Review of Environmental Factors (REF)
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is an environmental assessment prepared under Part 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. It applies to activities carried out or approved by government agencies such as road upgrades, utility works, council infrastructure, and public land management that do not require development consent under Part 4.
When Is a REF Required?
A REF is required when a government authority or public body proposes an activity that may affect the environment. Common examples include road construction and upgrades by Transport for NSW or local councils, stormwater and drainage infrastructure, utility installations such as power, water, and telecommunications, maintenance and upgrade of public facilities, and land management activities on Crown land or council reserves.
The determining authority must consider the environmental impact of the proposed activity before deciding whether to proceed, and the REF is the document that supports that decision.
Our Ecological Input for REFs
We provide the ecological assessment component of REFs, including detailed flora and fauna surveys and habitat assessments, assessment of impacts on threatened species, populations, and ecological communities under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Tests of Significance (5-part tests) to determine whether impacts are likely to be significant, recommendations for impact avoidance, mitigation, and management, and supporting mapping and technical appendices.
Working with Government and Infrastructure Clients
We have extensive experience supporting government agencies, councils, and infrastructure contractors with the ecological components of REFs. We understand the specific requirements and timeframes involved in public works projects and deliver clear, compliant assessments that enable informed decision-making. Our reports are structured to integrate seamlessly with the broader REF document prepared by the proponent or their planning consultant.
Contact us to discuss ecological assessment support for your REF.
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Related Services & Locations
A Review of Environmental Factors often requires supporting ecological assessments such as a Flora & Fauna Assessment, BDAR, or Targeted Threatened Species Surveys. For infrastructure projects, see our Mining & Resources services.
We prepare REFs across NSW including Sydney, Western Sydney, the Hunter & Central Coast, Illawarra & South Coast, Blue Mountains, Central West NSW, and the Mid-North Coast.
Contact us now to discuss your next project.
