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Balancing Development with Environmental Integrity and Compliance

Red Sand Ecology ensured environmental compliance and sustainability at Metroplex Westgate through expert planning and oversight.

Red Sand Ecology

At Wacol’s Metroplex Westgate precinct, Red Sand Ecology, led by Managing Director Sarah Hobson, ensured the project met top environmental standards. Their scope encompassed implementing erosion and sediment control plans for the entire Metroplex Westgate site in accordance with Brisbane City Council guidelines, requiring coordination with Douglas Constructions & Engineering (Lot 2) and Hutchinson Builders.

“We collaborated closely with the contractors to make sure our erosion and sediment control measures weren’t just compliant on paper but were actively upheld on site,” said Sarah. “Our inspections and oversight helped ensure that the work being done supported both council regulations and the project’s environmental objectives.”

Red Sand Ecology also contributed to fulfilling Green Star requirements drafting a technical memorandum to support the project’s environmental reporting. This included outlining how historical and legislative requirements were being addressed throughout the development.

Aerial of Lot 2 Metroplex Westgate
Dust Guage near a runway. Part of Red Sand Ecology's service capabilities.
Red Sand Ecology Acoustic Monitoring set up.
Three green frogs in the palm of a hand. Found during Red Sand Ecology's Ecology and fauna management.
Red Sand Ecology undergoing Water Quality Testing on a site.

“We participated in pre-start meetings with Brisbane City Council, helped shape erosion management plans, and mediated environmental risks with the regulators,” Sarah explained. “We also undertook water quality monitoring during construction and supported Hutchison Builders in ensuring ongoing environmental compliance.”

Known for their work across major council infrastructure and commercial projects, including involvement in Brisbane Metro’s sustainable transport initiative, Red Sand Ecology brings specialist experience in planning, due diligence, on-ground ecological surveys, plan development, and long-term monitoring.

“Our focus is on ensuring environmental integrity from the earliest planning stages through to practical completion,” said Sarah. “It’s about finding practical, science-led solutions that work for developers, councils, and the environment.”

At Metroplex Westgate, their expertise helped deliver a more sustainable, compliant, and environmentally responsible outcome, reinforcing Red Sand Ecology’s reputation as a trusted partner in Queensland’s growing infrastructure landscape.

For more information contact Red Sand Ecology, 1300 733 763, admin@redsandecology.com.au, website redsandecology.com.au

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No foul Play: Coover’s Vapour Mitigation Scores Big at Bundha

Coover Vapour Mitigation Services ensured long-term safety with a tailored vapour mitigation system for Bundha Sports Centre.

Coover Mitigation Services

As part of the transformation of the former Fitzroy Gasworks into the Bundha Sports Centre, Coover Vapour Mitigation Services was engaged to deliver a tailored vapour mitigation system (VMS) designed to protect and shield the facility from harmful ground gases and vapour. The requirement to incorporate a VMS into the final building form was completed as part of an EPA Environmental Audit of the former Fitzroy Gasworks site.

“As the site once operated as a large gas generation facility, operations at the site contaminated the underlying soil and groundwater said Ivan Devcic, Managing Director and Principal. “Our VMS protects the building and its occupants from harmful volatile organic ground gases such as BTEX, PAHs, and phenols.

Coover’s solution combined an active venting system with a gas-proof barrier membrane. The system, integrated directly beneath the ground slab, continuously intercepts, collects, and expels contaminated gases, with minimal visual impact to the finished structure. The solution was a key requirement of the site’s EPA Environmental Audit and was delivered with rigorous construction quality assurance (CQA).

Bundha Sports Centre.
Historical image of Fitzroy Gasworks, Victoria, the site of the Bundha Sports Centre.
Coover Mitigation Services at Bundha Sports Centre
Coover Mitigation Services at Bundha Sports Centre, on one of the indoor playing courts.
Coover Mitigation Services at Bundha Sports Centre, on one of the indoor playing courts.

“The success of the VMS came down to high workmanship standards and detailed planning,” Jake Daffy, Coover’s VMS Construction Manager explained. “We implemented a comprehensive CQA Plan, developed in collaboration with Built Environs, subcontractors, and the EPA Environmental Auditor.”

Throughout construction, Coover navigated complex challenges, including in-ground work coordination with plumbing and structural teams, and design changes requiring agile project management.


“Our team remained adaptable, innovative, and focused on the successful delivery of a system that would perform reliably for the designed life of the building,” said Jake.

To ensure ongoing protection, the VMS is monitored remotely using CooverTrak telemetry, guaranteeing the building and its occupants are protected well into the future.

“Urban renewal sites like Bundha require sophisticated environmental safeguards,” Ivan added. “Coover is proud to support projects that bring long-term community benefit, transforming legacy contaminated industrial land into safe and modern community facilities.”

For more information contact Coover Vapour Mitigation Services, phone 0419 885 456 (Ivan Devcic) or 0420 986 159 (Jake Daffy), website www.coover.com.au

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