Setting Off on a Journey with Offsets
With key updates to the EPBC Offset Framework proposed for binding application by 1st December 2026, New Ground is reflecting on previous experience delivering environmental offsets under the EPBC Act environmental offsets policy. Previous experience will be valuable in moving forward and navigating the proposed updates to deliver projects for clients. This includes preparing the initial referral under the EPBC Act 1999 and final delivery of the environmental offset package where required for offsetting impacts of development on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES).
Working with Regulators
To date, an important aspect of delivering offsets under the federal EPBC Act 1999 has been working collaboratively with the assessment officers and other staff in the Environment Regulation Division in the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Ongoing relationships will be crucial in delivering offsets for MNES in accordance with the new framework. New Ground will continue to forge working relationships with the newly formed National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) that will have a significant role in the development and approval process of offset proposals.
Assessing Environmental Offset Requirements
In addition to relationship building, another key element will be the need to undertake suitable desktop and field assessment specific to each MNES identified for offset. Any data collected must be compatible with government issued calculator tools that are mandatory for determining required offsets. For projects in Qld, these tools include the Modified Habitat Quality Assessment Guide (MHQA) and the Federal Offset Assessment Guide (OAG).
Proposed Offset Delivery Pathways
The updates will offer additional compliance pathways.
- The traditional pathway will be available. For this option, the Proponent delivers the offset by securing a suitable site and implementing management activities including restoration.
- The Proponent will have an option to pay for the Government to deliver the offset via a restoration contribution payment (subject to eligibility of the MNES matter(s) at hand).
- A combination of both options above.
New Ground has always adapted to the dynamic approval process and will continue to deliver projects in accordance with reforms such as the EPBC Offset Framework.