Expert environmental impact assessments to support your project approvals.

Environmental impact assessments are a core requirement of the environmental approval process for infrastructure, mining and renewable energy developments across Australia. Whether required under Federal, State or Local planning frameworks, an environmental impact assessment provides the technical evidence base that regulators rely on to make approval decisions.

Getting the scope, methodology and technical quality of an environmental impact assessment right is critical. Incomplete or poorly structured assessments can result in delays, additional information requests from regulators, or unfavourable approval conditions.

How we can help

Applied Environment & Safety prepares environmental impact assessments and coordinates the technical studies required to support planning approvals and regulatory submissions. Our team works with your project to identify environmental risks, quantify potential impacts and develop mitigation strategies that support successful project outcomes.

We support organisations across industries including power and renewable energy, mining and resources, and transport and civil infrastructure, the sectors where environmental impact assessments are most frequently required.

 

Featured Project

Environmental Management Plans & Inspections

Noosa, Queensland

Applied Environment & Safety provided environmental support to PCA Ground Engineering during road embankment stabilisation works in Noosa, Queensland. These works were important to maintaining the long-term serviceability of the road and drainage infrastructure at this location.

Our role on this project was to provide technical environmental support. This included the development of a Construction Environmental Management Plan, Sediment and Erosion Control Plan, and Rehabilitation Plan. Then we undertook inspections of the works during construction to ensure compliance with the controls for the environmental aspects.

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What’s involved

Environmental impact assessments evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed development and provide the documentation required by regulators to assess and approve the project. The scope and complexity of each assessment depends on the nature of the project, the sensitivity of the receiving environment and the regulatory framework that applies.

Our environmental impact assessment services include:

  • Scoping of environmental impact assessment requirements
  • Desktop and field-based environmental studies
  • Flora and fauna assessments and ecological surveys
  • Surface water, groundwater and soil assessments
  • Air quality, noise and vibration assessments
  • Social and cultural heritage impact assessments
  • Preparation of environmental impact statements (EIS) and assessment reports
  • Coordination of specialist technical sub-consultants

Our approach

We take a structured, risk-based approach to environmental impact assessments. Before technical studies begin, we work with your project team to understand the development proposal, identify the environmental sensitivities and confirm the regulatory requirements, ensuring the assessment scope is proportionate and targeted from the outset.

Our consultants coordinate the full assessment process, from scoping through to final reporting. We manage the technical inputs, prepare the documentation and ensure every component aligns with the approval requirements. Where specialist studies are needed, we coordinate sub-consultants and integrate their findings into a cohesive assessment.

Industries We Support

Environmental impact assessments are required across a wide range of development types. We regularly support projects in Australia’s most active infrastructure, resources and energy sectors.

Why Work With Applied Environment & Safety

We bring practical, project-delivery experience to environmental impact assessments. Our team understands how assessments fit within broader approval strategies and project timelines and we structure our work to support both.

We coordinate the full process, from initial scoping through to regulator submission, so your project team can focus on delivery while we manage the environmental assessment pathway.

Discuss your environmental impact assessment requirements

Tell us about your project. Our team will come back to you within one business day to discuss how AES can support your environmental impact assessment.

Contact our team today to discuss your project requirements.

Other Environmental Planning & Approval Services

Environmental Constraints Assessment & Feasibility

Environmental constraints and feasibility assessments help determine whether a proposed project is viable from an environmental perspective. These early-stage studies identify environmental sensitivities, regulatory risks and potential approval requirements that may influence project planning and design. Applied Environment & Safety supports projects by assessing environmental constraints, identifying approval pathways and providing early guidance on environmental risks that may affect project feasibility.
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Environmental Due Diligence Planning & Approvals

Environmental due diligence during acquisition provides early project planning and development by identifying environmental risks and regulatory obligations. Our team conducts environmental due diligence assessments to understand potential environmental liabilities, compliance obligations and approval requirements associated with a project. This information supports informed decision-making and ensures environmental planning considerations are integrated into project development.
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EPBC Approvals & Planning

Projects that may impact Matters of National Environmental Significance require approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 (EPBC). Applied Environment & Safety prepares EPBC referrals, supporting environmental assessments and navigating the Federal environmental approval pathways. Our team provides strategic guidance to ensure the project meets Federal environmental requirements and progresses efficiently through the EPBC approval process.
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State Level Environmental Approvals & Planning

Many developments require environmental approvals under state planning frameworks. These approvals vary depending on the location, scale and nature of the project. Applied Environment & Safety supports organisations navigating environmental approval processes in Queensland , assisting with the preparation of submission documentation and engagement with State regulatory bodies. Our team helps projects understand State environmental planning requirements and develop approval strategies aligned with project timelines.
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Environmental Approval Process & Regulator Liaison

Successfully navigating environmental approvals requires a clear strategy and effective communication with regulatory authorities. Applied Environment & Safety works with project teams and government regulators to guide projects through environmental approval processes, ensuring documentation, timelines and regulatory requirements are managed effectively. Our team supports engagement with regulatory agencies and assists organisations in coordinating environmental approvals across multiple jurisdictions.
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View all Environmental Planning & Approval Services

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FAQ’s

Common questions from project teams about Environmental Impact Assessments.

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What is an environmental impact assessment?

An environmental impact assessment evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed development. It provides the technical documentation regulators require to understand the likely impacts and determine whether the project should be approved, and under what conditions.

When is an environmental impact assessment required?

An environmental impact assessment is typically required when a proposed development has the potential to significantly impact the environment. The trigger depends on the regulatory framework Federal, State or Local and the nature, scale and location of the project.

What does an environmental impact assessment include?

An environmental impact assessment generally includes a description of the proposed development, an assessment of the existing environment, identification and evaluation of potential environmental impacts, proposed mitigation and management measures, and a summary of residual risks.

How long does an environmental impact assessment take?

Timeframes depend on the scope and complexity of the project, the number of technical studies required and the regulatory assessment pathway. Simple assessments may take a few months, while complex multi-disciplinary EIS processes can extend over 12 months or more.

What is the difference between an EIS and an EIA?

An EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) is a specific document type, usually required under State or Federal legislation for major developments. An EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) is the broader process of identifying, evaluating and reporting on the environmental effects of a proposed project. The EIS is typically the final output of the EIA process.

Do I need an environmental impact assessment for a renewable energy project?

large-scale renewable energy projects, including solar farms, wind farms and battery storage development, require some form of environmental impact assessment, particularly where the project may affect threatened species, vegetation communities, waterways or heritage values.