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What Are Flora and Fauna Surveys?
A flora survey identifies and records the types of vegetation and plant species in a given area. These surveys capture information about the condition, distribution, and significance of vegetation, including any threatened or priority species.
A fauna survey investigates the presence of animals, from mammals and birds to reptiles and invertebrates. Methods may include camera traps, habitat assessments, acoustic monitoring, and targeted searches.
In many cases, these surveys extend into fauna monitoring programmes, where species populations and habitats are observed over time. This ongoing process helps assess the long-term impacts of development and informs adaptive management strategies.
Together, flora and fauna surveys form the foundation of environmental assessments, providing the evidence base for planning, approvals, and sustainable design.
Why Are Flora and Fauna Surveys Critical in Urban Growth Areas?
Protecting Biodiversity Hotspots
Western Australia is recognised globally as a biodiversity hotspot. Many urban growth areas overlap with ecologically sensitive regions containing endangered flora and fauna. Without surveys, valuable species and habitats could be lost before they are even recorded.
By mapping biodiversity values early in the planning process, developers and councils can avoid critical habitats, safeguard ecological corridors, and contribute to long-term conservation outcomes.
Supporting Planning and Environmental Approvals
Flora and fauna surveys are often mandatory under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Regulators rely on accurate, professional data to evaluate whether a development can proceed, and under what conditions.
For projects in WA, surveys are also a key part of obtaining environmental approvals, ensuring compliance with both State and Commonwealth legislation. Skipping or delaying surveys can result in refusal of approval, significant redesigns, or long-term delays.
Reducing Risks and Costs for Developers
From a developer’s perspective, the value of flora and fauna surveys extends beyond compliance. Conducting assessments early can prevent unexpected discoveries—such as a threatened species or heritage vegetation—that may halt a project.
By identifying constraints upfront, surveys enable proactive planning, streamlined approvals, and more predictable project costs. In many cases, they save developers both time and money.
Who Needs Flora and Fauna Surveys?
Flora and fauna surveys are not just for large-scale infrastructure. A wide range of stakeholders benefit from, or are required to undertake, these assessments:
- Developers – urban subdivisions, housing estates, and commercial projects.
- Local councils – community facilities, planning strategies, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Private landowners – subdivision or rezoning applications.
- Mining and exploration companies – particularly where operations occur near urban or semi-urban growth areas.
Regardless of project size, any development with the potential to impact biodiversity can require an environmental survey.
How Flora and Fauna Surveys Shape Sustainable Development
Flora and fauna surveys provide more than just compliance data. They actively shape how developments are designed and implemented.
Biodiversity data often informs:
- Urban design decisions – such as retaining green corridors and native vegetation.
- Offset strategies – where unavoidable impacts are balanced through habitat restoration or conservation in other areas.
- Public open space planning – integrating ecological values into community amenities.
For developers, this can even provide a marketing advantage. Demonstrating ecological responsibility appeals to buyers who value sustainability and aligns with corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments.
Ultimately, these surveys contribute to growth that does not come at the expense of WA’s unique natural environment.
Flora and Fauna Surveys with Trace Enterprises
At Trace Enterprises, our experienced environmental consultants provide:
- Comprehensive flora and fauna surveys across Western Australia.
- Fauna monitoring programmes to track long-term ecological impacts.
- Environmental impact assessments that integrate biodiversity, planning, and heritage considerations.
- Guidance through environmental approvals, ensuring projects meet both State and Federal requirements.
Our integrated approach—bringing together heritage, environmental, and planning expertise—means we can identify risks early, streamline approvals, and help clients achieve development outcomes that are both compliant and sustainable.
Conclusion
As Western Australia’s cities and towns continue to expand, the importance of safeguarding biodiversity cannot be overstated. Flora and fauna surveys are not a box-ticking exercise; they are a vital step in ensuring that urban growth respects the State’s unique environment while enabling development to proceed efficiently.
For developers, councils, and landowners, investing in professional surveys reduces risks, accelerates approvals, and supports long-term sustainability.
Contact Trace Enterprises today to learn how our environmental consultants can assist with flora and fauna surveys, environmental approvals, and biodiversity management for your next project.
