Species-specific research to support onshore renewable energy regulation for the Pink cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri leadbeateri)

Jill Shephard; Fiona Scarff; Michael R Fox; Trish Fleming; Elizabeth Brunton

doi:10.60867/00000101

Purpose Australia’s current renewable energy targets require an expansion and acceleration of the Renewable Energy sector. This expansion poses significant risks to biodiversity and requires thorough planning and management to ensure impacts on biodiversity are minimised. The ‘Renewable Environmental Research Initiative’ (RERI) was developed by the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to provide evidence-based guidance on renewable energy projects. This report outlines targeted research undertaken as part of the RERI, to identify and address key knowledge gaps and synthesise ecological information relevant to understanding, and assessing, the potential impacts of onshore renewable energy infrastructure on the Endangered Pink cockatoo (eastern) (Lophochroa leadbeateri leadbeateri). The report was prepared for DCCEEW to assist and inform regulatory staff and forms the scientific basis for the species-specific regulatory guidance document developed for the assessment of proposed renewable energy developments in Australia. The Pink cockatoo (eastern) occurs across inland, semi-arid eastern Australia. The sub-species has undergone a severe reduction in population size, and historical range reduction (Hurley & Garnett, 2021; Marchant & Higgins, 1999) with the primary threats to the species being habitat loss and degradation (DCCEEW, 2023a; Hurley & Garnett, 2021). No research has been undertaken to date to assess the susceptibility of Pink cockatoos to expanding renewable energy infrastructure across their range. This research provides critical information relevant to regulation and assessment of renewable energy projects and highlights vital future research required. Methods This project utilised a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to address the research objectives. To provide a comprehensive understanding of current scientific knowledge and identify knowledge gaps relevant to assessing impacts of renewable energy projects we utilised a literature review and qualitative expert elicitation. To identify and provide a better understanding of important habitat areas for persistence and recovery, we undertook species distribution modelling. To assess susceptibility of Pink cockatoos to impacts from renewable energy projects, we overlaid existing and planned renewable energy infrastructure, with important habitats for the species, and analysed available data related to assessment of mortality risk. We reviewed global literature to identify best-practice measures for management and mitigation of impacts. We assessed these measures relative to the key threats to Pink cockatoos and prioritised them according to four stages of renewable energy projects: pre-construction, construction, operation and decommissioning. We synthesised themes and priority considerations regarding offsets in the scientific literature and legislative documents, and evaluated pathways utilised for offsetting significant impacts on Pink cockatoos. Findings Results from the species distribution modelling provide new insights into habitat preference and important habitat for the species. The most likely impacts of renewable energy infrastructure on Pink cockatoos are habitat loss and fragmentation, increased mortality, and behavioural modification. There is some evidence to suggest that cockatoos are at risk of turbine collision, but more data are required to understand the extent of risk. The risk of mortality to cockatoos from transmission lines and solar farms, and behavioural impacts of renewable energy are still poorly understood. Targeted research to better understand the cumulative impacts of habitat loss on the species, and the risk and consequence of mortality due to turbine and transmission line collisions is needed to effectively assess key direct and indirect impacts of renewable energy projects. Limitations and constraints There is a bias in the global literature assessing impacts of renewable energy infrastructure on birds towards wind energy. Also, very little research has been undertaken on Australian species. The large knowledge gaps that remain mean that definitive recommendations cannot be made for all aspects of renewable energy assessment and regulation. Not all required data are currently available to fully assess the impacts of renewable energy infrastructure on Pink cockatoos (eastern). In particular, there is a need for targeted research to better understand the cumulative impacts of habitat loss on the species, and the risk and consequence of mortality due to turbine collisions, to effectively assess both direct and indirect impacts of renewable energy projects. How to use this report This report provides a detailed account of the research undertaken to develop a species-specific information document for the Pink cockatoo (eastern). Research results are reported and synthesised with current literature to provide key recommendations for approaches to mitigation, management and offsetting of renewable energy infrastructure impacts. Since there are significant gaps in knowledge needed to fully assess the impacts of renewable energy on Pink cockatoos, this report provides a summary of future research needs in relation to the renewable energy industry that can be used to prioritise and guide research. This report can be used in conjunction with the information document to provide background information and context to assist with preparation and assessment of renewable energy proposals.

Species-specific research to support onshore renewable energy regulation for the Pink cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri leadbeateri)

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