Biodiversity Offsets Scheme local government webinar series

Our Biodiversity Offsets Scheme webinar series is designed to support local government in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities under the scheme. While the webinars are targeted to local government, other scheme participants will likely benefit from topics presented.

For pre-recorded webinars, questions can be lodged via the BOS Help Desk Customer Portal and will be published as a consolidated set of questions on the portal. Published questions will remain anonymous.

Webinar recordings

Biodiversity Offsets and Agreement Management System (now the BOS Portal) for Local Government

Please be advised that this webinar is no longer available. The Biodiversity Offsets and Agreement Management System (BOAMS) was replaced with the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS Portal) on 1 June 2026. Please refer to Local Government Webinar 5: Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) Portal for Local Government for guidance on how to navigate the BOS Portal. 

Part 4 Local Development Biodiversity Assessment and Approval Pathway

This webinar focuses on the Part 4 Local Development Biodiversity Assessment and Approval Pathway.

Key topics addressed include:

  • Key concepts of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and Biodiversity Assessment Method
  • Application of the Part 4 assessment and approval pathway
  • Biodiversity Offsets Scheme entry requirements for Part 4 Local Development
  • Effect of Native Vegetation Regulatory Map categories on the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme thresholds
  • Reviewing area clearing results from the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool
  • Information required to determine if the scheme applies
  • Other considerations – subdivisions and s4.55 modifications.

The webinar is ideal for council staff who provide advice on whether a development application needs to be accompanied by a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report or want to build knowledge and skills in this area.

This webinar recording is accompanied by closed captions and a written transcript.

Download the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local government webinar 2 handout (PDF 4.53 MB).

Commencement of the Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Offsets Scheme) Act 2024

This webinar focuses on the commencement of the Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Offsets Scheme) Act 2024. Most provisions in the Amendment Act commenced on 7 March 2025.

The webinar is targeted to council staff and other scheme participants who want to find out more about these reforms and what the changes mean for stakeholders. Some commencing provisions will have an immediate impact, while others require supporting regulations to be developed before they can become operational.

This webinar recording is accompanied by closed captions and a written transcript.

Download the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local government webinar 3 handout (PDF 4.7 MB).

Critical Review of a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report

This webinar focuses on undertaking a critical review of a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR). It is designed for council staff who are involved in Biodiversity Development Assessment Report review and highlights key checks that need to be undertaken when reviewing a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report. Further information on reviewing a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report is provided in Guidance for local government on undertaking a critical review of a Biodiversity Development Assessment.

Note that a comprehensive table of requirements for Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports appears in Appendix K (and Appendix L for streamlined assessments) of the Biodiversity Assessment Method 2020 (BAM).

Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government webinar 4 handout (PDF 11.3MB)

Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) Portal for Local Government

The BOS Portal is the new system used by the department to administer the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. It replaced the Biodiversity Offsets and Agreement Management System (BOAMS) on 1 July 2026.

This webinar provides guidance on how to use the BOS Portal as a consent authority and how to review Biodiversity Assessment Method Calculator (BAM-C) assessments.

The BOS Portal Guide for Consent Authorities provides further guidance on how to navigate the BOS Portal. A copy of this guide is available on the BOS Help Desk Online Portal in the article Preparing for go live in the BOS Portal.

Download the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local government webinar 5 handout (PDF 7.48 MB)

eLearning program

The department’s eLearning program is designed to help you understand:

  • the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW)
  • the Biodiversity Assessment Method
  • the roles and responsibilities of local government in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.

Local government employees can read the course outline and enrol to undertake the 12-part online eLearning series at Biodiversity Offsets Scheme training for local government.

Local Government Resource Manual

The NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Resource Manual provides information about:

  • review and assessment of development and vegetation clearing proposals
  • the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, including the Biodiversity Assessment Method
  • local government officer roles and responsibilities as a decision maker
  • accessing key resources, tools and guidance for your role.

NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Local Government Resource Manual

Guidance notes
Related information