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The Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool

 

The Biodiversity Values Map

The Biodiversity Values Map is one of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme thresholds.

The Biodiversity Values Map identifies land with high biodiversity value, such as native vegetation, threatened species habitat and creek lines, that is particularly sensitive to impacts from development.

The map is prepared by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under Part 7 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 (NSW).

See When the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies.

When to use the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool

Local development and clearing that requires development consent must consider the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme thresholds to determine whether the scheme applies to a proposal. Scheme participants must determine whether: 

  • the proposed development or clearing footprint is on land mapped on the Biodiversity Values Map
  • the proposed development or clearing footprint exceeds the area clearing threshold. 

If the determining authority (often local council) finds that either threshold is exceeded, the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies and further assessment via a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report is required.

Using the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool

You can use the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool to: 
•    check for Biodiversity Values mapping at the proposed site
•    determine whether the clearing of native vegetation area threshold is exceeded.

You can use the tool to generate a Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Report to include with your development application.

Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool

More information about the report can be found in: 

The area clearing threshold 

The Biodiversity Offsets Scheme also includes an area threshold that can be considered for individual projects using the Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool. 

The area threshold varies depending on the minimum lot size made under the relevant local environmental plan (or actual lot size where no minimum lot size is provided for the relevant land under the local environmental plan). If the amount of native vegetation being cleared exceeds the relevant area threshold, the scheme applies.

Minimum lot size associated with the propertyThreshold for clearing, above which the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) and Biodiversity Offsets Scheme apply
Less than 1 ha0.25 ha or more
1 ha to less than 40 ha         0.5 ha or more
40 ha to less than 1000 ha1 ha or more
1,000 ha or more2 ha or more

The Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool calculates results based on the proposed development's footprint and produces a report that can serve as supporting documentation when submitting a development application.

Biodiversity Values Map and Threshold Tool