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Department of Climate Change, Energy, Enviroment and Water

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  2. Environment
  3. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
  4. EPBC Act publications and resources
  5. EPBC Act environmental offsets policy

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EPBC Act environmental offsets policy

2012
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Policy guiding the use of offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

Download
EPBC Act environmental offsets policy (PDF 2.2MB)
EPBC Act environmental offsets policy (DOC 509.4KB)
Offsets assessment guide (XLS 51.2KB)
How to use the Offsets assessment guide (PDF 567.3KB)
How to use the Offsets assessment guide (DOC 520.8KB)

As part of the National Environment Law Reform agenda, this policy provides upfront guidance on the role of offsets in environmental impact assessments, and how the department considers the suitability of a proposed offset. It aims to improve environmental outcomes through the consistent application of best practice offset principles, provide more certainty and transparency, and encourage advanced planning of offsets. It replaces the draft policy statement Use of environmental offsets under the EPBC Act (2007).

Offsets are measures that compensate for the residual impacts of an action on the environment, after avoidance and mitigation measures are taken. Where appropriate, offsets are considered during the assessment phase of an environmental impact assessment under the EPBC Act. This policy provides transparency around how suitable offsets are determined. The suitability of a proposed offset is considered as part of the decision to approve or not approve a proposed action under the EPBC Act.

The Offsets assessment guide, which accompanies this policy, has been developed to give effect to the policy's requirements, utilising a balance sheet approach to quantify impacts and offsets. It applies where the impacted protected matter is a threatened species or ecological community. The Offsets assessment guide is a tool that has been developed for expert users in the department to assess the suitability of offset proposals. The guide is also available to proponents to assist with planning and estimating future offset requirements.

See also

  • Policy statement: Advanced environmental offsets under the EPBC Act
  • EPBC Act Condition setting Policy
  • Environmental Offsets Policy - Consultation draft

Environmental offsets under the EPBC Act

Get the latest information on Environment offsets under the EPBC Act. Here you will find information about:

  • offsetting environmental impacts
  • identifying suitable offsets
  • requirements for offsets
  • understanding the offsetting process
  • offset conditions after approval
  • ongoing monitoring and evaluation
  • using advanced environmental offsets
  • and more.
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Last updated: 14 July 2022

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.