Biodiversity Assessment Report (BDAR) in NSW
A biodiversity development assessment report, or BDAR, is required when a development triggers the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. It is prepared by an accredited assessor using the Biodiversity Assessment Method and can lead to buying biodiversity credits, which is why the threshold check should happen before you buy land or lock in a design.
Free planning consultation
- 3 to 6 weeks for a straightforward site
- Quoted per site - typically from $3,500 + GST
- Quoted fixed after a free scope check
When the scheme is triggered
Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, a BDAR is generally needed when any one of three things applies: the clearing of native vegetation is above the area threshold for your land, the land is shown on the Biodiversity Values Map, or a test of significance finds the project is likely to have a significant effect on threatened species or ecological communities. The area threshold depends on the minimum lot size set in the local environmental plan, not the size of your lot, so check it for your zone. A BDAR waiver is available for some low impact projects.
What happens in the assessment
The accredited assessor reviews mapping and database records, surveys the site for vegetation types and threatened species habitat, and calculates the biodiversity impact using the Biodiversity Assessment Method. The survey period can matter, because some species can only be reliably recorded in certain seasons. The report sets out the impacts and the credits needed to offset them.
Avoid, minimise, then offset
The scheme expects you to avoid and minimise impacts first, and offset what is left. Often a small design change, such as moving a driveway, trimming the building footprint or keeping a patch of remnant vegetation, cuts the credit requirement more than any clever paperwork. This is why we run the threshold check and a quick constraints review before the concept is fixed. Sites with native vegetation often need an Aboriginal cultural heritage check and an arborist report as well, so we scope them together before the DA is lodged.
Credits and cost
If offsets are required, you can buy and retire credits from the market or pay into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund, and credit costs vary widely by vegetation type. Report fees start from $3,500 + GST for a straightforward site and are fixed after a free scope check. Credit costs are separate and can be larger than the report, so we estimate them early.
How it works
Threshold check
2 to 3 days
Confirm whether the site's area, vegetation clearing extent, or mapped biodiversity values trigger the scheme.
Assessment
2 to 4 weeks
Accredited assessor surveys vegetation and species habitat using the Biodiversity Assessment Method.
Report and offset strategy
3 to 6 weeks in total for a straightforward site, longer where the survey season or credit process affects timing
Report issued with avoidance, minimisation and, if required, biodiversity credit offset requirements.
What we take off your hands
What EHUP handles
- Checking whether your site triggers the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme threshold at all
- Coordinating an accredited assessor for the Biodiversity Assessment Method
- Advising on avoidance and minimisation before offsetting is even considered
- Managing the biodiversity credit process where offsetting is unavoidable
What you don't have to deal with
- Commissioning a full BDAR when the site does not actually trigger the scheme
- A design that clears more native vegetation than the project actually requires
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my site triggers the scheme?
Check the Biodiversity Values Map, the area of native vegetation you will clear, and the minimum lot size for your land. We do this as the first step.
Is a BDAR the same as an ecological report?
No. A BDAR is the specific document required by the scheme. Smaller projects may only need a test of significance or a flora and fauna assessment.
Can I avoid offsets?
Sometimes, by redesigning to stay under the threshold or avoid the mapped area.
Does a BDAR affect my timeline?
Yes. Survey seasons and credit purchase can add weeks, so start before you lodge.
Related approvals
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment
Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, it is an offence to harm an Aboriginal object or place, whether or not you knew it was there.
Specialist Reports
Most applications of any size need reports from specialists outside town planning.
Construction Management Plan
A construction management plan, or CMP, is the document council reads to decide whether your build will disrupt the street.
Arborist Report
An arborist report assesses the health, significance and structural condition of trees on or near your site, and recommends which should be retained, removed or protected during construction.
Flood Study Report
If your property is mapped within a council's flood planning area, a flood study or, for a simpler site, a flood advice letter assesses your flood risk and determines requirements like minimum habitable floor levels, flood-compatible materials below that level, and safe access and egress.
Why clients choose EHUP
- 10+
- 250+
- 17
- 1
Not sure which approval you need?
Tell us the address and what you want to do. We'll help identify the appropriate planning pathway, whether it is exempt development, complying development or a full DA. Your first conversation is free.