Alternative specific offset
arrangements
December 2015
Summary
This guidance note outlines what is considered an
acceptable alternative offset arrangement for
specific offsets as provided for in Section 9.4.6 of
the Permitted clearing of native vegetation Biodiversity assessment guidelines, DEPI 2013
(Guidelines).
Context
Clause 52.17 of all planning schemes governs native
vegetation clearing in Victoria. This clause stipulates
that a native vegetation offset is required when a
planning permit is granted to remove native
vegetation.
There are two kinds of offsets:
 specific offsets when the clearing significantly
impacts a rare or threatened species’ habitat
 a general offset when the clearing does not
significantly impacts a rare or threatened species
habitat.
The way offsets are determined and the required
offset attributes are described in Section 9.4.6 of the
Guidelines.
The Guidelines describe specific offset attributes as
being located in suitable habitat for that species, as
determined by the Habitat importance map for the
species. The Guidelines also state “For specific offsets,
alternative offset arrangements, that do not meet the
specific offset requirements set out in Table 8 may be
considered, on a case by case basis. Alternative Offsets
must provide equivalent outcomes for the species
impacted as those offsets that meet the requirements.
Alternative offsets must be to the satisfaction of the
Secretary of DEPI.”
Alternative offset arrangements:
 Can only be for specific offsets
 Can only be utilised when standard specific offset
cannot be obtained (see below)
 Must provide equivalent outcomes for the species
impacted as standard offsets
 Must be based on evidence
 Are considered for approval on a case by case basis
by the Department of Environment, Land,
Water and Planning (DELWP)
 Must be to the satisfaction of the Secretary of
DELWP (or delegate).
Applications in the moderate and high risk-based
pathway must include an offset strategy that details
how a compliant offset will be delivered and secured to
offset the biodiversity impacts of the removal of native
vegetation. The offset strategy may include alternative
offset arrangements. This guidance note provides on
alternative offset arrangements.
Alternative arrangements
When would the DELWP consider alternative
arrangements
Alternative arrangements for specific offsets will only
be considered once:

Steps have been taken to minimise the impacts on
Victoria’s biodiversity from the removal of native
vegetation

The specific offsets required are not available on
the Native Vegetation Credit Register

Attempts have been made to contact landowners
with eligible offset sites within the mapped habitat
for the species that requires a specific offset. This
has resulted in no suitable offsets site being
identified, for example due to:
o None of the sites being eligible to be offsets
sites
o None of the landholders being willing or able
to enter into an offset arrangements.
Alternative specific offset arrangements

o Where part of the proposed offset site is
mapped as the species habitat, an explanation
and evidence of how and why adjacent areas
would also provide suitable habitat for that
species.
A specific offset for the required species can be
identified but the gain that is generated at this site
is not sufficient to meet the offset requirement.
If available, the cost of the specific offsets is not a valid
reason for applying to access alternative offset
arrangements. Credit brokers can assist in this process
and details of brokers are located on the DELWP
website at www.delwp.vic.gov.au.
o Where the proposed offset site is not mapped
as the species habitat a site survey to an
acceptable standard that has observed the
species presence at the site. This may be suited
to generally observable species.
o Where the proposed offset site is not mapped
as the species habitat a detailed description of
why the site should be regarded as habitat for
a species, including evidence that it provides
key habitat requirements for the species. This
may be suited to more obscure or transient
species.
o Additional actions that could be undertaken at
an offset site that deliver gains for the species
that are in addition those provided for within
the current Native Vegetation Gain Scoring
Gain Scoring Manual. Any additional actions
would need to be supported by evidence that
they can deliver the specified gains and
quantifies the impacts they may have on other
biodiversity values.
What must be included
What is not acceptable
An alternative offset arrangement for a specific offset
must provide equivalent outcomes for the species and
must be to the satisfaction of the Secretary of DELWP.
The following information must be included in any
proposal seeking approval for alternative offset
arrangements:
The following are examples of what is not considered
acceptable alternative specific offset arrangements:

Brief explanation of why species impacts cannot be
avoided

Summary and outcomes of the conducted search
for a compliant offset

Details of the proposed alternative offset, including
an explanation of how the proposed alternative
offset site will compensate for impacts of clearing
on the species’ habitat and protect and enhance
of habitat for the species. This may include:

Indirect offsets such as research or captive
breeding programs for a species

Cost of available credits

Providing general offsets or other specific offsets
rather than specific offsets for the species being
impacted.
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2015
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence
To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Alternative specific offset arrangements
Process for seeking DELWP Approval
The proponent prepares a proposal for accessing
alternative arrangements that includes the information
set out in this document. It is recommended that this is
done in consultation with DELWP regional staff.
Proponent submits proposal for consideration to the:
Native Vegetation Regulation Team
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
2/8 Nicholson Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Or
Email to: [email protected]
with a subject line to include:
Alternative specific offset arrangements
Review of the native vegetation permitted
clearing regulations
The Victorian Government announced in its November
2014 election commitments, Our Environment, Our
Future, a review of the current native vegetation
permitted clearing regulations.
The review is currently underway to ensure that the
regulations sensibly protect sensitive native
vegetation. A draft consultation paper will be released
in early 2016 with changes to the regulations planned
to be introduced in late 2016. This guidance note may
be subject to change once revisions to the regulations
are implemented.
The proposal will be assessed in line with this guidance
note and a response from the Secretary of DELWP (or
delegate). The response may approve, not approve or
request additional information to be provided before a
decision is provided.
Where approved, the proponent can submit this as
part of their planning permit application relating to the
submission of an offset strategy. An approval for
alternative offset arrangements does not indicate
support or otherwise for the relevant planning permit
application which will be assessed by DELWP when
referred by Council.
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2015
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence
To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/