The department updated the BAM-Calculator (BAM-C) on 14 April 2023 to include revised plant community types (PCT) in eastern New South Wales. The Integrated BioNet Vegetation Data for New South Wales (IBVD) published the data as part of the broader program.
Access to legacy plant community type reference dataset
If you started a BAM-C case before 14 April 2023, you can choose from the legacy PCT reference dataset, or the revised plant community types for the eastern NSW dataset in the BAM-C.
You need approval from the consent authority to access the legacy PCT dataset.
If you need long-term access to the legacy PCT dataset and have approval from the consent authority, you can apply to the department for access through the BOS Help Desk.
The consent authority can request that the BAM-C and Biodiversity Assessment Report (BAR) be updated to include the revised plant community types to ensure biodiversity impacts have been appropriately assessed.
Benchmarks Version 1.2
All Biodiversity Assessment Method assessments in the BAM-C must apply the current Version 1.2 benchmarks. These benchmarks are modelled at the Vegetation Class/IBRA bioregional scale and will continue to apply to the revised plant community types based on their Vegetation Class and IBRA bioregion.
Benchmarks cannot be modified unless in accordance with BAM Appendix A – use of more appropriate local data.
Biodiversity credit reports generated by the BAM-C will indicate where modified benchmarks have been used.
Frequently asked questions are available in the BOS Help Desk Customer Portal.