Concurrent 19. Oral Presentation for: Cumulative impact assessments – its relevance for Australia’s energy transition
Ashlyn Miller A *A Xodus Group, Perth, WA, Australia.
The APPEA Journal 63 - https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ22369
Published: 2 June 2023
Abstract
Presented on Wednesday 17 May: Session 19
Environmental impact assessments for offshore oil and gas activities have historically focused on the specific impacts from an individual, and independent, activity. However, as Australia’s environmental assessment process continuously improves, it has become increasingly evident that cumulative impacts from previous, concurrent, or future activities need to be taken further into consideration. Cumulative impacts occur when multiple activities are conducted simultaneously, or consecutively, within the same region resulting in a greater level of potential impact to the environment than what would occur from the individual activity alone. Development of a standardised Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) methodology has been a well argued, and inherently difficult task, leading to current processes considered inadequate globally. With Australia moving in the direction of increasing, and diversifying its offshore energy activities, conducting adequate CIAs within the marine environment has become an increasingly important topic. We explore the challenges others have faced to develop a suitable methodology and shed light on the role CIAs will play during the energy transition phase in Australia. We conclude by outlining the fundamental aspects that require consideration to comprehensively assess cumulative impacts.
To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Keywords: cumulative impact assessment, cumulative impacts, cumulative impacts methodology, environmental impact assessment, marine management, oil and gas, renewable energy, sustainability.
Ashlyn (Ash) Miller joined Xodus as an environmental consultant in 2022 and has since contributed to a range of environmental impact and risk assessment projects. Ash has a master’s degree in Biological Sciences (Marine Science and Zoology) and a diverse range of experience in marine conservation, anthropogenic impact assessment, field-based research, and statistical analysis. Prior to joining Xodus, she worked as an oil spill responder – providing environmental and wildlife-specific advice to titleholders on the impacts of oil spills within Australian offshore waters, and training personnel on the implementation of appropriate response strategies. Ash is passionate about contributing to the improvements of sustainable management practices for marine ecosystems, fisheries, and natural energy resources. |
