The NSW Native Vegetation Area Clearing Estimate (NVACE) is a statewide spatial vector layer estimating the presence and absence of native vegetation at 2020. The NVACE does not discriminate different types of native vegetation.
The NVACE dataset has been developed by DPE to provide guidance on whether a development exceeds the Area Clearing Threshold for entry into the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS), as guided by Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 s7.2.
The NVACE uses best available primary and supplementary datasets to identify areas where native woody and non-woody vegetation occurs. Due to datasets being of different ages and resolution, errors of commission and omission may be included. The dataset is subject to limitations of scale and accuracy which need to be considered when applying the dataset. The limitations are more fully described in the method (see web link below). The NVACE data is intended to provide guidance on the presence or absence of native vegetation only.
The dataset was first published by NSW Department Planning and Environment (DPE) in 2023 and will be updated intermittently.
Primary published datasets used in the creation of NVACE Version 1 include:
NSW Native Vegetation Extent 5m raster
NSW Landuse 2017
The NVACE is refined using a combination of datasets to remove known areas of clearing, for example, Statewide Landcover and Tree Survey (SLATS) data for woody vegetation and non woody vegetation change clearing events from Non-Woody Landcover Disturbance Program (NWD).
The Geoscape Surface Cover raster is used to refine native vegetation in urban areas. Components are used to remove roads and swimming pools and add increased resolution tree canopies.
Land identified as Category 1 exempt under the amended Local Land Services act 2013 has been removed from NVACE as per the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Small polygons resulting from editing the NVACE are removed as artefacts.
A more detailed description of the methodology is published and provided on the DPE website.
Together with the Biodiversity Values Map, the NVACE forms the basis for determining whether a local development (Part 4 NSW EP&A Act) should be assessed for inclusion in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. A development which is required to be assessed for clearing of native vegetation in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme may then potentially require biodiversity offsets against any losses undertaken as part of the development.
The dataset is primarily available to be displayed at a property scale when preparing a Biodiversity Map and Threshold (BMAT) report but may be provided on application to users in a spatial data format.
More information on the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme can be viewed here:
About the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme | NSW Environment and Heritage
The Biodiversity Values Map homepage, containing links to the BMAT tool and other related BOS information can be viewed here:
Biodiversity Values Map | NSW Environment and Heritage
