What support will the Biodiversity Credits Supply Taskforce provide to landholders?
The government is making it easier and faster for landholders to enter into a biodiversity stewardship agreement (BSA), including by:
- helping to identify whether landholders have in-demand biodiversity credits in their region
- assisting in preparing documentation and biodiversity assessment
- streamlining the process to enter into a biodiversity stewardship agreement
- identifying opportunities to sell biodiversity credits through the Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund.
Responsibility for biodiversity stewardship agreements is moving from the Biodiversity Conservation Trust to the Taskforce.
How much will it cost to put in an Expression of Interest, and do I need to commit to a biodiversity stewardship agreement?
There is no cost to put in an Expression of Interest, but it lets us know you are interested. The Expression of Interest does not create any obligation or require you to proceed
with a biodiversity stewardship agreement.
If you enter into a biodiversity stewardship agreement, it is registered on the land title. We can provide you with a biodiversity stewardship agreement example to help you get a feel for what's involved.
How will information provided in an Expression of Interest be used?
We will use the information you provide in the Expression of Interest to check if you have in-demand credits, prioritise effort and begin discussions with you as the landholder on a potential biodiversity stewardship agreement. See also our privacy statement.
Can the Taskforce help cover the costs involved in setting up a biodiversity stewardship agreement?
If you have in-demand credits, the Taskforce may offer to provide a biodiversity assessment from an accredited assessor and help prepare a biodiversity stewardship agreement and management plan. More information on this will be offered to you after your Expression of Interest has been reviewed.
Will a biodiversity stewardship agreement affect the other agricultural/economic activities occurring on my land?
A biodiversity stewardship agreement only applies to the areas of your land you want to include. Some sustainable grazing, apiary, and other low impact activities may be included as part of the biodiversity stewardship agreement management plan. You can continue to carry out agriculture and other economic activities on areas not covered by the biodiversity stewardship agreement.
How much money can I make from a biodiversity stewardship agreement?
A single biodiversity credit can be worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands in market sales. In selling credits, some money is held in the Biodiversity Stewardship Payments Fund and then paid to you each year for land management. This amount depends on the property's size and the condition and amount of restoration you include in the biodiversity stewardship agreement management plan.
What about carbon farming?
Commonwealth regulations specify where carbon credits can be created, and there may be constraints in setting up a biodiversity stewardship agreement over the same area as a carbon project. If you'd like to consider a carbon project, please raise this with the Taskforce to find out the latest information.
Are small areas of land suitable for biodiversity stewardship agreements?
Generally, larger areas of land enable the landholder to generate the most biodiversity credits through a biodiversity stewardship agreement. Larger areas, or those adjoining other reserves or large areas of vegetation, can be easier to manage. Areas with existing native plants and animals habitat also need less intensive management.
Will the government also profit from selling biodiversity credits generated from a biodiversity stewardship agreement over my land?
No, the Fund will generally on-sell biodiversity credits for the original purchase price, plus a mark up to cover costs. Selling the credits will enable the Fund to purchase more credits.
Can I decide to who I sell my biodiversity credits?
Yes, you can decide who to sell credits to and for what price. The Taskforce also operates the Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund to provide an easier way for you to sell your credits.
