Biodiversity Values Map

Find out about the values on the Biodiversity Values Map, how to use the map and read about any updates that have been made.

The Biodiversity Values (BV) Map identifies land with high biodiversity value that is particularly sensitive to impacts from development and clearing. The map forms part of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme threshold, which is one of the factors for determining whether the Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) applies to a clearing or development proposal. The map is prepared by the Department of Planning and Environment under Part 7 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act).

Values on the Biodiversity Values Map

Clause 7.3(3) of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 describes types of land the Environment Agency Head can include on the BV Map.

  1. coastal wetlands and littoral rainforest mapped under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Coastal Management) 2018 (Coastal Management SEPP)
  2. core koala habitat identified in a plan of management under State Environmental Planning Policy No 44 – Koala Habitat Protection (SEPP 44)
  3. declared Ramsar wetlands defined by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
  4. land containing threatened species or threatened ecological communities identified as potential serious and irreversible impacts (SAII) under section 6.5 of the BC Act
  5. biodiverse riparian land
  6. high conservation value grasslands or groundcover
  7. old growth forest identified in mapping developed under the National Forests Policy Statement but excluding areas not meeting the criteria published jointly by the Minister of the Environment and the Minister for Primary Industries
  8. rainforest identified in mapping developed under the National Forests Policy Statement but excluding areas not meeting the criteria published jointly by the Minister for Energy and Environment and the Minister for Primary Industries
  9. declared areas of outstanding biodiversity value
  10. council nominated areas with connectivity or threatened species habitat that the Minister for Energy and Environment considers will conserve biodiversity at bioregional or state scale
  11. any other land that in the opinion of the Environment Agency Head is of sufficient biodiversity value to be included.

The Types of Land on the Biodiversity Values Map describes how the mapping is developed for each of the above values.

Using the Biodiversity Values Map

The Biodiversity Values Map is relevant for:

  • local developments (development under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 which is not state significant development or complying development) 
  • clearing regulated by the State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017 (Vegetation SEPP)
  • exempt and complying development (development regulated by the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 where clearing is regulated by the Vegetation SEPP.

If a relevant clearing or development proposal has one of the following impacts in an area on the Biodiversity Values Map, the BOS applies:

  • clearing native vegetation
  • an impact prescribed under clause 6.1 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation.

Viewing the Biodiversity Values Map

You can view the Biodiversity Values Map through the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold (BMAT) tool.

The tool allows developers, landholders and consent authorities to determine if proposed development or clearing activates the BOS. You can use the tool to search for an address or lot and deposited plan (DP) number and display the type of biodiversity values types occurring at a location. The tool can also produce a report stating whether the BOS threshold is triggered. The BMAT Tool is a guide only – consent authorities assess and determine development applications.

A recent BMAT tool update allows users to upload polygons saved as a KML or shapefile if desired. Shapefiles can be created in ArcGIS or Google Earth and uploaded to the BMAT tool to check if a proposed development footprint will trigger the BOS.

If you are an agent or you have multiple landholdings, you can also create your own account to save, edit or share projects in the Biodiversity Map and Threshold (BMAT) Tool. This upgrade reduces time spent searching for properties and re-creating areas for evaluation or report extraction. If you wish to evaluate a single landholding a BMAT account is not necessary as you can still access the BMAT Tool and evaluate areas without an account.

To create an account, please send an email to map.review@environment.nsw.gov.au

For more information, read the BMAT Tool user guide. There is also a demonstration video on how to use the BMAT Tool. Visit Local government and other decision maker support.

Accessing the Biodiversity Values Map data

You can access Biodiversity Values Map spatial data through the Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data (SEED) Portal. 

There are 2 options for accessing Biodiversity Values Map spatial data through the SEED Portal:

  1. Web Mapping Service For users with a compatible GIS, we provide a web service to access the current version of the Biodiversity Values Map.
  2. Download Package If using the web mapping service isn't feasible, data download packages are also available from SEED. The format of the data in the download package is ESRI file geodatabase. While in some instances, use of geodatabase may be preferable, users need to be aware the BV Map is updated regularly, and currency of the data is only valid on the day of download. Users should regularly check the Biodiversity Values Map homepage for updates.

Biodiversity Values Explanation Report and Map Review

Landholders, or their agents, can apply for a Biodiversity Values (BV) Explanation Report or a Biodiversity Values map review.

  • A Biodiversity Values explanation report provides detailed descriptions and maps for all biodiversity values applicable to a property.
  • We recommend applying for an explanation report before requesting a map review.
  • A Biodiversity Values map review is a pathway for you to provide information supporting a map change if you consider the biodiversity values mapped on your property are incorrect.
  • Mapping of some of the values on the Biodiversity Values Map may have been done some time ago, and the imagery used in the BMAT Tool may show some of these areas have been cleared and are being or have been developed. A Biodiversity Values map review can be used to update the Biodiversity Values mapping on your property.

There is no fee for a BV explanation report or a Biodiversity Values Map review.

Apply for a biodiversity values explanation report or map review

Updates to the Biodiversity Values Map

From time to time, we update the Biodiversity Values Map to add or remove areas based on new information.

Updates to the Biodiversity Values Map are likely to include targeted reviews of specific data layers or regions. This process may result in the inclusion or removal of some lands from the map. We will contact relevant data custodians to request updated or new data.

Areas added to the Biodiversity Values Map in the last 90 days are displayed differently from areas that have been on the map longer than 90 days.

For more information about how colours are used on the map, see 'Areas added to the Biodiversity Values Map' below.

Date published Description
28 March 2022
(version 13)		 The following changes were made:
  1. changes arising from landholder-initiated map reviews
  2. addition of revised mapping for 4 species – 
    1. Diuris flavescens
    2. Genoplesium littorale
    3. Genoplesium plumosum
    4. Swift parrot
  3. addition of new mapping for one species –
    1. Blue Mountains water skink
  4. refinement of old growth and rainforest mapping
  5. removal of developed land
  6. removal of Category 1–Exempt Land
  7. colour changes associated with 90-day expiry (dark purple to light purple)
  8. enhancement to the BMAT Tool to increase zoom from 1:2250 to 1:282
Date published Description
27 September 2021
(version 12) 		The following changes were made:
  1. changes arising from landholder–initiated map reviews
  2. addition of revised mapping for two species –
    1. Prasophyllum bagoense
    2. Pomaderris delicata
    3. Pomaderris reperta
    4. Plains Wanderer
    5. Callistemon purpurascens
    6. Callistemon megalongensis
  3. addition of new mapping for five species –
    1. Prasophyllum keltonii
    2. Jalmenus eubulus
    3. Calidris ferruginea
    4. Yellow spotted tree frog
    5. Thick-billed Grasswren
  4. addition of core koala habitat identified in the Byron Koala Plan of Management and the Tweed Koala Plan of Management
  5. refinement of old growth and rainforest mapping
  6. removal of developed land
  7. removal of Category 1 – Exempt Land
  8. colour changes associated with 90-day expiry (dark purple to light purple)
27 November 2020
(version 11) 		The following changes were made:
  1. changes arising from landholder-initiated map reviews
  2. addition of revised mapping for 7 species –
    1. Eucalyptus sp. cattai
    2. Myriophyllum implicatum
    3. Gentiana wingecarribiensis
    4. Swift parrot
    5. Pterostylis ventricosa
    6. Prasophyllum sp. Moama
    7. Pterostylis despectans
  3. addition of new mapping for 3 species –
    1. Zieria obcordata
    2. Bellinger River snapping turtle
    3. Thelymitra kangaloonica
  4. addition of revised mapping for 11 threatened ecological communities –
    1. Agnes Banks Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion critically endangered ecological communities
    2. Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion critically endangered ecological communities
    3. Cumberland Plain Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion critically endangered ecological communities
    4. Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion critically endangered ecological communities
    5. Shale Sandstone Transition Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion critically endangered ecological communities
    6. Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion critically endangered ecological communities
    7. Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion critically endangered ecological communities
    8. Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub in the Sydney Basin Bioregion endangered ecological communities
    9. Blue Mountains Basalt Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion endangered ecological communities
    10. Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion endangered ecological communities
    11. Duffys Forest Ecological Community in the Sydney Basin Bioregion endangered ecological communities
  5. addition of new mapping for 3 threatened ecological communities –
    1. Hygrocybeae Community of Lane Cove Bushland Park in the Sydney Basin Bioregion critically endangered ecological communities
    2. Maroota Sands Swamp Forest endangered ecological communities
    3. Pittwater and Wagstaffe Spotted Gum Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion endangered ecological communities
  6. addition of core koala habitat identified in the Campbelltown Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management
  7. addition of core koala habitat identified in 3 Individual koala plans of management for land in the Port Macquarie Hastings local government area
  8. refinement of old growth and rainforest mapping
  9. removal of developed land
  10. colour changes associated with 90-day expiry (dark purple to light purple)
27 May 2020
(version 10) 		The following changes were made:
  • addition of revised mapping for the Regent Honeyeater
  • addition of mapping for Calotis moorei
  • changes resulting from landholder-initiated map reviews
  • refinement of old growth and rainforest mapping
  • removal of buildings and recently developed subdivisions
  • change of map colour from dark purple to light purple for areas added to the map in version 9 now that the 90-day period has expired.
  • enhancement to the BMAT Tool to increase zoom from 1:4500 to 1:2000
26 February 2020
(version 9) 		The following changes were made:
  • update to core koala habitat mapping
  • changes resulting from landholder-initiated map reviews
  • changes to SAII entity mapping due to the update of NVR Category 1 –  exempt land
  • refinement of old growth and rainforest mapping
  • changes to Genoplesium insigne mapping
  • removal of biocertified land in Mt Gilead Stage 1
  • change of map colour from dark purple to light purple for areas added to the map in version 8 now that the 90-day period has expired.
27 November 2019
(version 8) 		The following changes were made:
  • changes resulting from landholder initiated map reviews
  • refinement of old growth and rainforest mapping
  • change of map colour from dark purple to light purple for areas added to the map in version 7 now that the 90-day period has expired.
28 August 2019
(version 7)

The following changes were made:

  • updates to mapping of critically endangered orchid Pterostylis vernalis resulting from revised map method
  • changes resulting from landholder initiated map reviews
  • refinement of old growth and rainforest mapping
  • change of map colour from dark purple to light purple for areas added to the map in version 6 now that the 90-day period has expired.
29 May 2019
(version 6)

The following changes were made:

  • updates to mapping of critically endangered orchid Pterostylis ventricosa resulting from revised map method
  • changes resulting from landholder initiated map reviews
  • removal of small areas of mapped land on the Biodiversity Values Map due to incorporation of updates to Category 1 - exempt land on the Native Vegetation Regulatory Map
  • removal of Port Macquarie Airport lands following biocertification
  • refinement of old growth and rainforest mapping
  • refinement of protected riparian land
  • change of map colour from dark purple to light purple for areas added to the map in version 5 now that the 90-day period has expired.
27 February 2019
(version 5)

The following changes were made:

  • changes arising from the amended Coastal Management SEPP coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests mapping, which commenced on 17 December 2018
  • corrections to the Lismore comprehensive koala management plan – core koala habitat
  • changes resulting from landholder-initiated map reviews
  • enhancements to the BMAT Tool:

–   to enable users to determine types of biodiversity values at a location

–   to include on the Tool Report the date when 90 days expires for areas added in the most recent version of the map.
14 December 2018
(version 4)		 Changes resulting from landholder initiated map reviews.
9 November 2018
(version 3)

The following changes were made:

  • Addition of core areas of the Coastal Management State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) replacing the former SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands and SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforest
  • Removal of biocertified areas not applicable to the biodiversity offset scheme
  • Addition of revised Port Stephens & Kempsey comprehensive koala plans of management – core koala habitat
  • Removal of protected riparian land on urban zoned land
  • Changes resulting from landholder initiated map reviews
  • Refinement of threatened species and communities’ habitat mapping in the Alpine Resorts SEPP area
  • Adjusted map colours identifying areas added to the BV Map in the last 90 days
  • Removal of habitat mapping for the five-clawed worm skink
  • Refinement of mapping displayed on the BV Map.

See the BV Map – version 3 fact sheet for more information on these changes.

13 December 2017
(version 2)

Addition of mapping for:

  • the little penguin declared area of outstanding biodiversity value at Manly (referred to as critical habitat under the former Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995)
  • One threatened ecological community and four threatened species on land covered by the State Environmental Planning Policy (Kosciuszko National Park—Alpine Resorts) 2007.

25 August 2017
(version 1)

Release of the original state-wide map

Areas added to the Biodiversity Values Map

Proposed development to be carried out on land added to the Biodiversity Values Map does not exceed the BOS threshold if the land is the subject of an application for planning approval when the land was included on the Biodiversity Values Map and for 90 days after.

Areas added to the Biodiversity Values Map in the last 90 days are dark purple. Areas shown on the map longer than 90 days are light purple.

For areas added in the last 90 days, the report generated by the BMAT Tool states the date that this 90-day period expires. After this date, a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) would be required for clearing in these areas. As development applications (DA) are not formally lodged until the fees have been paid, proponents whose land has been added to the Biodiversity Values Map in the last 90 days should submit their DA with councils two weeks before the 90-day period expires to allow time for the fees to be determined and paid.

The Biodiversity Values Map and what it means for your Development Application

Periodic updates to the BV Map can involve the removal of land based on new information. For local development proposals where the BV Map is the only trigger into the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, it is important to regularly check if the DA site is still on the BV Map during the development application process. Removal of the DA site may mean that you can avoid or reduce costs associated with the development of a BDAR or meeting biodiversity credit requirements.

The Biodiversity Values Map and what it means for your Development Application Fact Sheet outlines when you should check the BV Map and what you should do if your DA site is removed from the Map. It also outlines the option of applying for a Biodiversity Values Map review if you consider the biodiversity values are mapped incorrectly on your land.

The Biodiversity Values Map and Biodiversity Certification and what it means for the future development of a property

Clearing and development of land on the Biodiversity Values Map will require a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report and offset impacts. The Biodiversity Values Map and Biodiversity Certification and what it means for the future development of a property – Fact Sheet for Solicitors and Conveyancers outlines how to check if a property is on the BV Map and other ways that a clearing or development proposal may activate the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS). This will assist them to alert prospective buyers whether the property is on the BV Map. The Fact Sheet also provides information on biodiversity certification and explains that the BOS does not apply to land that is biodiversity certified.

In some circumstances the biodiversity values map threshold will not apply to development of a lot the result of an approved subdivision

Clause 7.3(4) of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 provides that a proposed development (other than subdivision) does not exceed the biodiversity offsets scheme threshold merely because of the biodiversity values map if carried out on a lot that was the result of a subdivision carried out before the commencement of the BC Act (25 August 2017) within land zoned R1 to R4, RU5, B1 to B8 or IN1 to IN3. However, the biodiversity offsets scheme may be triggered for other reasons.

This clause applies in circumstances where subdivision approval was granted on land within the nominated zones and the purpose of the approved subdivision is not yet been realised. For example, the clause applies if a subdivision was approved for the purpose of creating residential lots and the dwellings on those lots are not yet developed. If the purpose of the subdivision is realised, this clause won't apply. For example, if a dwelling has already been developed, the clause will not apply to a development application for a secondary dwelling or other ancillary use. Councils need to confirm if a subdivision approval is granted in a relevant zone and the purpose of the subdivision is not yet realised. Council also needs to confirm that a proposed development is consistent with the purpose of the approved and unrealised subdivision.

Such development must still consider if a biodiversity development assessment report is required because it exceeds the area clearing threshold, occurs in an area of outstanding biodiversity value, or is likely to significantly affect threatened species or ecological communities, or their habitats, based on the test of significance in section 7.3 of the BC Act.

Areas on the Biodiversity Values Map where the proposal does not involve clearing native vegetation or a prescribed impact

If development within areas on the BV Map does not involve clearing native vegetation (including groundcover, trees and understorey plants) or a prescribed impact (as set out in clause 6.1 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017) within the mapped area, the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) is not applied based on the BV Map. Development applications need to show evidence to support this.

However, the proponent must also consider other criteria for the BOS:

  • whether the area of native vegetation clearing in areas not on the BV Map exceeds the clearing area thresholds as specified in clause 7.2 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017
  • whether the proposed development or activity is likely to significantly affect threatened species, or ecological communities or their habitats based on the test of significance in section 7.3 of the BC Act.

You can find out more about the Scheme on our BOS webpage, or you can visit Biodiversity Offsets Scheme support or phone 131 555.

Local government nominations for additions to the Biodiversity Values Map

The Biodiversity Conservation Act gives the Minister for Energy and Environment the power to receive nominations from local government for land to be added to the Biodiversity Values Map.

The Minister for Environment must be convinced that the nominated land will be of bioregional or state significance. The Environment Agency Head must also approve the nominated land.

The Department of Planning and Environment is currently developing guidelines to facilitate the inclusion of council nominated areas into the Biodiversity Values Map.

Use of the Biodiversity Values Map for informing Local Environmental Plans Terrestrial Biodiversity Maps

Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) can include a clause which requires the council to consider, before determining an application for development on land on their LEP biodiversity map, the impacts of the development and measures to avoid, minimise or mitigate the impacts. Councils may be interested in using the Biodiversity Values (BV) Map to inform the development and update of their LEP biodiversity maps.

The department has developed the BV Map under Part 7 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 for a specific purpose – as a trigger into the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS). Development proposals that exceed the BOS threshold are required to have a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report prepared and offset impacts in addition to any requirements that the council may impose under the LEP. The BV Map is regularly updated and progressively refined (refer to Updates to the BV Map above).

LEP biodiversity maps are not required to be consistent with the BV Map, and councils can include any land they consider has important biodiversity values for their area. Councils can choose to use the BV Map to inform the development and updating of their LEP biodiversity map. The spatial data for the current BV Map can be accessed through the Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data (SEED) Portal.

Biodiversity Values Map on the ePlanning Spatial Viewer

The ePlanning spatial viewer is part of the NSW Planning Portal. It provides access to spatial data associated with environmental planning instruments (EPIs) and other NSW government websites that affect how land can be developed and used. It enables users to search for a property and generate a report on the EPIs and policies that apply to the property. The Biodiversity Values Map has been included on the ePlanning viewer, and the report for properties on the Biodiversity Values Map will note that a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report maybe required for development proposals on these properties.

It should be noted that there will be a few days lag after Biodiversity Values Map updates for the updated data to be included in the ePlanning viewer. The Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold (BMAT) Tool should be used to view the current Biodiversity Values Map data.

See the Guide on how to view the Biodiversity Values Map on the ePlanning spatial viewer for more information.

Relationship between the BV Map and the Native Vegetation Regulatory Map

Some land included on the BV Map is also land categorised on the Native Vegetation Regulatory Map (NVR Map). However, the two maps have different purposes.

  • The NVR Map determines how clearing on rural land not requiring planning approval, is regulated under the Local Land Services Act 2013 and associated regulation.
  • The BV Map represents one of the criteria for entry into the BOS for some types of clearing and development proposals under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Although the two maps have different purposes, changes made to the BV Map involving mapping criteria in common with the NVR Map will lead to a category change on the NVR Map. Find out more about the NVR Map.