Developers will have to offset damage to the natural environment caused by infrastructure, mining and petroleum and gas projects under a new policy released today by the State Government.

Minister for Environment Vicky Darling said the Biodiversity Offset Policy would play a key role in protecting Queensland's significant biodiversity values.

"The Biodiversity Offset Policy complements existing legislation that requires developers to first avoid and minimise their impact on our natural ecosystems," Ms Darling said.

"Under this policy, where the loss of biodiversity cannot be avoided, an offset may be required as a condition of the development's approval.

"The policy is based on a principle of no net loss of biodiversity and as a result on balance outcomes for biodiversity across the state will be improved.

"The use of biodiversity offsets will only be permitted where impacts are unavoidable on developments that have significant benefit, such as a community infrastructure project.

"The policy will also contribute to achieving two key goals - reversing the decline in biodiversity; and increasing the resilience of species, ecosystems and ecological processes."

Ms Darling said the Biodiversity Offset Policy, which would commence on 3 October, created a coordinated and consistent approach to offset environmental impacts from development.

"The policy has been developed following consultation with local government, industry and conservation groups and will guide decision making when offsets are required under legislation.

"In the past, offsets for mining, petroleum and gas and major infrastructure projects were not necessarily consistently applied.

"The new Biodiversity Offsets Policy will fix this situation by setting out clear and consistent offset requirements to which developers will need to adhere to meet their environmental obligations. This will involve offsetting of unavoidable impacts on Queensland's biodiversity.

"The Vegetation Management Offsets policy has also been amended to align with the Biodiversity Offset Policy to ensure consistent and cost effective approaches for offset obligations in both public and private sector development.

"There is flexibility in the policy for developers to provide either a land based offset or, in certain circumstances, an offset payment.

"This will allow developers to determine the most cost effective solution to meet their offset obligations."

Ms Darling said the Biodiversity Offset Policy reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to protect Queensland's wildlife and natural ecosystems from the impacts of climate change and population growth.

More information on the policy can be found at www.derm.qld.gov.au

Environment

The Honourable Vicky Darling

23/09/2011