Olive Downs Complex - Bowen Basin, Queensland

3.5+ years of continuous fauna management supporting major coal mining development from greenfield through to completion of Stage One clearing operations, and now re-engaged for Stage Two.

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Client: Pembroke Resources

Duration: 2022 - Present (3.5+ years)

Project Type: Greenfield Steelmaking Coal Mine

Major Project Success in Queensland's Premier Mining Region

Comprehensive Fauna Management for Large-Scale Mining Development

Fauna Catchers Australia has been engaged for our fauna spotter catcher service at the Olive Downs Complex since the commencement of Stage One clearing operations in 2022. This large-scale coal mining development in the Bowen Basin required comprehensive fauna management throughout an innovative four-stage clearing process.

Our continuous engagement across 3.5+ years demonstrates the reliability, professionalism, and conservation expertise that major mining operations require. Successfully completing Stage One and being re-engaged for Stage Two based on proven performance, professionalism, and seamless integration with project teams.

This project showcases our ability to integrate seamlessly with complex mining operations while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and safety culture.

“Fauna Catchers Australia was critical to keeping the Olive Downs Complex clearing operations on schedule. We needed fauna spotting services that could integrate seamlessly with our four-stage clearing methodology whilst maintaining strict environmental compliance. Steve delivered exactly that—zero compliance incidents over 3.5 years, consistent professionalism, and genuine understanding of both conservation and mining operations. We re-engaged Fauna Catchers Australia for Stage Two without hesitation. Steve and his team are not just contractors; they are conservation professionals who understand project timelines and regulatory pressures. I’d recommend them to any mining, renewable energy, or civil operator.”

Kerryn Nicholas

Senior Environmental Advisor

Pembroke Resources

Comprehensive Fauna Management Services

Pre-Clearing Services

Active Clearing Support

Compliance & Reporting

Diverse Fauna Successfully Relocated

Tens of Thousands of Native Animals Safely Managed

Throughout Stage One and ongoing Stage Two operations, our team has safely captured, handled, relocated and protected a wide variety of native Queensland species:

Mammals

Greater gliders, Eastern grey kangaroos, bettongs, wallabies, echidnas, various possum species, bandicoots, insectivorous and numerous bat species

Reptiles

Ornamental snakes, Eastern brown snakes, Pale-headed snakes, Whipsnakes, Carpentaria snakes, carpet pythons, Common tree snakes, blue-tongue lizards, Frill-necked lizards, bearded dragons, monitors, geckos, skinks and freshwater turtles

Birds

Various parrot species, raptors, Emus, Nightjars, Tawny Frogmouths, Pardelotes, ground-nesting birds, migratory species and species of conservation significance such as Squatter Pigeons

Amphibians

Green tree frogs, Salmon-striped frogs, Wide-mouthed frogs, Northern banjo frogs, and Crucifix frogs

*All species handled using appropriate protocols with immediate relocation to suitable habitat areas approved by environmental consultants and regulatory authorities.

Delivering Excellence Over 3.5+ Years

Key Achievements:

Overcoming Complex Project Requirements

Challenge 1: Four-Stage Clearing Methodology

The Challenge

The Olive Downs Complex utilised an innovative four-stage clearing process requiring fauna management protocols to adapt to varying clearing intensities and timelines.

Our Solution

Developed flexible fauna spotting strategies that integrated with each clearing stage, ensuring continuous fauna protection while supporting operational efficiency. Close coordination with site Environmental and clearing supervisors enabled real-time adjustments based on fauna activity and habitat conditions.

Challenge 2: Large Clearing Footprint

The Challenge

Extensive clearing areas required coordinated fauna management across multiple work fronts simultaneously.

Our Solution

Scalable team deployment based on operational requirements, with experienced personnel capable of working independently while maintaining consistent protocols and documentation standards. This flexibility ensured comprehensive coverage without operational bottlenecks.

Challenge 3: Diverse Species Encounters

The Challenge

Bowen Basin fauna includes protected species requiring specialised handling and specific relocation protocols.

Our Solution

Leveraged 30+ years of zoological expertise to ensure species-specific handling for everything from venomous snakes to threatened high-profile mammal species. Maintained detailed species-specific records that demonstrated genuine conservation outcomes to regulators.

Challenge 4: Long-Term Consistency

The Challenge

Maintaining performance standards and safety culture across 3.5+ years of continuous operations.

Our Solution

Established strong working relationships with site personnel, integrated fully into site culture, and maintained meticulous documentation practices. Regular communication with Pembroke Resources ensured alignment with evolving project needs.

Why This Project Matters

Demonstrating Conservation and Operational Excellence

The Olive Downs Complex engagement represents exactly what major mining operations need from fauna management services:

This project showcases our ability to deliver conservation outcomes that satisfy regulators while supporting operational success, the dual mandate that defines effective fauna management in the resources sector.

Related Services

Additional services that support your wildlife compliance needs, from surveys and permits to fauna handling, training, and nest box monitoring.