NSW Government
Environment and Heritage

Biodiversity conservation framework

Learn about the framework for the conservation of biodiversity in New South Wales.

A singleton mallee flourishing with delicate white blooms and vibrant red branches
Singleton Mallee (Eucalyptus castrensis) from the Myrtaceae family.
Credit: Barry Collier

The Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and amendments to the Local Land Services Act 2013 commenced on 25 August 2017 to enable biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and productive farming. The legislation is administered by the Environment, Energy and Science Group within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Local Land Services and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

An Australian king parrot perched atop a leafy tree. Its head and body are red, with its feathers different shades of green
Australian king parrot (Alisterus scapularis).
Credit: Emily Ingram
About biodiversity

Biodiversity is vital to support human life on Earth, supplying clean air and water, healthy ecosystems and fertile soils.

A scenic view of the Sawpit Creek picnic area in Kosciuszko National Park, featuring picnic tables nestled among lush greenery and trees, with a tranquil creek flowing nearby, creating a perfect spot for outdoor relaxation and enjoyment.
Sawpit Creek picnic area, next to Sawpit Creek and nestled among beautiful black sallee gums is a great place to stop for a picnic or barbecue lunch. It's easily accessible from Jindabyne and is close to the park entry gates. Kosciuszko National Park.
Credit: Murray Vanderveer/DCCEEW
About the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

Find the background and an overview of the Biodiversity Conservation Act and biodiversity conservation framework.

Photograph of a critically endangered Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) in its natural habitat, showcasing its unique foliage and bark texture.
Wollemi Pine, Wollemia nobilis.
Credit: Jaime Plaza/Botanic Gardens Trust
Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value

An Area of Outstanding Biodiversity Value is a special area with irreplaceable biodiversity values that are important to the whole of New South Wales, Australia or globally.

Sunlit rural landscape with tall trees in the foreground, casting shadows on a grassy field. Cows graze in the distance against a backdrop of rolling hills.
Rural life Kangaroo Valley Coast to Highlands drive.
Credit: Michael Van Ewijk/DCCEEW
Assessment Bilateral Agreement

The NSW Assessment Bilateral Agreement streamlines the assessment process for major projects that require both NSW Government and Australian Government environmental approvals. 

Rainforest stream flowing through lush greenery in Dorrigo National Park
Rainforest stream in Dorrigo National Park.
Credit: R Hesse/DPE
Biodiversity Conservation Advisory Panel

The panel provides independent, expert advice on the management of biodiversity conservation and any proposed declaration of an Area of Outstanding Biodiversity Value.

Tall blackbutt eucalypt trees with slender trunks reach toward a clear blue sky in a serene forest scene, sunlight filtering through green leaves, casting soft shadows.
Blackbutt eucalypt trees (Eucalyptus pilularis) and tree ferns forest, Jilliby State Conservation Area.
Credit: John Spencer/DPE
Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy

The Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy 2018 sets the government's priorities for private land conservation.

Leaves hanging from a branch in a gumtree. Some are red, yellow, and green.
Texture on Eucalyptus gum leaves.
Credit: S Alton/DPE
Biodiversity conservation policies and guidelines

View the biodiversity conservation policies and guidelines that help us manage biodiversity, assess impacts and monitor activities to support our work to protect the environment.

The humid eucalypt forests of NSW are internationally unique.
The humid eucalypt forests of NSW are internationally unique.
Credit: M Campbell
Biodiversity Indicator Program

The Biodiversity Indicator Program was established to assess the status and trends of NSW biodiversity and help us understand the impact of current biodiversity management and conservation measures.

Green river flowing between 2 tree-lined banks, some dead tree branches in the water, sparse pasture to one side
Cudgegong River near Mebul Road, The Crusher Travelling Stock Reserve.
Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
Bioregions

Bioregions are relatively large land areas characterised by broad, landscape-scale natural features and environmental processes that influence the functions of entire ecosystems.

A panoramic view from the lookout at Bents Basin Conservation Area, showcasing a vibrant farmland scene. In the center, fields of crops stretch out, bordered by small hills covered in trees. A few houses are nestled near the farmland, adding to the rural charm of the landscape.
Farmland view from lookout at Bents Basin Conservation Area.
Credit: Kevin McGrath/DCCEEW
Land management

The Local Land Services Act provides a regulatory framework for the management of native vegetation in New South Wales.

River red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)
Sunlight shines on river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis).
Credit: Stuart Cohen/DCCEEW
Native Vegetation Regulatory map

The native vegetation regulatory map of New South Wales is a tool landholders can use when considering how best to manage native vegetation on their land.

View of Cumberland Plain Woodland at Scheyville National Park, featuring native trees, shrubs, and grassy areas under a clear blue sky.
Scheyville National Park Camp Precinct, Cumberland Plain Woodland, Scheyville National Park.
Credit: P Hardey/DPE
NSW BioNet

BioNet aims to improve NSW biodiversity outcomes by enabling the community and government to manage and enhance biodiversity using comprehensive, credible and robust data and information.