Biodiversity Management Plan Guideline

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of These Guidelines

These guidelines outline the minimum requirements for preparing a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP).

The level of detail required will depend on:

• The biodiversity values present on the site
• The size and scale of the development
• The level of risk to native plants, animals and habitats
• The sensitivity of surrounding environments

The BMP should be tailored to the specific site and development proposal.

These guidelines should be read in conjunction with Appendix 2 (Minimum Requirements for Biodiversity Management Plan Report Preparation) and Appendix 3 (Minimum Requirements for Biodiversity Management Plan Implementation of Works) below. They provide additional guidance and practical checklists for preparing and implementing a BMP.

1.1.1 What is a Biodiversity Management Plan?

A Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) is a site-specific document that explains how biodiversity values will be protected, managed and monitored throughout a development.

Biodiversity values may include:

• Native vegetation
• Wildlife habitat
• Threatened species
• Threatened ecological communities
• Waterways and aquatic habitats
• Important habitat features such as hollow-bearing trees

The purpose of a BMP is to ensure impacts on biodiversity are:

1. Avoided wherever possible
2. Minimised where impacts cannot be avoided
3. Mitigated where impacts remain

A BMP may be required to support a development application or as a condition of development consent. 

The BMP should include clear management actions, monitoring requirements, responsibilities and implementation timeframes for all stages of the project, including:

• Pre-construction
• Construction
• Operation
• Rehabilitation (where applicable)

Council may require additional measures where necessary to protect biodiversity values.

 

1.1.2 Who Can Prepare a BMP?

A BMP must be prepared by a suitably qualified ecologist or environmental professional.

The author should have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field
• Experience conducting flora and fauna surveys
• Experience assessing habitat values and identifying species
• Experience preparing ecological management documents
• Knowledge of relevant NSW legislation, policies and biodiversity management practices

Specialist advice may be required where a development poses risks to threatened species or other sensitive biodiversity values.

 

1.1.3 Who Can Carry Out Biodiversity Management Works?

People undertaking ecological inspections, pre-clearing surveys, fauna handling, fauna relocation or ecological supervision must have the appropriate qualifications, experience and licences.

Personnel involved in wildlife handling should:

• Have relevant training and practical experience
• Be competent in the safe capture, transport and release of native fauna
• Hold any licences, approvals or permits required by law

Where applicable, this may include:

• A Biodiversity Conservation Licence (Scientific Licence)
• Animal Ethics approval

 

2. What Must a BMP Include?

2.1 Site Description

The BMP should clearly describe the site and surrounding environment.

This should include:

• Site location, boundaries and zoning
• Current and surrounding land uses
• Vegetation communities and their condition
• Threatened species habitat
• Threatened ecological communities
• Areas of high biodiversity value
• Wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity
• Nearby conservation areas
• Biodiversity values listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

The BMP should identify and map important habitat features, including:

• Hollow-bearing trees
• Fallen logs
• Rock outcrops
• Crevices
• Waterbodies
• Burrows
• Nests and dreys
• Loose or peeling bark
• Structures used by wildlife

Photographs of habitat features should also be included.

Waterways and Waterbodies

Where waterways, dams or riparian areas occur, the BMP should provide information about:

• Size and condition
• Riparian vegetation
• Aquatic habitat values
• Connections to downstream waterways
• Evidence of aquatic fauna or threatened species habitat

If a waterbody is approved for removal or modification, a Dam Dewatering Plan (DDP) must be prepared in accordance with Council's Dam Dewatering Guidelines.

 

2.2 Aims and Objectives

The BMP should demonstrate how biodiversity values will be protected throughout the life of the project.

Its objectives should:

• Avoid and minimise biodiversity impacts
• Protect native vegetation and fauna habitat
• Protect waterways and aquatic habitat
• Maintain habitat connectivity where practical
• Manage biodiversity risks throughout the project
• Prevent the spread of weeds, pests and pathogens
• Support displaced wildlife
• Improve biodiversity outcomes over the long term

The BMP should align with relevant legislation, including:

• Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
• Biosecurity Act 2015
• Fisheries Management Act 1994
• Water Management Act 2000

Where habitat features cannot be retained, the BMP should include replacement or mitigation measures such as:

• Nest boxes
• Artificial habitat structures
• Habitat enhancement
• Salvage and relocation of habitat materials

Objectives should be clear, measurable and achievable.

 

2.3 Assessment Methodology

The BMP should explain how it was prepared and identify the information used to support its recommendations.

This may include:

• Ecological surveys
• Site inspections
• Previous ecological reports
• Biodiversity databases
• Aerial photography
• Vegetation mapping
• Relevant legislation and policies

The report should include:

• Survey dates
• Survey methods
• Personnel involved
• Key findings and limitations
• The minimum report content requirements outlined in Appendix 2 (below) should be addressed within the BMP

Where fauna relocation may be required, at least two potential release locations should be identified and assessed.

 

2.4 Potential Biodiversity Impacts

The BMP must identify all potential impacts associated with the development.

Direct impacts

Examples include:

• Vegetation clearing
• Habitat removal
• Earthworks
• Waterway disturbance

Indirect impacts

Examples include:

• Noise
• Dust
• Lighting
• Vibration
• Sedimentation
• Hydrological changes
• Weed invasion
• Habitat fragmentation

The BMP should show how the biodiversity mitigation hierarchy has been applied by:

• Avoiding impacts where possible
• Minimising impacts where avoidance is not possible
• Managing residual impacts through mitigation measures

Impacts to adjoining vegetation and habitat areas should also be considered.

 

2.5 Biodiversity Management Measures

Management measures should be practical, measurable and suitable for all stages of the project.

2.5.1 Site Protection

The BMP should identify:

• Protective fencing
• Exclusion zones
• Environmental signage
• Tree Protection Zones (TPZs)
• Asset Protection Zones (APZs)

These measures should be installed before work begins and maintained for the duration of construction.

Protected areas should remain free from:

• Machinery access
• Vehicle movements
• Unauthorised access
• Stockpiling
• Excavation
• Soil compaction

2.5.2 Sediment and Erosion Control

Appropriate sediment and erosion controls must be installed and maintained throughout construction.

Controls should comply with current best-practice guidelines, including Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and Construction (the Blue Book).

The BMP should identify:

• Control measures
• Locations
• Maintenance requirements
• Inspection procedures

2.5.3 Noise, Light, Vibration and Dust

The BMP should identify measures to minimise impacts on wildlife and habitat from:

• Construction noise
• Artificial lighting
• Ground vibration
• Dust generation

Additional measures may be required where threatened species or sensitive habitats occur nearby.

2.5.4 Weed, Pest and Disease Management

The BMP should include measures to prevent the introduction and spread of:

• Priority weeds
• Plant diseases
• Pest species
• Other biosecurity threats

Measures may include:

• Vehicle wash-down procedures
• Weed control programs
• Soil management requirements
• Biosecurity protocols

These measures should be consistent with the Biosecurity Act 2015.

2.5.5 Nest Boxes and Habitat Enhancement

Where habitat features are removed and suitable vegetation remains, nest boxes or alternative habitat structures should be installed.

Nest boxes should:

• Be suitable for the target species
• Be installed before clearing begins
• Be made from durable materials
• Be monitored where required

Unless otherwise justified by a suitably qualified ecologist a minimum of two nest boxes should be provided for every habitat feature removed; or

Nest boxes should be designed in accordance with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust Guidelines for Artificial Hollows.

2.5.6 Vegetation Clearing

The BMP should establish procedures that minimise impacts on fauna and retained vegetation.

Requirements should include:

• Environmental inductions for site personnel
• Pre-clearing surveys undertaken within two weeks of clearing
• Ecological supervision during clearing
• Consideration of breeding and hibernation periods

A two-stage clearing process should be used for habitat features such as hollows, nests and loose bark.

The first stage should isolate the habitat feature for at least 24 hours to allow fauna to leave safely.

If wildlife is encountered during clearing, works must stop in the immediate area until the animal has moved away or been relocated by the supervising ecologist.

All habitat features removed should be documented and photographed.

2.5.7 Dam Dewatering and Riparian Areas

Where approved works involve the removal or modification of waterbodies, a Dam Dewatering Plan (DDP) must be prepared in accordance with Council's Dam Dewatering Guidelines.

2.5.8 Habitat Salvage

Where practical, habitat materials should be retained and reused on site.

Examples include:

• Hollow logs
• Hollow trunks
• Rock material
• Coarse woody debris

The BMP should identify where these materials will be relocated and how they will be managed.

Placement should be supervised by the Project Ecologist and documented with photographs.

2.5.9 Fauna Relocation

The BMP should include procedures for the capture, handling, transport and release of displaced fauna.

All activities must comply with:

• Relevant licence requirements
• Animal welfare requirements
• Conditions of development consent

The BMP should identify suitable release locations and explain why they are appropriate.

Records should be maintained for all relocated fauna.

2.5.10 Injured Wildlife

The BMP should include procedures for responding to injured wildlife.

This should include contact details for:

• Veterinary services
• WIRES
• Sydney Wildlife
• Other wildlife rescue organisations

Any fauna injuries or mortalities must be recorded and reported as required.

2.5.11 Management of Retained Vegetation

The BMP should describe how retained vegetation will be protected and enhanced.

Measures may include:

• Weed management
• Revegetation
• Assisted natural regeneration
• Habitat enhancement

Where a Vegetation Management Plan applies, it should be referenced within the BMP.

 

2.6 Monitoring, Reporting and Responsibilities

The BMP should identify:

• Monitoring requirements
• Reporting obligations
• Responsible personnel
• Biodiversity risks
• Mitigation measures

A responsibilities table should clearly outline who is responsible for implementing and monitoring each management action.

An example implementation framework is provided in Appendix 3 (below) and may be adapted to suit the scale and complexity of the development.

Where monitoring is required, the BMP should explain how success will be measured and what corrective actions will be taken if outcomes are not achieved.

Following a pre-clearing survey, a report or letter should be submitted to Council within 21 days confirming biodiversity management requirements have been met.

Following vegetation clearing, an ecological supervision report should also be submitted within 21 days.

For larger or staged developments, Council may require additional reporting.

Unless otherwise specified, a BMP should remain current for five years. Projects extending beyond this period should review and update the plan.

Click here to download and view an example roles and responsibilities table.(PDF, 112KB)

2.7 Mapping Requirements

The BMP should include mapping that clearly identifies biodiversity values, management areas and environmental protection measures.

Maps should show:

• Site and cadastral boundaries
• Restricted Development Areas (where applicable)
• Areas covered by a Vegetation Management Plan (where applicable)
• Approved development footprint
• Areas of proposed vegetation removal, including APZs
• Vegetation communities and condition
• Priority weed infestations
• Habitat features
• Waterbodies and riparian areas
• Threatened species and ecological communities
• Tree Protection Zones (TPZs)
• Areas to be protected under the BMP
• Proposed fauna release areas
• Temporary and permanent fencing
• Sediment and erosion controls
• Environmental signage
• Nest box and habitat enhancement locations

 

3. Risk Management and Contingency Planning

The BMP should identify risks that could affect biodiversity values or the successful implementation of management measures.

Examples include:

• Damage to retained vegetation
• Unauthorised clearing
• Weed outbreaks
• Biosecurity risks
• Failure of erosion controls
• Wildlife injury or mortality
• Non-compliance with approval conditions

For each risk, the BMP should identify:

• Potential impacts
• Preventative measures
• Contingency actions
• Responsible personnel

Where monitoring identifies that management measures are not effective, adaptive management and corrective actions should be implemented.

 

4. Ongoing Review and Use

The BMP should be treated as a live document and kept available on site throughout the project.

All personnel working within the BMP area should understand and follow the requirements of the plan.

The BMP should be reviewed and updated where there are changes to:

• The approved development footprint
• Construction methods
• Legislative requirements
• Site conditions
• Biodiversity values
• Monitoring outcomes

Any revisions should be prepared by a suitably qualified ecologist and provided to Council where required.

For staged developments, the BMP should remain in force until all biodiversity management actions, monitoring requirements and reporting obligations have been completed.

Project records, including survey reports, ecological supervision reports, fauna relocation records and monitoring reports, should be retained to demonstrate compliance with the BMP and relevant environmental legislation.

5. Appendices

The appendices form part of these guidelines and should be used when preparing, implementing and reviewing a Biodiversity Management Plan.

• Appendix 1 provides definitions of key terms used throughout these guidelines.
• Appendix 2 outlines the minimum requirements for Biodiversity Management Plan report preparation.
• Appendix 3 outlines the minimum requirements for implementation of biodiversity management works.