Biodiversity Offset Scheme

 If the Biodiversity Offset Scheme applies:

  • An accredited person must be engaged by the proponent. To find an Accredited Assessor, use the register.

  • The accredited person will need to prepare a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) for the development, which is included in the development application (DA) or the application for a permit, or the application to LLS as the case may be depending on the permissibility of the activity.

  • The approval authority (Council or Native Vegetation Panel) will need to consider the contents of the BDAR as part of assessing the development application.

  • The offset obligations identified in the BDAR become part of the consent conditions, and work cannot commence until the offset obligation has been retired.

  • The approval authority will need to consider whether there are likely to be Serious and Irreversible Impacts (SAII) to biodiversity as a result of the development. Refer to the SAII Guidelines for decision makers and the Current List of SAII Candidates

  • Council will need to determine the extent of the SAII on the candidate entity. Council cannot consent to a DA if the approval authority determines there is likely to be SAIIs on candidate species or communities.

  • When Council intends to consent to a proposal subject to a BDAR, the conditions of consent should be informed by the guidance provided here “Preparing Conditions of Consent from a BDAR”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Biodiversity Certification

There are areas of land within the Albury and Wagga Wagga local government areas that have undergone biodiversity certification – a streamlined biodiversity assessment process for areas of land that are proposed for development. Questions regarding development / activities should be referred to local DPIE officers.

Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, a broader range of projects can access the biodiversity certification process, including private proponents. For further information, contact DPIE at lmbc.support@environment.nsw.gov.au or 1800 931 717.

Biodiversity Stewardship

Landholders and Councils who are interested in generating and selling biodiversity credits can enter into a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement. Biodiversity credits are generated by landowners, including Councils, who commit to enhance and protect the biodiversity values on their land.

For further information, contact the Biodiversity Conservation Trust at info@bct.nsw.gov.au or 1300 992 688.

Local Land Services and Native Vegetation Panel

For more information, contact Local Land Services on 1300 778 080, email slm.info@lls.nsw.gov.au or contact your Local Land Services office.

The Native Vegetation Panel can be contacted by emailing info@nvp.nsw.gov.au.

Need Support? Use this online form to register your questions with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment