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.

When Do You Need a BDAR? A Developer's Checklist for NSW Projects

Guy Smith
Apr 3
3 min read

Updated: May 1

One of the most common questions we receive from developers, builders, and landholders in NSW is: "Do I need a BDAR?" A Biodiversity Development Assessment Report is a detailed ecological assessment prepared by an accredited assessor under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. It is the primary mechanism for assessing and offsetting biodiversity impacts under the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. Getting clarity on this question early can save your project significant time and money.

What Is a BDAR?

A BDAR is an assessment prepared using the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM), the standardised methodology published by the NSW Government. It identifies the biodiversity values present on a development site, assesses the likely impacts of the proposed development, and calculates the biodiversity credits required to offset those impacts. Only accredited assessors approved by the NSW Government can prepare a BDAR.

The BDAR Checklist: Four Key Triggers

There are four main scenarios where a BDAR will be required for your NSW development project.

1. Exceeding the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Threshold

The BOS threshold is based on the area of native vegetation your project proposes to clear. The threshold varies by minimum lot size under the relevant Local Environmental Plan. For lots with a minimum lot size under 1 hectare, clearing more than 0.25 hectares of native vegetation triggers the scheme. For lots between 1 and 40 hectares, the threshold is 0.5 hectares. For lots of 40 hectares or more, it is 1 hectare. If your project exceeds these thresholds, a BDAR is required.

2. Land on the Biodiversity Values Map

If any part of your development site falls within land mapped on the NSW Biodiversity Values Map, the BOS is triggered regardless of the area of clearing proposed. This map identifies areas of high biodiversity value across NSW and is regularly updated. You can check whether your site is mapped using the NSW Government's online mapping tools or by engaging an ecological consultant to review your site.

3. Significant Impact on Threatened Species

If a Flora and Fauna Assessment (FFA) or preliminary ecological assessment determines that your project is likely to have a significant impact on threatened species or ecological communities, a BDAR will be required. This determination is typically made through the Five-Part Test of Significance under Section 7.3 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. If the test concludes that a significant impact is likely, the project must enter the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.

4. Voluntary Opt-In

In some cases, a proponent or consent authority may choose to opt in to the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme voluntarily, even if the thresholds above are not triggered. This can be a strategic decision, particularly for larger projects where demonstrating a rigorous approach to biodiversity management adds value to the approval process. (For State Significant Developments that don't trigger the thresholds, see our guide to the BDAR Waiver.)

What Happens If You Do Not Need a BDAR?

If your project does not trigger the BOS, you may still need an ecological assessment. Most councils in NSW require a Flora and Fauna Assessment (FFA) or a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) as part of the development application process. These assessments evaluate the ecological values of the site and the potential impacts of the proposed development, including the Five-Part Test of Significance. Even if a BDAR is not required, getting the right ecological assessment done early is critical for a smooth approval.

How to Get Started

The best first step is to engage a qualified ecological consultant early in your project planning. At Ecological Solutions, we can quickly assess whether your project triggers the BOS and advise on the most efficient path forward. If a BDAR is required, our accredited assessors will prepare a comprehensive report that meets all regulatory requirements and supports a clear approval pathway. If a BDAR is not needed, we can advise on the appropriate level of ecological assessment for your project, often starting with an Ecological Constraints Assessment.

→ Contact Us today for a free, no-obligation quote on your NSW development project, or visit ecologicalsolutions.co to learn more about our full range of ecological consulting services across NSW.

info@ecologicalsolutions.com.au