In a Western Australian-first, the biodiversity survey information that informs environmental impact assessments will be consolidated and made more accessible, thanks to a new information management system launched today.
The Index of Biodiversity Surveys for Assessments will break down information barriers and lead to lasting benefits for industry, government, the community and the environment.
Each year about $38 million is spent by industry in WA, collecting biodiversity data for environmental assessments under the Environmental Protection Act.
This crucial information assists government and industry in making the best decisions to protect Western Australia’s unique environment, while still allowing the economy to prosper.
However, until now this important biodiversity data was not centrally collated or easily accessible. This led to inefficiencies and hindered the work of regulators and industry in gaining a better understanding of Western Australia’s biodiversity values.
This new system will capture and consolidate data contained in more than 500 biodiversity surveys conducted every year, and provide a platform to make this information publicly accessible.
The Index of Biodiversity Surveys for Assessments was conceptualised by the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute, which has worked with the State Government to develop the project.