Excavation activities, product storage and construction camps all provide opportunities for staff and contractors to have close encounters with snakes and other dangerous wildlife.

In particular, the trenching required for pipeline installations acts as a linear trap in which wildlife, including highly venomous snakes, will enter with no means of escape. This is not only detrimental to the wildlife, but can also pose a considerable risk to operators working within and around these trenches.

Queensland Fauna Consultancy (QFC) provides a number of highly experienced wildlife management specialists who are proficient in handling and identifying fauna, including highly venomous snakes. The consultancy’s staff can effectively and efficiently remove wildlife through specialised techniques, enabling a safe workplace for all staff. Wildlife is then translocated in accordance with environmental commitments that are often required as part of the overall project biodiversity objectives.

QFC delivers a range of other wildlife related services to the mining, pipeline installation and infrastructure industries across Queensland. From initial survey and assessment through to the removal of wildlife from worksites, QFC has a team of consultants to facilitate any pipeline project.

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Fauna legislation

Recent changes to Queensland legislation relating to the preservation of wildlife have resulted in implications for developers, with Development Approvals often stipulating that Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services accredited wildlife spotters/catchers provide pre-clearance and/or during construction management of native fauna. Further to this, management of endangered, vulnerable and rare (EVR) species has become an increased focus of corporations and private companies.

The QFC wildlife/spotter and fauna management team provide a legislative compliant service that fulfils all obligations requested of vegetation removal operators and construction personnel during operations. The consultancy’s process is not only mindful of the need for onsite fauna values to be maintained, but also considers the time constraints and operating deadlines associated with development. QFC aims to minimise the impact on wildlife through methods that are specific to each location and allow minimal to zero disruption for machinery operators.

The consultancy’s interaction with a large number of clientele throughout the mining and construction industries has seen it formulate safety plans and risk management strategies specific to the industry. QFC provides job hazard analysis specific to onsite requirements and is pleased to adopt further safety initiatives and attend site-specific inductions.

Furthermore, QFC is fully licensed and accredited by the EPA and holds current permits for investigative fauna works, including EVR species and wildlife/spotter activities. The consultancy provides all necessary insurance cover as well as work place injury cover for all consultants and subcontractors.