Step 10: Do the works impact native vegetation or threatened species?

Use this step to check if your proposed works will clear native vegetation or impact endangered, threatened, vulnerable or protected species or communities. 

These matters are regulated under the Local Land Services Act 2013, the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, and the Fisheries Management Act 1994.

Will the works impact native vegetation or threatened species?

If you answered yes

If your works involve clearing native vegetation or could affect threatened plants, animals, or ecological communities, you may need assessment or approval under one or more of these laws:

• Local Land Services Act 2013 regulates clearing on rural land. Learn more about Native vegetation land management.
• Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 manages threatened species and the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS). Read the Biodiversity conservation framework.
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 applies to clearing in urban or environmental zones. Check the Biodiversity and Conservation SEPP.

If impacts are likely, you may need to:

• engage an accredited assessor to prepare a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR)
• apply for a Biodiversity Conservation Licence if the works may harm protected species
• seek advice from LLS or DCCEEW before clearing vegetation or starting works.

If you are not sure

You can:

• check the NSW BioNet for threatened species records
• contact Local Land Services for advice on vegetation clearing and management
• use the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Entry Tool to see if the scheme applies
• review the Threatened Species Test of Significance Guidelines if impacts are possible.

Stop work and get advice if any part of your project might affect threatened species or native vegetation.