Robert Speirs BAppSc (Ecology), Dip PM, MEIANZ, CEnvP – Ecology Specialist, NSW BAM Assessor BAAS17089

Director / Principal Ecologist

With over ten years of experience in ecology and environmental management, the last eight of which have been as a consulting ecologist, Robert brings a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to each Capital Ecology project.

Robert has worked in a wide range of environments along the east coast of Australia and throughout southern NSW and the ACT.  He has conducted many terrestrial flora and fauna assessments, including detailed vegetation mapping and assessment, surveys of endangered ecological communities, habitat assessment and seasonal targeted surveys for threatened flora and fauna species.

Robert has undertaken a diverse range of projects for both public and private sector clients, including urban developments, quarry extensions/remediation and linear (pipeline, electricity, telecommunications and transport) infrastructure. He is highly experienced in the design, implementation and management of complex ecological surveys, habitat assessments and vegetation mapping programs and has developed particular expertise in the ecology of the lowland woodlands and grasslands of the ACT and Southern Tablelands, Riverina and Southwest Slopes of NSW.

Robert is experienced with vertebrate trapping and handling protocols and the identification of evidence of fauna presence. With his extensive experience in assessing habitat potential and quality for threatened species, Robert has been engaged by both government and private clients to design and implement numerous large-scale targeted surveys for threatened species. His knowledge regarding the threatened reptiles of the ACT region has led him to advise both the Commonwealth and ACT governments with strategic direction for the conservation of these species and assist with the preparation of recovery plans.

Robert has written and reviewed hundreds of scientific reports, including flora and fauna impact assessments and management plans prepared in accordance with the relevant Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation. He has also prepared numerous offset strategies, vegetation management plans, weed management plans and natural area remediation plans. Robert has provided expert witness testimony at Commonwealth Public Works Committee hearings and prepared evidence for judicial proceedings in the NSW Land and Environment Court and Queensland Planning and Environment Court.

Robert has recently completed his Diploma in Project Management, further strengthening the project management skills he employs on each Capital Ecology project. Robert is a Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) and an active member of the ACT branch of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).