When planning a development, infrastructure project or land use change, understanding the environmental values of a site is critical. One of the most significant considerations can be the presence of threatened flora.

Australia is home to one of the world's most unique collections of plant species, with approximately 85% of our native flora found nowhere else on Earth. Many of these species are protected under State and Commonwealth legislation, meaning their presence can influence project design, environmental approvals and management requirements.

The earlier these environmental values are identified, the more opportunities project teams have to manage risk, minimise delays and make informed decisions.



Why threatened flora matters

Threatened plant species are protected because their populations have declined due to habitat loss, invasive species, disease, changing land use and other environmental pressures.

If threatened flora is present within or near a proposed project area, additional assessment may be required to understand:

• whether the species is correctly identified
• the size and extent of the population
• the quality and condition of its habitat
• potential project impacts
• appropriate avoidance, mitigation or management measures
• any approval requirements under State or Commonwealth legislation.

Identifying these issues early helps avoid unexpected challenges later in the approvals process.

What does an ecological survey involve?

Redleaf Group's experienced ecologists undertake detailed field investigations to identify environmental values and provide clients with the information needed to make confident project decisions.

Our ecological surveys may include:

• targeted threatened flora surveys
• vegetation and habitat assessments
• mapping and population surveys
• ecological reporting
• environmental constraints assessments
• advice on approval pathways and legislative requirements
• practical recommendations to support project planning.

Our goal is to provide clear, reliable information that helps clients understand environmental risks early, allowing projects to progress with greater certainty.

Recent threatened flora discoveries in southern Queensland

During recent ecological surveys across southern Queensland, our Ecology team identified several threatened plant species, demonstrating the importance of specialist field investigations.

Slender Milkvine (Leichhardtia coronata)

Listed as Vulnerable under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992, this small vine is endemic to South-East Queensland and occurs within rainforest and moist eucalypt forest habitats.

Belson's Panic (Homopholis belsonii)

An Endangered perennial native grass under Queensland legislation and Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Belson's Panic is found within dry woodland ecosystems.

Pineapple Zamia (Macrozamia pauli-guilielmi)

This distinctive cycad is listed as Endangered under both Queensland and Commonwealth legislation and grows within woodland and forest communities on sandy soils.

Scrub Turpentine (Rhodamnia rubescens)

Listed as Critically Endangered, Scrub Turpentine continues to face significant threats from Myrtle Rust, an introduced fungal disease affecting many native Myrtaceae species. During our field investigations, signs of Myrtle Rust were observed on one individual, highlighting the ongoing pressures affecting this species.

Each discovery provides valuable ecological information that helps inform environmental assessments, project planning and long-term conservation outcomes.

How Redleaf Group can help

Understanding environmental constraints early is one of the most effective ways to reduce project risk.

Our Ecology team works alongside developers, local government, infrastructure providers, renewable energy proponents, mining and resources companies, planners and engineers to identify environmental values before they become project constraints.

Whether you're planning a new development, upgrading infrastructure or undertaking due diligence for a site, we provide practical ecological advice that supports informed decision-making and helps projects progress through environmental approvals with confidence.

Our services include:

• Flora and fauna assessments
• Targeted threatened species surveys
• Environmental constraints assessments
• Vegetation mapping
• Biodiversity assessments
• Environmental approvals support
• Due diligence investigations
• Ongoing ecological monitoring and management advice

Partner with Redleaf Group

Every site presents unique environmental opportunities and challenges.

By engaging experienced ecologists early in the planning process, you gain the information needed to understand environmental risks, meet regulatory requirements and make confident project decisions.

Redleaf Group helps clients navigate complex environmental approvals, reduce project risk and move projects forward with confidence.

If you're planning a project and need ecological advice or threatened flora assessments, contact our Environmental team to discuss how we can support your next project.

Need advice on threatened flora or ecological surveys?

Our experienced ecologists work with developers, councils, engineers and project teams across Queensland and New South Wales to identify environmental constraints early and help projects navigate complex approvals.