Name
Ned Bowden
Job title
Senior Associate - Ecology
Organisation
Niche Environment and Heritage
Speaker biography
Ned is an ardent ecologist with experience across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Ned’s breadth of experience transposes across various sectors, with a focus on large renewable energy developments. Ned has deep technical expertise in biodiversity-related legislation and approvals, spatial refinement of vegetation mapping and analysis, management plans, impact assessment, field surveys, and fauna detection (with a specialty in avifauna). A focus of Ned's work over the past five years has been Bird and Bat Studies, including risk assessments, utilisation studies, collision risk modelling and adaptive management plans for wind farm clients. Ned is a trusted advisor to clients, providing comprehensive ecology advice and outcomes, statutory planning advice, ecological risk management, and accurate and detailed ecological assessments to support project goals.
Speaking At
Presentation title
Birds, bats and the bottom line: Early-stage considerations to reduce approval risks
Presentation summary
Bird and bat utilisation is often the longest lead-in study for wind projects, is highly likely to cause design changes, and if not addressed sufficiently, can result in expensive long-term monitoring and curtailment costs. This is why early-stage risk assessments are critical — but with so many assessment options, logistical survey challenges and evolving guidelines, how do project proponents conduct risk assessments that actually reduce risks? Nationally renowned expert Gavin Thomas will discuss strategies to help proponents create conditions for project success when selecting their risk assessment approach and explain the timeline, financial and environmental benefits of well-planned bird and bat risk assessments. Gavin will share insights gathered from his experience working with wind farm proponents across Australia, helping bridge the gap between the scientific world of bird and bat studies and the commercial realities of navigating project approvals. Gavin’s presentation will cover: -How bird and bat risks can be a project killer if not managed up-front -Overview of different risk assessment models available and analysis of the outcomes from live projects -Evolving survey techniques and technology to improve accuracy of risk assessments -Strategies to address risks during design phase to effectively site turbines -Learnings from international examples and local case studies Birds and bats can have a significant impact on the financial viability of a wind project. Gavin’s presentation will guide proponents to take a proactive approach to risk assessments and design out their biggest risks, leading to smoother project approvals and avoiding future collision and curtailment risks.
