Measuring ecological equivalence
Under the Policy for Vegetation Management (PDF, 303K)* Offsets and Biodiversity Offsets Policy (PDF, 515K)* the land-based offsets must achieve or exceed ecological equivalence with the respective clearing/impact area. Information must be provided to demonstrate this.
- How is ecological equivalence measured?
- How is ecological equivalence assessed?
- What are the benefits of using the Ecological Equivalence Methodology?
- If the offset area achieves ecological equivalence, will it be automatically approved?
How is ecological equivalence measured?
Demonstrating ecological equivalence on the proposed clearing/impact area and offset area requires an ecological equivalence assessment of both areas. Ecological equivalence comprises of two components:
- ecological condition
- special features.
The ecological condition and special features’ criteria are made up of 28 ecological indicators, listed in Table 1 below.
The indicators have been drawn from the department’s BioCondition Methodology (PDF, 4.1M)*, and the Biodiversity Assessment and Mapping Methodology/Biodiversity Planning Assessments.
Ecological equivalence criterion and indicators
Criteria 1 – Ecological condition indicators
- Recruitment of woody perennial species
- Native plant species richness
- Tree canopy height
- Tree canopy cover
- Shrub canopy cover
- Native perennial grass cover
- Organic litter
- Large trees
- Coarse woody debris
- Weed cover
- Size of patch (fragmented landscapes)
- Connectivity (fragmented landscapes)
- Context (fragmented landscapes)
- Distance from water (Intact landscapes)
Criteria 2 – Special features indicators
- Centres of endemism
- Wildlife refugia
- Disjunct populations
- Taxa at limits of geographic range
- High species richness
- Relictual populations
- Regional ecosystems with distinct variation in species associated with geomorphologic and other environmental variables
- Artificial water body of ecological significance
- High density hollow bearing trees
- Breeding or roosting areas used by significant number of individuals
- Priority species within the bioregion
- Strategic ecological corridor
- Significance of patch within a one kilometre buffer
- Protected area estate buffer
Ecological equivalence between the proposed clearing/impact area and offset area is demonstrated when the following occur:
- an ecological equivalence assessment is undertaken against the ecological equivalence indicators
- the proposed offset area achieves a level of ecological condition the same as or higher than the clearing/impact area
- the proposed offset area achieves a level of special features the same as or higher than the clearing/impact area.
How is ecological equivalence assessed?
Ecological equivalence can be assessed either using the department’s Ecological Equivalence Methodology (EEM) (PDF, 1.7M)*, or using the ecological equivalence criteria and indicators.
The EEM has been developed as a tool to support the measurement of ecological equivalence under the Policy for Vegetation Management Offsets and the Biodiversity Offsets Policy.
The EEM uses both on-ground and spatial analysis in a way which provides a consistent framework for assessing ecological equivalence that can be practically applied by applicants, consultants, offset brokers and DERM assessment staff.
What are the benefits of using the Ecological Equivalence Methodology?
The benefits of using the EEM include:
- reduction in the subjectivity associated with offset assessment
- improvement in the quality of the offsets provided
- assistance in developing an offset supply database which is pre-assessed
- ecologically equivalent offsets being located faster and reduced assessment times
- reduction in the time and resources taken to assess suitable offsets and approve applications.
If the offset area achieves ecological equivalence, will it be automatically approved?
No, an offset will not be automatically approved. Ecological equivalence is only one element within either the Policy for Vegetation Management Offsets or Biodiversity Offsets Policy.
All of the relevant criteria in the associated offset policy must be met before an offset is approved.
Further Information
For further information please refer to the following offset web pages:
If you have any questions about offsets and the EEM, please contact your nearest departmental business centre or email the offsets team offsets@derm.qld.gov.au.
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Last updated 3 October 2011