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Biodiversity / Native Vegetation

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) + state equivalents + EPBC Act 1999 (Cth)

When it triggers

Removal of native vegetation OR site contains threatened species/communities OR within a Biodiversity Stewardship Site.

When it doesn't apply

No native vegetation removal + no threatened species habitat.

Report required

Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR — NSW) / Ecology Report (other states)

Produced by

Ecologist (qualified, often Member EIANZ or AAEE)

Indicative cost

A$3,500–35,000

Key output fields

Plant Community Type (PCT)
Threatened species presence (BC Act / EPBC Act listed)
Tree count by species + DBH
Total Biodiversity Values at clearing
Biodiversity credits required (if offset pathway)
Offset cost / location
Avoid + Minimise + Offset hierarchy

Design implications

▸Building envelope shifted to avoid mature trees
▸Construction zones excluded from Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)
▸Permanent fencing of retained vegetation
▸Pre-construction salvage of seed / propagules
▸Post-construction restoration

Per-state notes

NSW: BC Act 2016 + Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) + Biodiversity Conservation Trust

VIC: Native Vegetation Regulations + DEECA approval if Cl 52.17 trigger

QLD: Vegetation Management Act 1999

Notes

Biodiversity offset costs can dwarf construction costs in high-value habitat. EPBC referrals add 6-12 months. Avoidance via design is the cheapest pathway.