Melbourne Zoo provided the perfect backdrop for Arborcraft's inaugural industry roundtable - a venue where conservation and accessibility coexist, much like the balance we're trying to achieve in modern construction projects.
"One tree listed equals 300 trees on site" - this stark reality from our roundtable reveals the disconnect between official datasets and ground truth that's plaguing major projects across Australia.
Inaccurate baseline data creates a cascading effect, resulting in environmental delays, safety risks, and budget blowouts. Construction teams face holdups, environmental teams face pressure, and outcomes suffer.
"The inaccurate data does not identify all the basic attributes that we require as the foundation of the project. Everything is based around this data set and it's inaccurate," explains Sam Pusey, Managing Director at Arborcraft.
The solutions aren't complex. Simple dropdown additions like "Does this tree have hollows?" or "Any reuse potential?" transform project outcomes. Unified numbering systems prevent communication breakdowns, whilst collecting data that serves end users, not just compliance.
This planning advantage means habitat strategies are developed before clearing begins, reuse opportunities are costed upfront, and engineering teams work with environmental data, not against it.
"It takes about an extra minute to put a form together when you're doing the data set and we can make decisions based on actual data rather than group data that is full of unknowns,” says Sam.
Currently, arborists, ecologists, and consultants operate independently with no handover procedures. This creates dangerous communication gaps - attendees heard an example of an ecologist nearly being crushed due to poor coordination.
The solution: weekly planning meetings including all environmental disciplines, standardised handover reports, and shared data systems with real-time access for operational crews.
"When environmental teams work as one, we keep up with construction timelines instead of holding them back," says Sam.
Prevention first: Tweak designs (i.e. moving a footpath a couple of metres) to save established trees. Make design modifications based on tree risk assessments. Identify habitat retention opportunities early.
Strategic reduction: Transplant valuable deciduous trees instead of removing them. Use container growing techniques and on-site storage for replanting.
Realistic reuse: Only 30% of cleared timber is millable. Plan logistics properly for mulch and log placement. Develop community partnerships that don't delay projects.
The Mirvac development demonstrates success: 22 sugar glider habitats remain active years later through strategic corridor planning during construction.
Modern software moves beyond paper permits to provide real-time access to tree data, permits, and restrictions. GPS tracking of environmental activities and customisable marking systems prevent unauthorised removal through transparency.
This enables precise tracking -moving from "10 truckloads of mulch" to exact cubic metre measurements that demonstrate genuine environmental value.
The future includes files loaded directly into clearing machinery and machine operators seeing habitat data in real-time, preventing miscommunication before it happens.
We’re excited to share more about this technology in the coming months.
The roundtable revealed that every construction professional wants better environmental outcomes - they just need practical ways to achieve them. Arborcraft's approach uses better data and collaboration to make environmental work support project delivery seamlessly.
"We should be trying to keep up with construction teams and we shouldn't be slowing them down because we're there to support construction,” explains Sam.
By collecting better baseline data, working as unified environmental teams, and embracing transparency in technology, we can deliver projects that meet tight construction timelines whilst creating measurable positive environmental impacts. The path to sustainable infrastructure isn't about choosing between environmental outcomes and project delivery - it's about achieving both simultaneously.
Ready to join the conversation? Register your interest for our next industry roundtable and be part of the solution that's transforming how Australia delivers sustainable infrastructure projects.