Updates to Environmental Offsets Framework
The Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Framework has been updated as of 19 December to coincide with amendments to the Environmental Offsets Act (the Act) and the Environmental Offsets Regulation.
The Property Council’s previous update on amendments to the Act can be found here. These amendments are now in effect.
The Queensland Government has developed a range of guidelines and tools to assist with implementation of the updated framework, including:
- A ‘Guide to determining terrestrial habitat quality’ and accompanying ‘Habitat Quality Scoring Template’ for land-based offsets
- An updated offset financial calculator which includes a revised floor price for administrative costs
- A land based offset multiplier calculator which determines the size of a land-based offset relative to the impact site
- A combined offset calculator which calculates the percentage breakdown of a combined proponent driven and financial settlement offset; and
- Updated Environmental Offset Delivery Forms, featuring minor amendments.
These tools are available here.
Two specific departmental Significant Impact Assessment Guidelines have also been prepared to help determine if an offset may be required during assessment of an application for a prescribed activity.
- Department of Environment and Heritage Protection:
A guideline which applies to applications that will be assessed in relation to impacts on protected plants and protected areas under the Nature Conservation Act 1992; Environmental Protection Act 1994; and the Marine Parks Act 2004. Click here for more information.
- Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
A guideline for applications made under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. Click here for more information.