Biodiversity Offset Credits | Land Eco Consulting

If you have land in New South Wales and are interested in generating Biodiversity Offset Credits (to sell or trade) through establishment of a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement on your land ('Biodiversity Stewardship Site') then you should read this.

The New South Wales Biodiversity Offset Scheme is a market-based scheme that brings together: 

• landowners who create 'biodiversity credits' by establishing a  Biodiversity Stewardship Site on their land, and 
• purchasers who buy the biodiversity offset credits created.  

 Purchasers of biodiversity offset credits are typically the NSW Government Biodiversity Conservation Trust  Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund or developers who are required to ‘offset’ biodiversity loss from their new development site. Conservation groups, philanthropists and government departments may also be interested in purchasing and 'retiring' biodiversity offset credits.

The NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) provides a mechanism for landowners to manage their land for conservation and receive payment for doing so. The scheme is voluntary and supports landowners to take care of their bushland in perpetuity. This is done through registering a Biodiversity Stewardship Site which generates biodiversity offset credits which the landowner can then sell to anyone who wishes to buy such credits.

There are many different types of biodiversity offset credit, but they belong to two broad credit groups:

1. Ecosystem Credits - native vegetation 'Plant Community Types'

2. Species Credits - certain threatened species such as threatened plants, Koala, Squirrel Glider, Eastern Pygmy Possum, Barking Owl, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Green and Golden Bell Frog and many more.

Who buys Biodiversity Offset Credits and how much money do they pay?

Every type of biodiversity offset credit is transferred for a price. The price/value of a biodiversity offset credit changes with supply, demand and other market influences. Similar to the price of shares on a stock market.

There is a public market place where parties can buy and sell biodiversity offset credits. Developers who are required to meet their offset obligations for project approval can advertise credits wanted in this market place. Likewise, owners of biodiversity offset credits can list the credits they have for sale on this market place.

The NSW BCT and the Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund and Taskforce are the largest purchasers of biodiversity offset credits. 

The Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund and Taskforce is largest supplier of biodiversity offset credits. 

How can I establish a Biodiversity Stewardship Site and earn Biodiversity Offset Credits?

Accredited Biodiversity Assessors like Land Eco Consulting are the only parties who are legally permitted to undertake the assessments required to establish a Biodiversity Stewardship Site and generate biodiversity offset credits for a landowner in New South Wales Australia.

What type of Biodiversity Offset Credits Occur on my land and how much money are they worth?

The cost of Biodiversity Offset Credits is driven by the market, however, the NSW Government does set a moving 'price ceiling' which is the maximum price the NSW Government Credit Supply. Land Eco Consulting can help you understand the types of biodiversity offset credits and current market pricing of the biodiversity offset credits that you could generate from establishing a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement on your land.

This NSW Government website provides some information on biodiversity offset credits that are in demand.

I am a Developer. How do I buy pay for Biodiversity Offset Credits to meet my development consent requirements and how much do they Cost?

If your development triggered the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme you may be required to purchase and retire biodiversity offset credits to meet your development consent obligations and obtain construction certification. Contact Land Eco Consulting to help you meet your biodiversity offset obligation for your development approval conditions of consent.

Land Eco have extensive experience in assisting clients establish Biodiversity Stewardship Sites to create Biodiversity Offset Credits.

Land Eco also provide a service to help you find and trade Biodiversity Offset Credits.

If you wish to explore the potential to purchase Biodiversity Offset Credits or establish a Biodiversity Stewardship Site and earn Biodiversity Offset Credits contact Land Eco Consulting today

P: 0408 765 832

E: info@landeco.com.au