What is the Biodiversity Offset Scheme?

The Biodiversity Offset Scheme (BOS) is a key part of biodiversity conservation in New South Wales. It helps manage the environmental impacts of development that affect threatened species, endangered ecological communities, or their habitats. Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW), BOS ensures developments maintain biodiversity while supporting sustainable growth. When developers cannot avoid harming biodiversity, the scheme requires offsets to balance these impacts, aiming for a neutral or positive environmental outcome.

Our Region

In our region, RAMJO (previously RAMROC) partnered with the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) to help local councils adapt to new biodiversity conservation regulations. RAMJO and REROC appointed a Regional Biodiversity Officer who guided councils through the requirements of the Biodiversity Offset Scheme.

From 2018 to 2020, the Biodiversity Reform Capacity Building Project provided councils with training, tools, and helpdesk support, enabling them to manage risks associated with biodiversity impacts. This initiative equipped councils with the resources they needed to comply with the new regulations while balancing community needs and environmental priorities.

For up-to-date resources on the Biodiversity Offset Scheme, councils and other stakeholders can visit the REROC website: https://reroc.com.au/biodiversity.

Biodiversity Conservation and Environment New South Wales

The Environment, Energy, and Science Group within the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment oversees the Biodiversity Offset Scheme. The scheme uses a consistent, transparent, and scientific approach to assess biodiversity impacts from significant developments. Developers, landholders, accredited assessors, brokers, and local government bodies can visit the official Biodiversity Offsets Scheme website for more information and support.