About the Webinar

Scoping a biological baseline survey is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. The approach you take for an environmental impact assessment can differ significantly from one designed to inform a management plan. Understanding these differences is critical to ensuring your survey is both defensible and useful.

In this webinar, we step through what effective scoping looks like in practice, from initial desktop review through to field reconnaissance. You will gain a clearer understanding of how to align your scope with project objectives, regulatory expectations, and on-ground realities.

Designed as a practical, entry-level session, this webinar, part of the WA Environmental Profession 101 webinar series, is ideal for practitioners who are still building confidence in baseline biological survey work, particularly those working in or entering the WA context.

The session will cover:

• How baseline studies differ when developed for approval or management, including differences in survey objectives and legislative requirements
• What to look for during desktop review and field reconnaissance
• How to build a scope of work that is fit for purpose, including considerations such as spatial and temporal scope, taxa selection, survey methods and effort/level of detail
• How survey results inform monitoring programs and mitigation measures, such as threatened species or vegetation condition monitoring

Meet the Speaker - Kyle Wood

Kyle Wood is a specialist botanist in Rio Tinto’s biological assessments team, where he supports the planning, delivery and review of baseline biological surveys for environmental approvals under Part IV and Part V of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. His work includes developing scopes of work, reviewing consultant proposals and technical reports, and providing practical advice to support defensible environmental impact assessment outcomes.

Kyle previously worked in environmental consulting, leading biological surveys and rehabilitation monitoring programs across Western Australia, with a strong focus on the Pilbara. He has also worked with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions on threatened flora conservation programs, including population monitoring, targeted surveys, translocations and post-fire recovery work.
This combination of consulting, government and industry experience has shaped Kyle’s understanding of the value of well-scoped baseline studies. He understands how clear objectives, fit-for-purpose survey design and regulatory expectations can improve survey efficiency, data quality and the relevance of biological surveys for environmental impact assessment and management.

The webinar includes a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session, providing an opportunity to test your understanding and ask practical questions.

This webinar will run on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and will be recorded. A link to the recording will be sent to all registered delegates in the days following the event.

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