The Biodiversity Values Map
The Biodiversity Values Map is one of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme thresholds.
The Biodiversity Values Map identifies land with high biodiversity value, such as native vegetation, threatened species habitat and creek lines, that is particularly sensitive to impacts from development.
The map is prepared by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under Part 7 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 (NSW).
See When the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies.
When to use the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool
Local development and clearing in urban and environmental zones that does not require development consent must consider the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme thresholds to determine whether the scheme applies to a proposal. Scheme participants must determine whether:
- the proposed development or clearing footprint is on land mapped on the Biodiversity Values Map
- the proposed development or clearing footprint exceeds the area clearing threshold.
If the determining authority (often local council) finds that either threshold is exceeded, the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies and further assessment via a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report is required.
Using the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool
You can use the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool to:
• check for Biodiversity Values mapping at the proposed site
• determine whether the clearing of native vegetation area threshold is exceeded.
You can use the tool to generate a Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Report to include with your development application.
Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool
More information about the report can be found in:
The area clearing threshold
The Biodiversity Offsets Scheme also includes an area threshold that can be considered for individual projects using the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool.
The area threshold varies depending on the minimum lot size made under the relevant local environmental plan (or actual lot size where no minimum lot size is provided for the relevant land under the local environmental plan). If the amount of native vegetation being cleared exceeds the relevant area threshold, the scheme applies.
| Minimum lot size associated with the property | Threshold for clearing, above which the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) and Biodiversity Offsets Scheme apply |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 ha | 0.25 ha or more |
| 1 ha to less than 40 ha | 0.5 ha or more |
| 40 ha to less than 1000 ha | 1 ha or more |
| 1,000 ha or more | 2 ha or more |
The Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool calculates results based on the proposed development's footprint and produces a report that can serve as supporting documentation when submitting a development application.