Local government and other decision maker support
A range of guidance materials to support councils and other decision makers implementing the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.
The NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Resource Manual is an introductory, self-help tool designed for local government officers who review and assess development and vegetation clearing proposals. The manual provides:
- information about the scheme (including BAM)
- clarification on the local government officer roles and responsibilities as a decision maker
- direction to key resources for information, tools and guidance.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s eLearning program is designed to help local government staff understand the fundamental concepts of:
- the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
- the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM)
- councils' roles and responsibilities in the scheme.
Eligible local government staff can apply for sponsorship to undertake the program, which is conducted by Greencap via an online 12-part eLearning series.
To apply, download the sponsorship expression of interest form and email your completed form to bos.helpdesk@environment.nsw.gov.au.
For more information about the online training, visit Greencap’s website.
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Support webinars are a series of webinars for accredited assessors, local government (AND decision makers) implementing the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.
From January 2022, the Accredited Assessor (AA) and Local Government (LG) updates have merged into one overarching newsletter: the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Updates (BOS Updates). The BOS Updates provide accredited assessors and local government with shared information that is consistent and up to date with the latest improvements and advice on the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (the Scheme). We aim to improve how we communicate with our partners to help support the delivery of the Scheme. Your feedback on how we can improve is encouraged. Please submit your feedback with our Your feedback: BOS Updates Newsletter form (3 minutes).
If you would like to update your details, be added to our BOS Updates distribution list or forward this to a colleague, please sign up to our monthly BOS Update newsletters. A list of all our previous AA and LG updates can be viewed on Accredited Assessor Updates and Local Government Updates.
Recent updates
BOS Update No. 19 – 25 August 2023 (PDF 204KB)
Five-year statutory review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
For accredited assessors
- Making it easier for assessors to use BOAMS
- New BioNet Atlas flora survey user guide for accredited assessors
For landholders
- Supporting landholders and assessors to prepare a BSA application
- Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements update
For local government
- Online forum for local government: Linking BSAs to strategic planning in coastal areas
Credit supply and demand updates
- Check your email for results of the BCT's May 2023 Statewide Credit Tender
- Supply Fund – third reverse auction
- Credit Supply Taskforce 12-month report
Public registers updates
- New Biodiversity Offsets Scheme public registers interface
- Webinar on how to use the new public registers interface
- Accredited assessors public register also available in Excel format
BCF Charge System updates
- BCF Charge transitional price cap lifts on 16 October
- Proponents with an existing BCF Charge Quote for capped-priced credits
- Proponents seeking a BCF Charge Quote
- Summary of key dates
- BCF Change Quote Web Report
- BCF Charge Quotes – updated prices to pay to the BCF
BOS Update No 18 – 26 July 2023 (PDF 198KB)
Have your say
- BAM 5 year review
- IPART's approach to monitoring the biodiversity credits market
- Help us to improve the scheme website
Key updates
- BCF Charge Quotes – updated prices to pay to the Biodiversity Conservation Fund
- Quarterly BCF Charge report published
- Scheme fee update
BAM-Calculator (BAM-C) updates
- Transitional arrangements for Benchmarks Version 1.2 end on 16 August 2023
Accredited assessor updates
- Reminder about trustee landholders in BOAMS
- Online forum for accredited assessors: BSSAR and Management Plan template
For landholders: Credit supply and demand updates
- Final call for the next edition of the Biodiversity Credits Catalogue
- Credits Supply Fund update: Bids closed for reverse auction 3
- Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements: EOFY update
BOS Update No 17 – 21 June 2023 (PDF 413KB)
BAM-Calculator (BAM-C) updates
- Correction to previous release notes: Threatened entity data in Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection (TBDC)
- Latest BAM-Calculator (BAM-C) update
Accredited assessor updates
- Reminder for accredited assessors to use full legal names when creating accounts for credit holders in BOAMS
- Improvements to credits wanted listings in BOAMS
- Attaching compressed files in BOAMS
- Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool Update
- Update your Biodiversity Values Map Data Downloads
Local government updates
- Training sponsorships for local government
For landholders: Credit supply and demand updates
- Next reverse auction through the Supply Fund to launch in June
- Taskforce probity and transparency arrangements published online
- The Biodiversity Credits Catalogue is now available online and the Taskforce is accepting inquiries for the next edition
- Update on the delivery of Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements
- Application fee waiver for BSAs extended to 30 June 2024
- Stewardship EOIs update and accredited assessor procurement
General scheme updates
- SAII nominations public display period delayed
- Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report template
Upcoming event
- Online forum for accredited assessors: BSSAR template and Management Plan template
Downloads
- Improvements to credit wanted (credit demand) listings (PDF 67KB)
- Release Notes: May 2023 (Reissue) (PDF 302KB)
- Release Notes: June 2023 (PDF 262KB)
BOS Update No 16 – 22 May 2023 (PDF 461KB)
Accredited assessor updates
- Reminder: Assessing habitat suitability for threatened species
- New changes to threatened entity data in BioNet
- Update to the serious and irreversible impacts (SAII) list
- Urgent reminder: Submit credit transfer and retirement applications asap
For landholders: Credit supply and demand updates
- Sell credits to the BCT – Wanted Credits List available now
- Continued improvements to BSA resources
- Landholder workshop in Wagga Wagga
Aboriginal engagement strategy: upcoming event
- Online forum for local government: Linking BSAs to strategic planning with a focus on inland councils – Thursday 25 May 2023
Release Notes
BOS Update No. 15 – 19 April 2023 (PDF 373KB)
Accredited assessor updates
- Major BAM-Calculator Update – Eastern NSW Plant Community Types
- Important reminder: Clearly label DRAFT Biodiversity Assessment Reports (BAR) as draft reports on the BAR
- BAM 2020 Operational Manual Stage 2
- Updates to threatened entity data in BioNet and the BAM-C
- New changes to threatened entity data in BioNet
Biodiversity Values Map update
- Biodiversity Values Map Update Version 15
Credit supply and demand updates
- BCT’s April 2023 statewide Credit Tender postponed
- Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA) update
- Supply Fund
- The Biodiversity Credits Catalogue No.1
- Credit Supply Fund Taskforce engagement and communication
BOS Update No. 14 – 21 March 2023 (PDF 158KB)
- NSW caretaker period ahead of state election
Credit supply and demand updates
- Sell credits to the BCT – Wanted Credits List release on 29 March 2023
- Supply Fund – second reverse auction
- New in-demand credits map
- Online Local Government Forum with the Credits Supply Taskforce
General scheme updates
- BCT commences BCF estimation service
- Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement update
Biodiversity Assessment Method updates
- Major BAM-C data update to East Coast Plant Community Types
- Decommissioned PCTs will be removed from the BOAMs case credits wanted tool
- Finding threatened species associations to decommissioned PCTs
- Archived version 1.1 benchmarks updated to address errors and include PCTs
Policy and governance updates
- Credits Supply Taskforce six-month report released
- Have your say on the review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
BOS Update No. 13 – 23 February 2023 (PDF 151KB)
Credit supply and demand updates
- Credits Supply Fund second reverse auction to launch from 27 February
- Sell credits to the Biodiversity Conservation Trust – tender opens 5 April
BOS Support Webinars
- Improving delivery of Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements
- East Coast PCTs transitional arrangements – Webinar recording now available
Operational updates
- Proposed development certified under clause 34A must be assessed for biodiversity impacts
Policy updates
- NSW Government response to parliamentary inquiry into the scheme
General scheme updates
- Free local government training sponsorship
- Important habitat map (IHM) reminder
- Update to the Serious and Irreversible Impact (SAII) list
- Reminder to submit SAII nominations
BOS Update No.12 – 31 January 2023 (PDF 167KB)
- Fast-tracking the supply of biodiversity credits
- New Practice Note: Offset rules and ecosystem credits
- High volume of scheme credit transfer and retirement applications
- BCF Charge System Price Estimation Service to commence shortly
- Upcoming Webinars
- Transitional arrangements for revised PCTs and Version 1.2 benchmarks
- Improving delivery of Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements
- Updated Guidance for local government
- Updated scheme credit retirement form published
- Update to BAM-C – Version 1.2 benchmarks
- IPART Terms of Reference finalised
- Release notes: Deployment of V1.2 Benchmarks in the BAM C (PDF 792KB)
BOS Update No. 11 – 16 December 2022 (PDF 200KB)
- BOS Help Desk – availability over Christmas and the new year
- Major update to the BAM-Calculator in February 2023 to include revised PCTs and V1.2 benchmarks
- New Platform to manage the BOS Help Desk
- New guidance for BAM Appendix D – Planted Native Vegetation Streamlined Assessment
- Improvements to credits wanted listings in BOAMs
- Assurance check gives BCF Charge System a thumbs up
- The scheme bushfire exemption extension
- New guidance for determining native vegetation land categorisation in the scheme
- Updated BAM-C and TBDC
- Request SAII data from the department
- Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund
- Fast-tracking the supply of biodiversity credits
- Happy holidays
- Improvements to credit wanted listings (PDF 100KB)
- Release Notes BAM-C December 2022 (PDF 245KB)
BOS Update No. 10 – 15 November 2022 (PDF 169KB)
- Assuming presence of species might not always be the most cost-effective option for proponents
- New Biodiversity Conservation Fund (BCF) Charge System has commenced
- Updated BAM-C, TBDC and SAII lists
- Book in for Accredited Assessor Training
- A simpler BSA application form
- Credit Supply Fund now in operation
- IPART is seeking feedback on its role monitoring the biodiversity credits market
- Draft Native Vegetation Regulatory map release
- Update to advice on unlawful clearing
- Reminder to submit BOS Credit transfers and retirements applications as soon as possible
- New BOS Credit Ownership report
- Credit Holding list view disabled in BOAMS
- Linking corporation landholder case parties in BOAMS
- BOAMS – DA Number/Major Projects ID field can now be edited by Accredited Assessors
- Threatened reptiles – Biodiversity Assessment Method survey guide published
- Reminder that BAM Support Mailbox has been replaced by BOS Help Desk
- Biodiversity Offsets Scheme: Release Notes: October 2022 (PDF 1.3MB)
- Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement application form (PDF 1.0MB)
BOS Update No. 9 – 30 September 2022 (PDF 169KB)
- New Biodiversity Conservation Fund (BCF) Charge System commences on 17 October 2022
- Credits Supply Taskforce and Fund Update
- Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) Ecological Monitoring Module field training days
- Biodiversity Values Map update
- Update: Revised eastern NSW PCTs in the Threatened Biodiversity Database Collection (TBDC)
- Biodiversity Offsets Scheme video series
- When do Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) waivers apply?
BOS Update No. 8 – 13 September 2022 (PDF 221KB)
- Audit Office report on the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme
- Making it easier for landholders to set up a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA)
- In-demand credits list for landholders
- Credit Supply Taskforce seeking accredited assessors
- Accredited assessors training
- Annual update to the regent honeyeater important habitat map
- NSW Natural Capital Programs factsheet
- Release of the Aligning Biodiversity Assessments factsheet
- Updated High Threat Weeds list
- Sell credits to the BCT – Tender closes 28 September 2022
- New subdivision and threshold videos
- Have your say on a National Biodiversity Market
- September Top Tip: Staying up to date in the accredited assessor public register
BOS Update No. 7 – 15 August 2022 (PDF 163KB)
- Initiatives to increase credits supply and market participation
- Credits Supply Taskforce – now in operation
- Demand Expressions of Interest (EOI)
- Stewardship Expressions of Interest (EOI)
- New discount rate for Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements (BSAs) – effective Monday 15 August
- Revised Plant Community Types (PCTs) for eastern NSW are not yet operational in BAM
- Updated High Threat Weeds list
- Register for BOS Support Webinar #29
- New features in BMAT tool
- Advice for calculating the area clearing threshold in partially exotic groundcover
- August Top Tip: Accessing BAM-C assessments for Government reviewers
BOS Update No. 6 – 28 July 2022 (PDF 163KB)
- Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Support August Webinar
- BioNet Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection (TBDC) – advice for targeted surveys and mapping species polygons
- Sell credits to the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) – Tender opens 7 September
- Get involved in the Accredited Assessor Forum
- Changes to Biodiversity Offsets and Agreement Management System (BOAMS) Organisation (Business) Accounts
- Biodiversity Conservation Trust update on Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement (BSA) applications
BOS Updates No. 5 – 27 June 2022 (PDF 275 KB)
- Boost to environmental conservation through Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund
- New credit pricing tools
- Assumed presence
- BAM-C, TBDC, and SAII list to be updated
- The Plant Community Type to Offset Trading Group lookup tool
- Offset Trading Group remediation of data published on public registers
- Eastern NSW PCT data release
- New BAM Survey Guide available – Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
- Update to BAM Operational Manual – Stage 1
- Renewal training for accredited assessors
- Upcoming Ecological Monitoring Module field training days
- Emailing ZIP files to the department
- Fee Update
- Biodiversity Conservation Trust update on BSA applications
- Release notes: June 2022 (PDF 732KB)
BOS Updates No. 4 – 16 May 2022 (PDF 111KB)
- Upcoming BOS Support Webinar 28
- New Local Government Resource Manual
- BARs must be certified and contain a finalised credit report
- New fact sheet on the Biodiversity Values Map
- BCT update on BSA applications
BOS Updates No. 3 – 12 April 2022 (PDF 223KB)
Demand information
- Transport for NSW releases forward biodiversity credit demand estimates
Training for local government and assessors
- Free Local Government training sponsorship
- Renewal training for accredited assessors
New resources
- Release of Biodiversity Development Assessment Report template
- New information video on the Biodiversity Assessment Method
- New biodiversity certification factsheets for landholders and local government
- New and updated forms for credit transfers and retirements
Biodiversity Values Map
- Biodiversity Values Map Update Version 13
- Fact Sheets and guides on the Biodiversity Values Map
Update on the BOS Help Desk
Minor correction to legislative reference in BOS Update No 1
BOS Updates No. 2 – 14 March 2022 (PDF 176KB)
- New BOS Help Desk and webinars
- BCF Charge System webinar
- Free training for local government
- EOI to become a BOS BAM Trainer
- Accredited assessors audit report and webinar
- New accredited assessor consultation forum
- New case study: The Office of Strategic Lands
- Active Restoration under the Biodiversity Offset Scheme – New Research Project
- BCT Statewide Biodiversity Credit Tender
- Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report template – call for feedback
- BSA Ecological Monitoring Module (EMM)
- BSA livestock grazing guidelines –update
- BSA Applications
BOS Updates No. 1 – 9 February 2022 (PDF 207KB)
- New name, now Department of Planning and Environment (DPE)
- Quick recap: December 2021 updates
- BCT Statistics
- Indicative Demand Analysis
- Quick guide to find biodiversity credits to offset your credit obligation
- Upcoming BOS Support Webinar
- BOS now applies to complying development on non-rural land above the BOS threshold
- Public display of SAII entities
For Accredited Assessors
- TBDC Enhancements now live (PDF 633KB)
- Revised PCTs for eastern NSW – seeking input for major projects
For Local Government
- Sponsorship opportunity for local government BOS training
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 18 (PDF 287KB)
- BAM Support Mailbox: Christmas shutdown
- Expressions of interest: Sponsorship to receive new training for council staff
- Vegetation SEPP amendments
- Improvements to the BOS
- Hearings for the Parliamentary Inquiry
- Call out for case studies
- Opportunities to sell credits to the Biodiversity Conservation Trust
- BCT Statistics
- Happy Holidays
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 17 (PDF 240KB)
- Biodiversity Values Map update V.12
- BOS Support Webinar No. 24 – Recording and Q&A
- Biodiversity Assessment Method Transitional arrangements ended 22 October
- Manageable High Threat Weeds – Practice Note
- System updates
- Biodiversity Conservation Trust update
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 16 (PDF 212KB)
- Impact on BAM Support Mailbox response times
- How should vegetation clearing for bushfire protection be considered under Part 7 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016?
- Pre-release Eastern NSW Plant Community Type data
- Plains-wanderer Important Habitat Map
- General Notes section of the Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection
- Serious and Irreversible Impact BAM 2020 data
- BAM Transitional arrangements
- System Update
- Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement sites: calculating interim ecological response targets
- Information sessions on Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement products
- Biodiversity Conservation Trust update
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 15 (PDF 170KB)
- Replacement of the Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator – continued consultation
- Public exhibition of BDARs
- Subscribe to SEED datasets
- Check BAM-Calculator reports are consistent with Biodiversity Assessment Reports
- Videos explain the BOS in a nutshell
- System Update
- Information sessions about Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements
- Biodiversity Conservation Trust Update
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 14 (PDF 250KB)
- BAM data import on 7 June 2021
- BOS enquiry form improves response time
- Reminder – BARs must contain a finalised credit report
- How to submit and send back BOAMS cases
- System fixes and updates
- Mailbox query responses in 3 days
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 13 (PDF 221KB)
- 'New' Plant Community Types are displaying in the BioNet Threatened Biodiversity Database Collection (TBDC)
- Koala SEPP Questions and Answers
- Local Government resources webpage
- Scheduled BAM data import
- System Updates
- BCT Update
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 12 (PDF 167KB)
- Launch of the SEED Layer Intersection Tool
- Using BioNet for BAM assessments
- BAM Transitional arrangements end soon for some applications
- Reminder: Consultation on changes to the BOS open until 19 April
- Fire Extent and Severity Mapping (FESM)
- System Updates
- BCT Update
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 11 (PDF 92KB)
- Deferral of January update to the BOPC
- Reminder: Transitional Arrangements for BARs prepared using BAM 2017
- New guidance for assessing habitat suitability
- Planned update to threatened species data in BAM-C on 29th April
- BCT update
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 10 (PDF 94KB)
- Welcome back
- BAM 2020 Operational Manual
- Update on BAM Assessor renewal training and new assessor training modules
- New Guidance for the application of modified benchmarks to the assessment of vegetation integrity
- BOS credit retirement/transfer forms
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 9 (PDF 70KB)
- BAM Support mailbox: Christmas close down
- BOS Bushfire Exemption
- Koala SEPP 2020
- BOS Support Webinar – Q&A
- Biodiversity Vales Map Update V.11
- BCT Update
- BOPC Update Frequency Change
- Clearing area threshold and the BMAT Tool
- Seeking concurrence for a reduced credit obligation
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 8 (PDF 53KB)
- Transitional arrangements
- NSW Survey Guide for Threatened Frogs
- Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator Update
- BAM Operational Manual – Stage 3
- First trade of BAM species credits
- Biodiversity credit open fixed price offer
- Biodiversity Conservation Trust Update
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update: Special Edition – BAM 2020 (PDF 52KB)
The BAM 2020 includes the following new features:
- improved language so it is easier to understand and apply
- clearer assessment requirements for prescribed and indirect impacts
- alignment of impact assessment criteria for entities at risk of a serious and irreversible impact with the principles listed in the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation
- a new streamlined assessment module for planted native vegetation
- revisions to existing streamlined assessment modules for paddock trees (renamed 'scattered trees') and small areas, clarifying when they can be used and providing additional guidance on their application
- minor changes to estimating biodiversity gain from management actions on offset sites to provide a more consistent and robust approach
- a new appendix to support strategic biodiversity certification
- updated format and section numbering to meet accessibility standards so all users can access the BAM.
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 7 (PDF 46KB)
- Swift parrot important area map
- New BioNet Power Queries – ID species within a sub region and PCT
- BioNet video tutorials
- Complaints and Feedback Management Policy (2020)
- Have your say – Accredited Assessor Draft CPD guideline
- BOS Educational video series
- BOS support webinar
- BAM Assessor training and accreditation renewal updates
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 6 (PDF 48KB)
- Does the 14-day submittal period apply to amended biodiversity assessment reports?
- NSW BOS and Land Management Framework Flowcharts
- Compliance and State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017
- High Threat Weed list review
- Interim Advice – Species Polygons Dual Credit Bird Species
- BOS Support webinar
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 5 (PDF 67KB)
- Preparing conditions of consent for a variation rule credit retirement
- Biodiversity Offset Scheme support webinars
- Biodiversity Offset Scheme website survey
- Biodiversity Offset Scheme educational video series
- Do you have an Avoid and Minimise case study to share?
- Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator update
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 4 (PDF 72KB)
- BOS fees 2020–21
- BOS Support Webinars
- Display of Equivalent BAM credits on BOS public register (supply)
- What is the 14 day BAR submittal period?
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 3 (PDF 1419KB)
- Streamlining NSW and Australian Government Biodiversity Assessments
- Application of new or revised survey guidelines
- BOS support videos for LG
- Biodiversity Values Map Update v10
- Upcoming BOS support webinar
- System information and updates
- Application forms to transfer and retire BOS credits
- Correction to BOS Support for LG webinar – contacts for advice
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 2 (PDF 139KB)
- Mailing list subscriptions and ‘Local government resources’ webpage
- Test of significance in the context of rebuilding from bushfire
- Biodiversity Values Map update on 27 May 2020
- Regent honeyeater important areas – update
- Threatened plants survey guide – revised
- BOS Support webinars
Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Update No. 1 (PDF 119KB)
- Welcome to the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government updates
- Systems updates: Local government access to BOAMS (PDF 752KB)
- BOS support webinars
- Issue 19 – Guideline for the application of the Biodiversity Assessment Method at severely burnt sites (PDF 289KB)
- Issue 18 – Subdivisions and development of subdivided lots under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (PDF 200KB)
- Issue 17 – Commencement of the biodiversity offsets scheme in western Sydney and Guidance for local government (PDF 173KB)
- Issue 16 – Updates to biodiversity data, entities at risk of a serious and irreversible impact and the Biodiversity Assessment Method PDF 192KB)
- Issue 15 – New arrangements for Biodiversity Offsets Scheme support and notifications since closure of the LMBC service centre (PDF 183KB)
- Issue 14 – State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017 – extension to clause 27 and deferred matter land (PDF 211KB)
- Issue 13 – Coastal management and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (PDF 345KB)
- Issue 12 – Bush fire related clearing and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (PDF 393KB)
- Issue 11 – Councils as decision maker on dead or dying trees (PDF 349KB)
- Issue 10 – Compliance and State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017 (PDF 148KB)
- Issue 9 – Development assessment decision making and biodiversity development assessment reports (PDF 292KB)
- Issue 8 – Biodiversity Values Map update 5 (see Biodiversity Values Map webpage)
- Issue 7 – Concept development applications and the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (PDF 342KB)
- Issue 6 – Biodiversity data and resources (PDF 252KB)
- Issue 5 – Koala habitat protection and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) (PDF 235KB)
- Issue 4 – Determining serious and irreversible impacts (PDF 315KB)
- Issue 3 – Biodiversity Values Map update 3 (see Biodiversity Values Map webpage)
- Issue 2 – When to notify Department of Planning, Industry and Environment about development applications (PDF 278KB)
- Issue 1 – Threatened Species Test of Significance Guidelines summary (PDF 219KB)
- Guidance for local government on applying the Biodiversity Offset Scheme threshold
- Guidance for local government on preparing conditions of consent from the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report
- Guidance for local government on undertaking a critical review of a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report
- Guidance for local government on managing vegetation with a Development Control Plan
- Guidance for the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report template
- Biodiversity Development Assessment Report template (DOCX 772KB)
- Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report template (DOCX 913KB)
NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and Land Management Framework Biodiversity Assessment and Approval Pathways
The NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and Land Management Framework: Biodiversity Assessment and Approval Pathways for Local Government (4 August 2020) has been published in an interim form. We are continuing to make improvements to this resource to simplify guidance and ensure accessibility.
Please contact the BOSCREDITS Mailbox BOSCREDITS@environment.nsw.gov.au if you need help with this resource.
Videos
The Department has produced a number of videos about key areas and activities of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.
Click through the carousel thumbnails to choose a video.
Video topics
- The Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and when it applies
- Meeting biodiversity offset obligations
- Identifying threatened entities at risk of serious and irreversible impacts
- Using the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold (BMAT) Tool
- Biodiversity assessment for Part 5 activities
- Serious and Irreversible Impacts on biodiversity
- Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) and local development
- Subdivision applications and subsequent development of land
- Biodiversity Offsets Scheme threshold
- Native vegetation clearing
- Test of significance
- Biodiversity certification