Biodiversity/Bushland Management Plan (BMP) NSW
What is a Biodiversity/Bushland Management Plan (BMP)?
A Biodiversity Management Plan, also called a Bushland Management Plan (BMP), provides an assessment of the ongoing requirements for the management of native vegetation at a proposed development site in NSW.
Biodiversity Management Plans NSW are designed to help key stakeholders understand the natural resources within a development site and offer insights for conserving or improving biodiversity values.
Biodiversity management plans are also referred to as:
Vegetation management plans
Ecological sustainability plans
Conservation management plans
Vegetation rehabilitation plans
When is a Biodiversity Management Plan required in NSW?
Developers are required by most councils in Sydney and regional NSW to provide a BMP report as a part of the process to obtain Developmental Approval for any building or construction work that will be carried out on waterfront land, including:
Construction of new residential or commercial premises
Extensions to existing buildings
Development of tracks or roads
Subdivisions of land
Any development work carried out within 40 metres from the 'top of bank' of any shore, watercourse, creek, river, wetland, lake, or mapped drainage line are considered to “integrated developments” under the New South Wales Water Management Act 2000, and must submit a biodiversity management plan.
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What is covered in a Biodiversity Management Plan?
Biodiversity management plans provide critical information on the condition and state of the ecological values of the proposed development area that contributes to the relevant council’s assessment of the accompanying Development Application (DA).
A biodiversity management plan (BMP) will include:
An identification and definition of the site, including a detailed map of the proposed development work.
The aims and objectives of the BMP
An overview of the bushland resources
The breakdown of Management Zones within the assessed area, the specific challenges faced in each zone, and the management action that will be taken to address them.
List of the key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the BMP once it is implemented.
Details of the methods that will be used to record the stated KPIs during monitoring
The timeline and estimated review period for the implementation of the BMP. Most councils request for a review period of 5 years, but it can vary from 3-10 years.
Prepared BMPs must comply with the requirements and standards set out in the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 for habitat restoration, species protection, and sustainable land management practices.
Can a Biodiversity Management Plan be modified after approval?
Yes, a biodiversity management plan can be modified after approval but the modifications must continue to adhere to the standards set out in the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, as well as address any necessary objectives of the original BMP.
Modified biodiversity management plans will require consultation with environmental experts and ecologists who can review the changes to ensure that they are in-line with NSW standards. Reviewed biodiversity management plans will then be subject to re-approval by the relevant council authority before the changes can be implemented.
Why work with East Coast Ecology?
A Biodiversity Management Plan in NSW can only be prepared by qualified ecologists like our team at East Coast Ecology. We have delivered clear and comprehensive biodiversity management plans for our clients in NSW, helping to fast track the process of obtaining Developmental Approval.
East Coast Ecology delivers Biodiversity and Bushland Management Plans across all of New South Wales. This includes Western Sydney to Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Newcastle, Central Coast, Port Macquarie, North Coast, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Hunter Valley, Wollongong, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Central West, and the rest of regional New South Wales.
FAQs
1. What is a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP)?
A BMP is an ecological report that assesses the ongoing management requirements for native vegetation and biodiversity values on a proposed NSW development site.
2. When is a BMP required in NSW?
A BMP is required by most NSW councils as part of a Development Application for building or construction work on land with native vegetation or biodiversity values.
3. Who can prepare a Biodiversity Management Plan?
A BMP must be prepared by qualified ecologists with experience in NSW biodiversity legislation and council assessment standards, such as the East Coast Ecology team.
4. What is included in a BMP report?
A BMP includes site description, management zones, KPIs, monitoring methods, the implementation timeline and compliance with the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
5. What is the difference between a BMP and a Vegetation Management Plan?
They overlap significantly. A BMP focuses on biodiversity values broadly. A Vegetation Management Plan focuses on native vegetation restoration and weed control on a site.
6. Can a Biodiversity Management Plan be modified after approval?
Yes. A BMP can be modified after approval, but changes must adhere to the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and be reviewed by qualified ecologists.
7. How long does a Biodiversity Management Plan run for?
Most NSW councils request a review period of 5 years. Some BMPs run between 3 and 10 years depending on site conditions and consent requirements.
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Give us a call, send us an email or fill out the contact form and one of our experts will get back to you shortly.
PHONE: 02 7813 6119
EMAIL: admin@ececology.com.au