to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage. We are experienced in negotiating Cultural Heritage Management Agreements/Plans and developing Partnership programs with Traditional Owners. Echo’s archaeologist acts as advisor to clients/proponents during CH agreement negotiations with Traditional Owners, and attends CH field surveys.

Training & Inductions

Echo Consultants has extensive experience and skills in developing and delivering environmental awareness and specialised training courses, and inductions. With Cert IV Workplace Assessment & Training qualifications, training courses developed and delivered by Echo Consultants include:
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Cultural Heritage Awareness
  • Erosion and Sediment Control
  • Weed Identification and Management
  • Working in Protected Areas (National Parks & Wet Tropics Heritage Areas)
  • Environmental Planning (risk and impact assessment for construction and maintenance)
  • EMP and (Project) Environmental/CH Inductions
Training & Inductions

Environment. Heritage. Planning. Renewables.

For further information, please contact:

Copyright 2023 Echo Consultants

Design by Mitchell Creative