When an accredited assessor applies the Biodiversity Assessment Method, they can produce one of 3 reports:
- a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report
- a Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report
- a Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report.
The requirements for these reports are in the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM), operational manuals, legislation, guidelines and other support material.
Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports
When a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report is needed
A Biodiversity Development Assessment Report must be submitted with:
- a development application for local development that is likely to significantly affect threated species
- all state significant development and state significant infrastructure applications unless the Planning Agency Head (or delegate) and the Environment Agency Head (or delegate) determine that the proposed development is not likely to have any significant impact on biodiversity values
- Part 5 activities that are likely to significantly affect threated species, ecosystems or their habitats and a decision is made to opt in to the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme
- clearing applications (where a development application is not required) to which the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies.
What is included in a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report
A Biodiversity Development Assessment Report identifies:
- the biodiversity values of the subject land (stage 1 of the Biodiversity Assessment Method)
- how the proponent proposes to avoid and minimise biodiversity impacts (stage 2 of the Biodiversity Assessment Method)
- the offset obligation required to offset the residual biodiversity impacts of the proposed development (stage 2 of the Biodiversity Assessment Method).
Biodiversity Certification Assessment Reports
When a Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report is needed
A Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report must be submitted with an application for biodiversity certification. Learn about biodiversity certification.
What is included in a Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report
A Biodiversity Certification Assessment Report:
- assesses the biodiversity values of land within the biodiversity certification assessment area (stage 1 of the Biodiversity Assessment Method)
- proposes measures to avoid and minimise biodiversity impacts (stage 2 of the Biodiversity Assessment Method)
- assesses the impacts on biodiversity values of development on the certified land
- specifies the number and class of biodiversity credits to be retired to offset those impacts
- specifies any other proposed conservation measures to offset those impacts.
Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Reports
When a Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report is needed
A Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report must be submitted with a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement application.
What is included in a Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Report
Biodiversity Stewardship Site Assessment Reports identify:
- the biodiversity values of the subject land (stage 1 of the Biodiversity Assessment Method)
- the management actions that will be undertaken to improve the biodiversity values of the site (stage 3 of the Biodiversity Assessment Method), which are outlined in a management plan
- the likely gain in biodiversity values from management actions at the proposed biodiversity stewardship site. This gain is expressed in biodiversity credits (stage 3 of the Biodiversity Assessment Method).