Native Vegetation Regulatory map land categorisation and the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme

The Native Vegetation Regulatory map of New South Wales is a tool landholders can use when considering how best to manage native vegetation on their land.

 The Native Vegetation Regulatory map divides land into land management categories. Each category is determined by criteria set out in the Local Land Services Act 2013 (NSW) and Local Land Services Regulation 2014 (NSW). 

A staged release of the draft Native Vegetation Regulatory map is underway. 

The draft Native Vegetation Regulatory map shows areas that are category 1 – exempt land or category 2 – regulated land. In areas where the draft Native Vegetation Regulatory map has not been published, the published transitional Native Vegetation Regulatory map shows if the subject land has been designated as category 2 – sensitive regulated land, category 2 – vulnerable regulated land, or excluded land. 

Draft Native Vegetation Regulatory map

View the Transitional Native Vegetation Regulatory map.

Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports on rural land 

When a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report is required for category 1 rural land 

Clearing of native vegetation on category 1 rural land does not require assessment or offsetting under the Biodiversity Assessment Method. However, a development on category 1 land may involve other biodiversity impacts that may require assessment and the preparation of a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report. 

Category 1 land developments may require a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report if: 

• the development will have a prescribed impact on land mapped on the biodiversity values map (prescribed impacts are listed in clause 6.1 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 and include impacts on caves or water bodies of significance), not including native vegetation clearing associated with the prescribed impact 
• a test of significance finds that a significant impact on threatened species, threatened ecological communities or their habitats is likely to result from the proposed development. 

What your report on category 1 rural land must include 

Your application for planning approval submitted to a decision maker must: 

• clearly indicate the area of land determined to be category 1 – exempt land 
• include evidence to support assessment of land category as category 1 – exempt land 
• include an assessment of impacts on additional prescribed biodiversity values in the category 1 area
• include a test of significance for all local development proposals that do not exceed the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme threshold (including those on category 1 – exempt land).

These requirements are set out in the Biodiversity Assessment Method. 

Prescribed impacts are listed in clause 6.1 of the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 (NSW). 

Guidance while map is a draft version 

While the Native Vegetation Regulatory map is being finalised, landowners are responsible for determining the categorisation of their land, in accordance with the Local Land Services Act. 

To view the transitional native vegetation regulatory map, please see View your map. 

The Determining native vegetation land categorisation for application in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme guide is for accredited assessors who are applying the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme during the Native Vegetation Regulatory map transitional period, until all areas on the map receive a final designation. This guide provides instructions on evaluating Native Vegetation Regulatory map categorisations and biodiversity assessment requirements for category 1 – exempt land. 

Determining native vegetation land categorisation for application in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (PDF)(1.5 MB)

Map categories are defined at Map categories. 

More information is available on the Local Land Services website. 

You can also contact your regional Local Land Services office: 

• using the contacts listed on the Local Land Services website  
• by calling 1300 795 299.