Biodiversity Offsetting
In NSW, environmental impacts associated with the clearing of native vegetation above the Area Clearing Threshold or those that occur on land mapped as having high Biodiversity Value, trigger the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and must be assessed under the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM). The BAM sets out the requirements for a repeatable and transparent assessment of terrestrial biodiversity values on land in order to:
Identify the biodiversity values on land subject to proposed development, clearing, or land in a biodiversity certification assessment area, or land proposed as a biodiversity stewardship site
Determine the impacts of proposed development, or clearing or biodiversity certification on biodiversity values
Quantify and describe the biodiversity credits required to offset the residual impacts of proposed development or clearing or conferral of biodiversity certification on biodiversity values
Quantify and describe the biodiversity credits that can be created at a biodiversity stewardship site from the improvement in biodiversity values from management actions undertaken at the site
Area clearing Threshold
biodiversity value
The Biodiversity Values (BV) Map identifies land with high biodiversity value, as defined by clause 7.3(3) of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017. The Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies to clearing of native vegetation and other biodiversity impacts on land identified on the map.
Biodiversity Offsetting
The NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme is administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. The Scheme applies to:
Local development (assessed under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) that is likely to significantly affect threatened species or triggers the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme threshold
State significant development and state significant infrastructure projects, unless the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and the Environment Agency Head determine that the project is not likely to have a significant impact
Biodiversity certification proposals
Clearing of native vegetation in urban areas and areas zoned for environmental conservation that exceeds the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme threshold and does not require development consent
Clearing of native vegetation that requires approval by the Native Vegetation Panel under the Local Land Services Act 2016
Activities assessed and determined under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (generally, proposals by government entities), if proponents choose to ‘opt in’ to the Scheme.
Under the BC Act, a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) is a report that sets out the results of an assessment in accordance with the BAM. The primary outcome of a BDAR is an understanding of how many biodiversity credits must be offset before your development application can be approved. These reports can only be prepared by an Accredited Assessor.
How narla can help
At Narla, we specialise in high-quality, comprehensive and cost-effective assessments of biodiversity that meet all of the requirements of the BAM. Our Accredited Assessors and team of ecologists have extensive experience delivering a range of projects across NSW from small backyard works to State Significant Developments. We have delivered projects for clients across NSW and in most Council areas, and have an excellent reputation due to our high-standards and thorough reporting. Contact us today for assistance in understanding your situation as well as possible options regarding the mitigation of impacts on biodiversity to help expedite your Development Application approval.
We service the whole of New South Wales, including Greater Sydney, Western Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Wollongong and Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven, Port Macquarie, North Coast, Central West and the rest of regional New South Wales.
contact narla for a free quote
02 9986 1295 or reception@narla.com.au