• Trade Skills Centres at Boonah, Goondiwindi, Innisfail State College and Western Cape College (Weipa).
• QMBA award winning Early Years Learning facility in Gordonvale, Cairns.
• Multi storey General Learning Area buildings at Wellers Hill, MacGregor, Proserpine  and Mango Hill
• Various maintenance and minor works at Ipswich Special School, Mitchelton State School, Cairns High State School, Mareeba State High School, Cardwell State School, Lower Tully State School, and Proserpine State High School

In addition to these successfully completed projects the team is currently working on Educational Facility projects across the eastern seaboard including:

• Cairns State Special School –New Green field school catering for children with special needs.
• Emu Park New 2 Storey, 6 Classroom Building
• Kelvin Grove College new 3 storey, 18 classroom junior accommodation building
• Trinity Beach State School new 2 story, 12 classroom senior learning facility
• Townsville Community Learning Centre, 7 classroom facility catering for children with special needs.
• Hazel Glen Secondary College and Primary School – New Primary School and Stage 1 of the Secondary College

In addition to the Project Management of these projects Lambert & Rehbein’s multi-disciplinary team have also on some projects provided environmental, transport, aviation and structural engineering services to assist our clients with the holistic project delivery of their requirements. For any enquiries please contact Josh in our Cairns office, Brent in Southern QLD and NSW and Matt in our Melbourne office.

Lambert & Rehbein has undertaken studies assessing intersections and interchanges, where Aimsun was used to identify current and future capacity constraints. The software was then used to test various scenarios to develop a suite of cost effective solutions that were part of the final design. Other assessments have included additional access to developments where authorities had concern about the impact on the adjacent intersections. Aimsun’s ability to assess sections of road network within the one model allowed Lambert & Rehbein to demonstrate the interaction along the road network and its overall performance.  This could then be demonstrated to the relevant authorities.

For more information on Lambert & Rehbein modelling capabilities and how Aimsun can work for you please contact Toby Gilmour or Steve Williams in our Brisbane office on (07) 3250 9000.

Lambert & Rehbein Pty Ltd is proud to announce recent shareholder appointments.

Congratulations to Ben Hargreaves and David Lendarduzzi on their appointment as Senior Associates and Shareholders of the Lambert & Rehbein group of companies. 

David Lendarduzzi has been with the company since 1988 and in that time has played an integral part in the growing success of the Civil Engineering Division.  In addition to overseeing the transition of manual design to computer assisted design and drafting  (CADD) in the 90’s, David’s highlights include key involvement in growth of the company to enable us to take on mulit-national clients along with his professional development from designer to Design Manager, where he makes a major contribution today.

After joining the firm in 2005, Ben Hargreaves has been an integral part of the growing success of our aviation business.  With success amongst both regional and national aviation operators, Ben has established REHBEIN Airport Consulting as unique consultancy within the industry, offering a one stop shop for our aviation clients.

Amongst Ben’s highlights of his career to date, his exposure to the aviation industry early in his career, working on the Manchester Airport second runway, cemented his passion and fascination for airports.  Over the subsequent 17 years, Ben’s experience spans a vast range of planning and development projects at international, national and regional airports in Europe, the Middle East and throughout Australasia.  Ben brings a holistic approach to aviation and airport operations and shows this enthusiasm and passion in everything he does. 

We are very excited with our future plans for REHBEIN Airport Consulting and Lambert & Rehbein want to take this opportunity to celebrate Ben and Duzzi’s long term success with our group of companies, along with their newly appointed position within the group.

As part of the development of the draft Planning Scheme for Moreton Bay Regional Council, the Woodfordia Local Plan has been compiled to establish the relevant planning as well as facilitate ongoing use of the site as an events venue.

Lambert & Rehbein was initially commissioned by Moreton Bay Regional Council to undertake a road impact assessment (RIA) for Woodfordia.  The aim of the RIA was to assess the potential traffic impacts associated with different sized events.  The RIA formed the basis of advice regarding the potential need for Capital and Non Capital works to improve the safety and efficiency of the adjacent road network.   Ongoing discussions with Moreton Bay Regional Council and Transport and Main Roads identified a need for a framework to be established for future RIAs, for all new events. 

Lambert & Rehbein were integral  in the development of a supporting Planning Scheme Policy that outlines the process for assessing the potential transport impacts on the external road network along with key considerations required in relation to the development of an event transport management plan.

Moreton Bay Regional Council are continuing to address the conditions set as part of the Minister’s Approval of the Draft Planning Scheme.  Timeframes are yet to be confirmed, but Moreton Bay Regional Council hopes to bring the draft back out to the community in the near future.

The amended Sustainable Planning Regulation now classifies development applications on contaminated land as “development requiring compliance assessment”.  As a result, contaminated land is addressed through a Compliance Assessment process and not as part of the DA process.  Our experience is that Councils want to be advised through the DA that the Compliance Assessment is taking place, but will not request information regarding contamination matters.

Compliance Assessment process means that under Schedule 18 of the SP Regulation a Compliance Permit is now required for a Material Change of Use (MCU) where the site is listed on the Environmental Management Register (EMR) or Contaminated Land Register (CLR) and the proposed development involves a MCU to a sensitive purpose (e.g. residential) or to a commercial purpose with an accessible underground facility (e.g. a basement carpark, workshop, or office).

The key elements of the Compliance Assessment process are:

• A Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) is appointed by the landowner (or development proponent) to undertake contaminated land investigations, remediation and/or validation;
• A certified Compliance Assessor (i.e. Environmental Auditor under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act)) is appointed by the landowner at the commencement of the project;
• The Compliance Assessor oversees the site assessment and remediation works undertaken by the SQP, and either the removal of the site from the EMR/CLR or preparation of a Site Management Plan;
• Once the Compliance Assessor is satisfied all contaminated land matters have been addressed, the landowner will submit an IDAS Form 32 request to the Compliance Assessor; and
• The Compliance Assessor will then issue a Compliance Permit to the landowner, prior to use.

So what does that mean in practice? 

There are three key changes:

• Landowners looking to develop properties listed on the EMR or CLR should budget for the involvement of a Compliance Assessor/Approved Auditor for most residential developments and commercial developments with basements;
• The DA process will no longer be delayed by the need to complete contamination investigations before a DA is issued, but contamination works will need to be completed and signed off by the Compliance Assessor before completion of the project; and
• Some developments on contaminated land (commercial and/or industrial without basements) will be able to proceed without a contamination investigation.

It should be noted that a site can still be removed from the EMR or CLR under the contaminated land provisions of the EP Act.  At present, this process can be completed without the involvement of an Approved Auditor, but changes have been made to the EP Act that will require Auditor overview and approval in the near future.

For more information:

http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/contaminated-land/compliance/
http://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/contaminated-land/auditing/

The Biodiversity Overlay can be a major planning constraint for development projects, and so it’s important, to not only be aware of its presence, but to understand the intent behind its existence. Understanding a little more about the intent of the overlay from an ecological perspective can assist planners and developers in predicting possible outcomes, appropriately costing and planning for additional professional services and limiting headaches throughout the development assessment phase. 

We’ve put together a series of our most commonly asked questions from our clients regarding the Biodiversity Overlay and the associated Codes and Policies.

What is the Biodiversity Overlay for?

At its core, the Biodiversity Overlay and Code was developed by Council as a planning mechanism to achieve the aspirations set out in the Brisbane City Vision 2013 document. In particular to help achieve “Brisbane’s clean and green leading environmental performance”. More on this vision and strategy can be read in Council’s Strategic Framework inside the Brisbane CityPlan 2014.

In general, the purpose of the Biodiversity Overlay is for the conservation, consolidation, connection and restoration of lands with in-situ or strategic biodiversity values and functions within Brisbane. This also includes mapped Koala habitats and wetlands and is used to facilitate the provision of Environmental Offsets.

Words like ecological and biodiversity ‘values’ and ‘functions’ can be interpreted in widely differing ways, and this can sometimes be confusing for proponents. They are not limited to on-site trees and animals, they also include less intrinsic values that enhance the sum of parts across the city. Some examples include:

1. Allowing the safe movement of fauna so that species continue to breed together, and are not isolated from reaching one another; and
2. Less tangible functions, like air filtration and encouraging microclimate stability that some species rely upon for their habitat niche, and that we humans rely upon to feel comfortable in our cities’ climate.

My site has ‘High/Medium Ecological Significance’ mapped on it, but there are no trees in this mapped area – is the Overlay inaccurate?

Not necessarily.  The intent of the Biodiversity Overlay is not always to protect existing vegetation, but is also used to secure strategic corridors required to sustain the movement of fauna and flora materials through the wider landscape. So in that sense, it may not necessarily be inaccurate. Council may have identified this part of your site as required to reconcile a missing part of a local corridor that has values broader than those occurring just on the site. The mapping imposed on your property is likely to be in the interest of the broader landscape function.

A Detailed Ecological Assessment can assist in clarifying the site’s landscape values, and in some cases, challenge whether such mapping extent is warranted. While relaxations may occur, it is likely that offsets may still be required if native vegetation is removed from these areas.

But my site has no Biodiversity Overlay mapping at all, why am I being asked to retain vegetation?

Don’t get caught out! Under the Brisbane CityPlan 2014, the Subdivision Code also refers to ‘Significant Vegetation’. Significant Vegetation may be present on your site, but not be mapped in the Biodiversity Overlay at all. ‘Significant Vegetation’, as it is referred to in the Subdivision Code is a ‘catch all’ to identify and often protect vegetation with specific values that is not captured by the Biodiversity Overlay.
Such vegetation includes trees or any plant that is listed as threatened under Commonwealth or State legislation, is a critical food source for a threatened animal species or provides significant visual amenity, cultural or historical values.

What right does Council have to impose this overlay on a property?

While we don’t profess to provide legal advice, we can offer some words of clarification on the process. The Biodiversity Overlay is included in the Brisbane CityPlan 2014, which was the product of several years of research and planning. The CityPlan was approved by the Queensland State Government after a vigorous open public consultation and submission period. The Biodiversity Overlay Code is now a code that must be addressed as part of any assessable development for a site with this overlay.

These matters can be very challenging, but keep in mind they are always open for discussion. With the help of an environmental professional, you may be able to streamline discussions with authorities and find an effective solution that works for your project’s needs.

The design was a joint effort between our Structures team in Melbourne along with Civil Infrastructure, Civil Urban and Structures in Brisbane. They worked as part of a design and certification team with Shamrock Civil.

Although a difficult project for all parties, the relationships on completion are very good with thanks being provided personally from the Mayor, who opened the new Clarke Bridge in recognising how difficult the project had been and the efforts by all, the local Mayor personally thanked all involved, while officially opening the bridge in the presence of the local school and community.

Formerly any development conditions relating to the provision of sewer and water to your project were assessed and included as part of the local Council development approval. 

As of 1st July 2014 all new applications for water and sewer connections for your development within the Brisbane City Council , Ipswich City Council, Somerset Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council  and Somerset Regional Council need to be made direct to Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU).

This is a totally separate process to the Council development approval process.  You will need to lodge a Connection Application to QUU who will assess and issue a Water Approval detailing the requirements you will need to comply with for servicing your development. 

Service Advice Notice (Pre-lodgement Advice)

Quite often we are requested to provide preliminary advice in regards to sewer and water requirements by our clients as part of their due diligence process or as part of our investigations for the preparation of reports to support Development Application’s.

We are often reliant on advice from the service authority (QUU) to be able to provide our advice to you. Historically this has been a free service provided by QUU. However, QUU now require that a request for a Service Advice Notice (SAN) be lodged to obtain their pre lodgement advice. This currently attracts a fee of $495 (excl. GST) and takes up to 10 business days for a response. If you proceed to lodge a formal Connection Application then QUU will credit 75% of the SAN fee towards your Connection Application fee.          

Minor Works / Endorsed Consultant

Once you receive your Water Approval it will include a set of conditions you need to comply with including any necessary construction requirements that need further detailed design approval.

If the works are deemed to be Minor Works QUU will allow the design and construction process to be managed by an QUU Endorsed Consultant without the need to go through a formal design approval process with QUU.  Minor works include sewer reticulation infrastructure up to 90m length and water reticulation infrastructure up to 80m length.   Apart from connections for  single houses all new residential, commercial and industrial water services / meters and sewer property connections will also need to be undertaken though this Minor Works process.   QUU no longer provide the design or construction services for these connections. So as well as the Endorsed Consultant you will need to engage a contractor to undertake the construction works.

• Mining and Extractive Resources
• Biodiversity
• Coastal Environment
• Water Quality (healthy waterways)
• Emissions and Hazardous Activities
• Natural Hazards
• State Transport
• Strategic airports and aviation’s facilities

Our team has been closely monitoring the development of the policy and are well versed in its implications across the state of Queensland in all areas of State interest. If you are unsure of the application to your activities and/or how it may impact your current projects please contact us. We would be happy to help you understand the implications and where possible use it to your advantage.

A copy of the SPP can be viewed at: http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/about-planning/state-planning-policy.html

For further information on this Project, please visit http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Pitt-Town-Road-Bridges.html

The project involves a collaborative approach between Lambert & Rehbein’s Civil Engineering, and Project Management Divisions and is currently progressing into the tender phase of the project. A key requirement of the project is for Lambert & Rehbein’s team to gain a firm understanding of community needs by providing regular contact and support to community stakeholders. The project continues Lambert & Rehbein’s commitment to working with the Department of Local Government (DLG) and remote indigenous communities. Previous projects Lambert & Rehbein has completed from the same program include, Djenghi Subdivision at Yarrabah, and Lockhart River Infrastructure Upgrades.

Lambert & Rehbein looks forward to another successful completion of a major infrastructure project, and continuing our relationshop with the Department of Local Government (DLG) and remote indigenous communities in Far North Queensland.

More information on our experience with Communities and Development can be found here.

The study will investigate and review the public accessible parking (both on and off-street), parking restrictions, management, enforcement, supply and demand within the Lewisham neighbourhood. The tasks required will include the review of existing policies, studies and reports, preparation of a full parking inventory (on-street and off-street) and a parking survey within the Study Area, review of existing public transport infrastructure servicing Lewisham, Community and Stakeholder consultation and Workshop, development of a parking policy framework and management strategies, Public Exhibition of a Draft Lewisham Parking Study 2012-2013 and culminate in the development of the Lewisham Parking Strategy 2012 – 13 Report.

This assignment adds to our growing portfolio of traffic and transportation related projects in New South Wales, where Lambert & Rehbein is currently providing services to a number of Councils, RMS and private clients.

For more information on the Lewisham Parking Strategy 2012-13 project, please visit http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/getinvolved/consultations/lewishamparking.html?s=0

The article will be appearing in their Resources publication, Resource in Focus (formally Australian Resource Focus) this month.  Resource in Focus is distributed to over 30,000 industry leaders from all areas of the resource sector including Mining, Oil and Gas, Power Generation, Professional Services, Project Management and Equipment Manufacturing. Lambert & Rehbein are pleased to be featured in this publication.

• To read the article please visit: www.australianresourcefocus.com.au/index.php/2012/08/14/lambert-rehbein/
• For more information on Australian Resource Focus see their website: www.australianresourcefocus.com.au/

Orange City Council is undertaking an expansion of the Orange Airport to cater for larger aircraft and enhance the facility’s ability to function as a hub for a range of aviation related activities. We are delighted to be involved in this project, which will take a holistic approach to delivering integrated aviation services to the Orange Airport and community, improving operational performance, facilitating commercial opportunities and maximising outcomes for all key stakeholders.

The design work includes 2.2km of rural road realignment, a 500m runway extension with parallel taxiway, taxiway widening and strengthening, apron expansion, associated airfield lighting and improvements to the general aviation facilities.

• Further details about the project can be found at http://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/airport

• More Information on our services and expertise: http://www.lar.net.auhttp://www.lar.net.au/markets/energy-resources/
• More information on Australian Pacific LNG: http://www.aplng.com.au/

For more information please visit http://www.informa.com.au/airportoperations and www.informa.com.au/regionalairports

The study is to include a full inventory of all publicly and privately owned off-street and on-street surface parking spaces and all parking spaces in multi-storey car parks, building podiums, building under-crofts and building basements, together with occupancies of those parking spaces.

The purpose of the study is essentially to identify where commuter parking is wrongly occurring in order to identify where extra commuter parking should be provided.

By working with the Government of Indonesia to enhance infrastructure policy, planning and investment in the areas of water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications and transport, the IndII overall objective is to contribute to steady economic growth in Indonesia.

Lambert & Rehbein is pleased to be part of this initiative, which will complement our ongoing partnerships in the region.

For more information on the Indonesian Infrastructure Initiative, please visit http://indii.co.id/

Through membership, Lambert & Rehbein have the opportunity to provide input into government policy and decisions by working with key government representatives, as well as influential industry committees and taskforces. This new membership will also allow Lambert & Rehbein access to key research information, industry best practice guidelines and key state and federal government papers and reports keeping us abreast of events within the industry as they occur.

Lambert & Rehbein are exited to persue the new opportunities that QRC membership will provide.

For more information about the Queensland Resources Council please visit http://www.qrc.org.au

L&R listing on the QRC website - https://www.qrc.org.au/01_directory/details.asp?ID=11645

Gateway reviews were originally developed by the English Department of Finance as a tool to avoid project failures are growing in use around the world as large companies and governments realise the value of an independent team of experts to help guide a project to success.

The Board of Lambert & Rehbein are pleased with the appointment and see this as a commitment from the business to the advancement of the Consulting profession.  Having been a member firm for over 15 years, the Board of Lambert & Rehbein recognises the importance and value of Consult Australia and the businesses role in giving something back to the Consulting industry through senior executive involvement.

For more information about Consult Australia, please visit http://www.consultaustralia.com.au

The project forms part of the Indigenous Environmental Health Infrastructure Program (IEHIP) and continues Lambert & Rehbein’s involvement in this vital infrastructure program. L&R has previously completed similar Civil Infrastructure projects at the Yarrabah and Lockhart River communities within the IEHIP.

The Pormpuraaw Infrastructure Upgrade Project includes Engineering Design and Documentation, Project Management, and Contract Management Services for;

• Water – Replacement of the ageing water reticulation network;
• Roadworks – Pavement of existing unsealed main roads; and
• Landfill – Upgrade of existing Landfill and Investigation into Waste Management and potential new Landfill.

Lambert & Rehbein looks forward to another successful completion of a major infrastructure project.

Brendan L Rehbein
CHAIRMAN

• Mine Infrastructure Concept, Pre-Feasibility, Feasibility and Execution phase studies and design
• Integrated transport studies and design
• Rail and Rollingstock procurement
• Government / authority negotiations
• Water studies including flood models, water balance and damn inspections
• EPCM and PCM team formation and delivery
• Project scheduling, cost estimation and risk management
• Mine and energy project EIS preparation

Lambert & Rehbein are one of the last remaining 100% Australian owned consulting firms with a proud history of supporting the mining and energy sectors growth and prosperity. We look forward to continuing to work with you or to the opportunity to work with you for the first time in 2012.

If you have any initial queries regarding our services and capacity please contact Brent Woolgar on (07) 3250 9009.

Dressed eagerly in their Santa Suits to run (or maybe walk!!) with thousands of other Santa’s to raise awareness and funds for Variety, the team were excited to be a part of this awesome fun run and helping a great cause.

For the second year running Team “Lambert & Rehbein” were the winners of the “Biggest Corporate Team Entry”.

Variety, the children's charity empowers children, who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn. Variety Queensland receives requests for over $350,000 worth of urgently needed medical and mobility equipment, learning aids and other vital support each month. Variety receives no government funding and relies on the generous support of donors, volunteers and corporations to meet the demand for life changing equipment for children in need.

Thank you for your support and helping to make a difference!

For further information on Variety please visit http://www.variety.org.au/qld

Throughout 2011, Lambert & Rehbein proudly supported the following charities (by raising awareness and funds via morning teas, BBQ’s, casual days, sporting events, dinners, Christmas cards and moustaches!):

• Variety, The Children’s Charity
• B105 Christmas Appeal
• East Africa Appeal
• Special Children’s Christmas Party, Cairns
• Sids and Kids
• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
• Beyond Blue
• Muscular Dystrophy Association of QLD
• Guide Dogs QLD
• NexGen Foundation
• MS Australia – QLD
• Diabetes Queensland
• Heart Foundation

As an Independent Certifier Lambert & Rehbein are now eligible to be appointed by the non-government organisation funding recipients who have been selected by the Department to build new hospitals.  Our role will be to conduct a Quarterly Certification Report on the progress of the hospital construction project.  The areas that we will be reviewing are:  schedule, cost, scope, compliance, risk and practical completion.  The Panel is in place now to certify progress of projects under Round 3 of the Health and Hospitals Fund.  This has some $1.8B available for health infrastructure projects to improve access to essential health services for Australians living in rural, regional and remote areas.