What is a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR)?

A BDAR is a formal assessment under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 that evaluates the potential impacts of a proposed development on native vegetation, threatened species, and their habitats. It must be prepared by a BAM-accredited assessor and is required when development triggers the Biodiversity Offset Scheme thresholds.

When do I need a flora and fauna assessment in NSW?

A flora and fauna assessment is typically required by your local council as part of a Development Application (DA) when your proposed development may impact native vegetation, threatened species, or ecological communities. This requirement comes from the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

What triggers the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme?

The Biodiversity Offset Scheme is triggered when a development exceeds area clearing thresholds based on the minimum lot size of the property, or when the land is identified on the Biodiversity Values Map. The area thresholds range from 0.25 hectares for smaller lots to 1 hectare for lots over 40 hectares.

How much does an ecologist cost in Sydney and NSW?

Ecological consulting fees in NSW vary depending on the type and complexity of assessment. A basic flora and fauna assessment for a small residential DA may start from around $3,000-$5,000, while a full BDAR for a larger development can range from $8,000 to $30,000 or more. Contact Ecological Solutions on 0434 848 732 for a free quote.

What is the difference between a BDAR and a Flora and Fauna Assessment?

A Flora and Fauna Assessment (FFA) is a broader ecological assessment under the EP&A Act using the Five-Part Test of Significance. A BDAR is a more rigorous, standardised assessment under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 using the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM), required when the Biodiversity Offset Scheme is triggered.

How long does an ecological assessment take?

A standard flora and fauna assessment typically takes 3-6 weeks. BDARs generally take 6-12 weeks due to more intensive survey requirements. Targeted threatened species surveys may require seasonal timing and can take several months. Contact us early in your project planning.

What is PCT vegetation mapping?

PCT (Plant Community Type) mapping identifies and classifies native vegetation on a site using the NSW BioNet Vegetation Classification system. Each PCT is defined by its characteristic plant species composition, structure, and landscape position. PCT identification is essential for BDAR assessments.

Do I need an ecologist for my development application?

You likely need an ecologist if your development site contains native vegetation, is near bushland or waterways, is on or near land mapped as having biodiversity values, or if your local council requires an ecological assessment. Most councils in Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra, and Central Coast regions require ecological input.

Flora and Fauna Assessment (FFA) Services in NSW

Guy Smith
Apr 3
3 min read

A Flora and Fauna Assessment (FFA) is the most commonly required ecological report for Development Applications in New South Wales. If your council has requested an ecological assessment, or you are planning a project that involves tree removal, vegetation clearing, or construction near bushland, an FFA is very likely what you need. At Ecological Solutions, we prepare hundreds of FFAs each year for clients across NSW, from small residential DAs to large-scale commercial developments.

What Is a Flora and Fauna Assessment?

A Flora and Fauna Assessment is a specialist ecological report that identifies the ecological values of a development site and assesses the potential impacts of a proposed development on those values. The assessment includes a detailed desktop review of threatened species records, vegetation mapping, and relevant legislation, followed by on-site field surveys to ground-truth the desktop findings. The field survey identifies native vegetation communities, records flora and fauna species observed or likely to occur, and assesses habitat features such as hollow-bearing trees, rocky outcrops, and watercourses.

The Five-Part Test of Significance

A critical component of every FFA is the Five-Part Test of Significance under Section 7.3 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. This statutory test determines whether the proposed development is likely to have a significant impact on any threatened species or ecological communities listed under the BC Act. If no significant impact is identified, the FFA is typically sufficient to satisfy the ecological assessment requirements of your DA. If a significant impact is likely, the project must enter the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and a BDAR will be required.

When Do You Need an FFA?

Most councils across NSW will require an FFA when a development application involves clearing native vegetation, removing trees, constructing near or within bushland, or impacting waterways or riparian corridors. Even in urban areas, many sites contain native vegetation or habitat for threatened species that must be assessed. If you are unsure whether your project requires an FFA, we can provide a quick preliminary assessment to advise on the appropriate level of ecological investigation.

Our FFA Process

Our FFA process is thorough, efficient, and designed to support a smooth DA approval. We begin with a comprehensive desktop review using the NSW BioNet Atlas, aerial imagery, and relevant vegetation mapping to build a picture of the site's ecological context. Our ecologists then conduct a detailed field survey, typically completed in a single site visit for most residential and small commercial projects. The field survey identifies Plant Community Types, records species observations, maps habitat features, and photographs the site for inclusion in the report.

Following the field survey, we prepare the FFA report, which includes a description of the site and surrounds, vegetation and habitat mapping, a schedule of recorded and predicted threatened species, the Five-Part Test of Significance for all relevant threatened entities, an assessment of impacts, and recommendations for avoidance, mitigation, and management. The report is tailored to the specific requirements of the relevant council and legislation.

Fast Turnaround for Your DA

We understand that time is critical when you are preparing a DA. Our streamlined process allows us to deliver most FFA reports within two to three weeks of the field survey. For urgent projects, we can often accommodate faster turnaround times. We also provide clear communication throughout the process, so you know what to expect and when.

Service Areas

We deliver FFA reports across NSW, with particular depth of experience in Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and the South Coast. Our team regularly services regional areas including the Central West, New England, and North Coast. Contact Ecological Solutions today to get your FFA started.

info@ecologicalsolutions.com.au