The proposed Environmental Offsets Standard is not yet sufficiently clear or practical for implementation in agricultural landscapes. There is a need to clearly define how key concepts will work in-practice so that landholders and proponents alike understand their obligations and have confidence to engage with the proposed framework. This includes understanding how concepts such as net-gain are to be satisfied in-practice and how the Principle-led approach to implementation will be undertaken in a manner that is actually consistent with the Objectives and Outcomes of the Standard and broader Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.
In the absence of a consolidated reform package, it is difficult for industry to assess the implications of the proposed framework including how Standards will interact with each other. We continue to seek release of the full suite of regulations and supporting materials so that stakeholders can properly assess the cumulative impact of the reforms. At present, there is no visibility of how issues of overlap and inconsistency across Standards will be resolved.
Significant amendments are required to make the proposed Environmental Offsets Standard workable and fit-for-purpose.
Stacey Davidson
Chrissy Kerin