Biodiversity Offset

Our Approach

When submitting a Development Application, the applicant is required to demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable steps to avoid, reduce, and mitigate adverse effects on biodiversity. Where residual impacts cannot be completely avoided, biodiversity offsets are required to counterbalance the inevitable impacts of a project.

From initial design through to ongoing monitoring, our team has a proven track record of helping clients avoid costly delays by guiding their projects through the comprehensive steps necessary for a successful biodiversity offset. 

Critically Endangered Arcadia Valley Velvet Gecko Oedura Lineata identified during Offset monitoring for Santos

Site Assessment and Planning

We offer practical approaches responsive to the unique combination of your site and project. This can include:

  • Baseline ecological assessments and ecological constraints analysis.
  • Habitat suitability assessments and biodiversity surveys.
  • Targeted surveys for threatened and migratory species.
  • Preparation of wildlife management plans, including those for protected matters.

Offset Delivery

We prepare detailed biodiversity offset strategies, which include:

  • Offset suitability assessments for candidate lands.
  • Assessment of carbon offset projects for ecological co-benefits.
  • Offset area management plans.

Monitoring

Ongoing monitoring is crucial to verify the effectiveness of biodiversity offsets. We design and implement monitoring surveys with innovative technology to ensure offsets are advancing toward their required ecological benchmarks. This phase includes:

  • Design of cost-effective, scientifically robust monitoring programs.
  • Implementation by suitably qualified and highly experienced field personnel.
  • Inclusion of innovative technology for enhanced efficiency and results.
  • Collaboration with other disciplines within your project team to provide adaptive management responses.
  • Delivery of statutory reporting.

By engaging our team of experienced ecologists, your project can navigate the complexities of biodiversity offsetting with the confidence that a well-tailored program is thoughtfully implemented to meet your project-specific commitments and approval requirements.

Learn more about Austecology’s successful offset monitoring projects below.

Our Projects

Project Sea Dragon

Seafarms Group Limited proposed to develop a substantive aquaculture project located on the Legune coastal floodplain within the extreme north-west corner of the Northern Territory.

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