Fed Govt approves Western Sydney Airport's $200M biodiversity offset plan

Fed Govt approves Western Sydney Airport’s $200M biodiversity offset plan

Western Sydney Airport’s $200 million Biodiversity Offset Delivery Plan has been approved by the Department of the Environment and Energy, meaning earthworks are able to begin on the site.

One of the strict conditions of the plan is to offset the native endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland and grasslands which are on the site of the Western Sydney Airport.

The Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities is calling for expressions of interest from vendors of biodiversity credits for plant communities and species associated with Cumberland Plain Woodland.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the release of the plan is a sign of the Federal Governments commitment to responsible development, balancing economic development and ecological preservation.

“This will ensure that Western Sydney Airport and its jobs generation, commercial development and education opportunities will be delivered without detrimental impacts on the biodiversity values of the Cumberland Plain,” Mr Tudge said.

“The plan includes a welcome initiative to establish long-term conservation at the nearby Defence Establishment Orchard Hills, as well as seed propagation and the purchase of biodiversity credits.”

The Biodiversity Offset Delivery Plan was developed with input from a Biodiversity Experts Group on the best plant and animal conservation options.

The Federal Government is fully funding the $200 million plan, which represents the largest biodiversity offset program underway in Australia.

Expressions of interest close on 16 October 2018 and a formal procurement process will follow.