ECA Vic is excited to be hosting this special professional development opportunity, developed and presented by Dr Melanie Birtchnell (Seeding Meliora). The course is specifically designed for ecological consultants and adapted from the popular, industry-awarded course: Biodiversity Planning in Victoria.

Are you working on planning applications and wanting to improve your understanding of how your findings are processed by Councils? Are you wanting to expand your skills in Biodiversity Planning? Are you interested in learning more about Biodiversity Planning for interest or future employment opportunities?

This one-day workshop will support ecological consultants to deepen their knowledge of biodiversity planning by taking participants from the ‘big picture’ of Biodiversity Planning, through the planning process, to how consultants can be most effective. Topics will include:

• Foundations of Biodiversity Planning (e.g. introduction to strategic and statutory planning, anatomy of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, planning permits).
• Systems-thinking approach to ecological assessments.
• Applied approaches to Biodiversity Planning (e.g. writing reports – what does Council require?, creative and considered solutions, Construction and Environmental Management Plans).

Date: Wednesday, 30^th August 2023

Time: 8:45am registration (for a 9am start) – 4:30pm

Cost:  $280 for ECA Vic members, $325 for non-members

Participants to bring: Lunch and snacks. Tea, coffee and water will be provided.

Community Hub at The Dock

Level 1, 912 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008

Contact Event Organiser

Refund policy: https://ecavic.org.au/refund-policy/ 

About the Presenter:

Dr Melanie (Mel) Birtchnell has over twenty years’ experience as an ecologist, working across disciplines including field botany, biodiversity planning, education, community engagement, and threatened species conservation. She is an independent ecological consultant (www.seedingmeliora.com) with experience working on a diverse range of Federal, State, Local and micro-scale projects. Mel has worked with consultants, government, agencies, resident groups, conservation networks, community groups, and more. A recognised leader in biodiversity planning, Mel has developed and delivered a range of highly regarded courses to support professionals and community in their environmental work. She is motivated to address the critical knowledge shortage that exists in the field of biodiversity planning and has an unwavering commitment to learning, sharing stories, and empowering community to be great ancestors.

Image credit: Jake Urlus