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
The Biodiversity Offsets and Agreement Management System is the case management system used by the department to administer the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. It is also used by scheme participants to manage information and data throughout the various steps of the scheme.
This webinar provides guidance on how to use the management system as a consent authority and addresses how to:
- review Biodiversity Assessment Method Calculator (BAM-C) assessments
- notify the department of a development approval with an associated credit obligation.
This webinar recording is accompanied by closed captions and a written transcript.
Download webinar slides [PDF 5 MB].
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 webinar slides [PDF 4.53 MB].
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 webinar slides [PDF 4.7 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 apply for sponsorship to undertake WSP's 12-part online eLearning series by completing online expression of interest form.
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 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
- NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and Land Management Framework Biodiversity Assessment and Approval Pathways for Local Government
- Compliance and State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017
- Councils as decision maker on dead or dying trees
- Determining serious and irreversible impacts
- Subdivisions and development of subdivided lots under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
- Bush fire related clearing and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
- Threatened Species Test of Significance Guidelines
- Modification applications and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
- Biodiversity assessments and calculation of the scheme entry requirements
- Applying the Unsafe Plants in Non-Rural Areas Code of Practice