Biodiversity

The type of report required is dependent on the extent of clearing proposed and the appropriate approval pathway relevant to your proposal. In general, there are three types of ecological reports that could be required:

• Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
• Biodiversity Development Assessment Report – Streamlined Assessment
• Biodiversity Development Assessment Report – Full Assessment

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment for canopy trees may be required in conjunction with an ecological report or as an alternative report, depending on the attributes of the property. 

Council provide interactive tools to assist customers in determining whether a development application may be required and provides guidance in identifying what report may be appropriate.

• Where clearing of vegetation is proposed and requires a development application, Council's biodiversity assessment tool can assist in determining what type of report is suitable.
• For individual trees, the tree pruning and removal tool can identify whether the proposed clearing requires a development application.
• The NSW Government provide a preliminary assessment tool to find out if a BDAR is a suitable assessment

If the interactive biodiversity assessment tool or the preliminary assessment tool provided by the NSW Government has identified that a BDAR is required, there are additional considerations that must be reviewed by a suitably qualified person to provide the appropriate level of assessment.

Any advice provided through the biodiversity assessment tool regarding the requirement for a BDAR should be reviewed by an Accredited Assessor listed on the public register prior the preparation of assessment reports associated with clearing.

Where a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report needs to be prepared, biodiversity offset obligations may be required as part of consent and prior to receiving a construction/subdivision certificate. Discussion with an Accredited Assessor is recommended to ensure the customer is appropriately informed of the requirements under the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.

There are several important legislative requirements and other factors that must also be considered when proposing clearing of biodiversity. These include but are not limited to:

• bushfire requirements as per Planning for Bush Fire Protection - NSW Rural Fire Service
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Coastal Management) 2018 for clearing within and within proximity to coastal wetlands, littoral rainforest and coastal environments
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Koala Habitat Protection) 2021
• Fisheries Management Act 1994 where any impacts to aquatic vegetation and habitats, such as mangroves and seagrasses are proposed
• Water Management Act 2000 for any clearing within waterfront lands or works that have been identified as a controlled activity
• the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and the potential costs of offset obligations
• other environmental factors covered in the Lake Macquarie City Council Development Control Plan 2014.