Method for estimating longer-term future demand for biodiversity credits

To estimate longer-term future demand for biodiversity credits, a spatial model was developed.

This spatial model takes input data in the form of digitised footprints of development proposals for major projects that are in the early stages of the NSW planning approvals process. These projects may have rough development footprints and have not yet undertaken a biodiversity development assessment report. The model overlays draft footprints with several key input layers, including vegetation mapping, to determine likely biodiversity values.

A credit demand estimate is then generated based on the Plant Community Types mapped by the NSW State Vegetation Type Map (SVTM) for each proposed development footprint.

The output contains both the demand and other relevant project information and metadata.