1. Use the BOS public registers
Your first option is to find the credits through the BOS public registers, contact the credit holder and negotiate to buy the credits. If you are meeting a credit obligation, you will need to find the right type of 'like-for-like' credits or you may also be able to use the variation rules.
Find the credits you need on the credit supply register
First check the credit supply register to see if there are credits available. You can filter this database by credit type to see if the credits you need are available. If available, use the contact details on the credit supply register to contact the credit owner to negotiate to buy credits.
If you decide to buy and retire biodiversity credits, you will need to fill in the required application forms and pay the processing fees. The fees can be found on the Offset credit transactions webpage.
List the credits you need on the BOS credits wanted register
If the credit type you need is not available on the credit supply register, you can list them on the BOS Credits Demand Register.
Email BOSCredits for help listing the credits you need. We are looking at ways to streamline this process in the future.
2. Contact the Credit Supply Taskforce
You can also submit an Expression of Interest with the Credit Supply Taskforce for help to source your biodiversity credits.
An Expression of Interest can be submitted before credit obligations are set through a development consent.
Contact the Credit Supply Taskforce for more information.
What are the like-for-like credits I’m looking for?
‘Like-for-like’ credits are specified in a biodiversity credit report appended to your Biodiversity Assessment Report prepared by your assessor. These credits may also be specified in the conditions of planning or clearing approval.
3. Pay into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund
Another option to meet a credit obligation is to pay into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund (BCF). The amount you need to pay is calculated using the BCF Charge System, which aims to predict the cost that the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) will incur when buying biodiversity credits from land holders. With this payment, the BCT becomes responsible for the credit obligation.
If you take this approach, you will need to fill in an application form and provide your conditions of development consent.
Proponents who do not have development consent can seek an estimate of the cost of their credit obligation using the BCT’s Price Estimation Service. The Price Estimation Service doesn't provide a binding quote, and doesn't include the risk premium and delivery fees associated with payments to the BCF.
4. Create your own credits
You can also meet your credit obligation by creating your own credits if you have a suitable site. This can be done by developing a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement with the Credit Supply Taskforce.
For more information contact the Taskforce, or submit a Stewardship Expression of Interest.