I was engaged by Mr Orchard to assess the environmental values and risks for a proposal to reduce waste vegetation and soil/water slurry going to landfill through diversion and recycling into soil conditioner. This activity was to reuse the waste solids and liquids generated on site from existing aquaculture activities, thus reducing discharge to Albert River.
Mr Orchard is passionate about protecting the riparian corridor along the Albert River, regardless of any future commercial activities on site. During the scoping of the project he demonstrated a commitment to environmental improvements by removing pest plants from the site, especially lantana and camphor laurel infestations along the Albert River bank, while investigating recycling opportunities due to the legacy of thousands of tires left on the site.
I support Stephens initiatives to improve the riparian vegetation community as the site is mapped as an endangered regional ecosystem, and would lead to improved connectivity between the eastern native vegetation community and the terrace and river bank communities, especially the Koalas.