Do you need to pay into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund?
If you need to offset the environmental impact of a project, your developmental approval documents will set out the number and type of biodiversity credits you need to secure.
One way to meet this offset obligation is by paying into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund.
You can only make a payment into the fund if:
- your project has obtained final approval
- you have received a quote to pay into the fund and submitted an application.
New Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator Order 2026
From 1 October, the new Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator Order 2026 will apply to payments into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund.
The new Order introduces modest changes to the operation of the Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator (BOPC). The basic methods of calculating Biodiversity Conservation Fund charges are not changing for most credit types.
Under the new Order, quotes are valid for 1 year, reduced from 3 years, monthly indexation has been removed, and delivery fees have been adjusted to better reflect actual costs.
For development proponents with a quote issued prior to 1 October 2026, the price to pay into the BCF will remain the same as on the quote. Existing quotes remain valid until the expiry date listed on the quote and indexation will continue to apply.
Proponents with an existing quote may also request an updated quote to replace the existing quote.
The price estimate service has been discontinued. For a transition period, we will maintain an option for proponents who have not yet lodged a development application to get an estimate of the cost to pay into the BCF.
Request a charge quote
To request a charge quote, you must complete and submit a charge quote form.
Routine updates to the Biodiversity Offsets Payment Calculator will take effect from 1 October 2026.
What you need
Include the following with your request:
- evidence that you submitted your project for development approval or your project has been approved in NSW (consent conditions).
- a final Biodiversity Credit Report (like-for-like) from the BAM-C or a Credit Equivalence Report for Biobanking Credits.
Email your completed form to: bcfpayments@bct.nsw.gov.au.
Download the charge quote application form (PDF 280.42KB)
Paying into the fund
Once your application is complete it will tell you the amount you need to pay to meet your obligation.
If you choose to proceed, you must complete the payment form included with your quote.
Note: Payments into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund cannot be refunded.
Additional documents you need
With your payment form, provide:
- a spatial dataset of the development impact boundary (for example, shapefiles)
- any extra information listed in Part D of the payment form or updates since your quote was issued.
Steps for paying into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund
Request a charge quote
Submit a charge quote form
You'll get a quote number
Allow up to 5 business days*
We will send you a charge quote and payment form for signing and approval
Allow up to 30 business days*
Making a payment
Fill out and return the charge quote and payment form
Allow up to 5 business days for an acknowledgement*
We'll confirm the final amount and issue payment advice
Allow up to 10 business days via EFT, or up to 15 business days for an invoice*
Pay the confirmed amount into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund
A Section 6.33 certificate will be issued
Allow up to 5 business days once payment is received*
*These timeframes are indicative.