Endangered Ecological Communities
An ecological community is a naturally occurring group of native plants, animals and other organisms living in a unique habitat. A healthy ecological community is vital for their survival.
Ecological communities provide natural management of clean air and water, provide nutrients for the soil, protect against erosion and salinity, and provide a healthy environment for threatened species.An ecological community can be at risk of extinction. This can occur because of a significant reduction in its distribution across regions or a decline in ecological function.The decline can occur if there is a change in community structure or composition, disruption of ecological processes, invasion by exotic species, or habitat degradation or fragmentation.
An expert group has allocated each community into either a ‘range-restricted’ or ‘widespread’ category. Approached in the same way as site-managed species, ecological communities that fall into the range-restricted category are likely to be reliably defined at a local scale and have established investment sites, community engagement and support, and enough experts to direct actions.Approached in the same way as landscape-managed species, ecological communities that fall into the widespread category are likely to need to rely on a multi-faceted approach involving regulatory processes (including on-ground work), community engagement and private land conservation.
Allocation to these categories is not fixed and may change as more information becomes available. For further details, see the threatened ecological communities strategy.
What is a critically endangered ecological community?
An ecological community is a naturally occurring group of native plants, animals and other organisms living in a unique location.
An ecological community may be listed as critically endangered if the TSSC determines it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in Australia in the immediate future.
What are the two new critically endangered ecological communities?
These CEECs are classified as ‘grassy woodlands’ as they are characterised by a tree layer which is eucalyptus dominant, but sparse. ‘Grassy woodlands’ contain an absence of hard-leaved shrubs, and are also characterised by their diverse groundcover grasses and herbs.
Both the Monaro and Werriwa CEECs are woodland to low open woodland characterised by a sparse to very sparse layer of trees; predominantly snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora). The Monaro CEEC is co-dominated by ribbon gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), and the Werriwa CEEC is co-dominated by candlebark (Eucalyptus rubida sub sp rubida).
The two grassy woodlands were previously listed together as an endangered ecological community under the Biodiversity Conservation Act.
A detailed description of the two new CEECs can be found at the Threatened Species Scientific Committee Final Determinations.
How will the land management and biodiversity conservation framework apply?
The NSW Government has implemented regulatory changes to strike the right balance to conserve the two CEECs in highly productive regions. The intention is to protect patches of these CEECs that are in the best condition and provide more flexibility to manage land with vegetation in a low condition and not likely to be viable in the long term.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (the Department) has published an Advisory Layer indicating where the CEECs are likely to occur. The Monaro and Werriwa CEEC listings factsheet is available to assist with identification of the CEECs.
If land is mapped on the Advisory Layer, landholders are encouraged to contact Local Land Services to check what land management activities are available. To use the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code to undertake land management activities, you will need to verify whether a particular patch of native vegetation shown on the Advisory Layer is part of the CEECs. Suitably qualified Local Land Services officers are available to undertake on-site assessments.
For more information, see the Field Assessment Guidelines for the Monaro and Werriwa critically endangered ecological communities and the Monaro and Werriwa CTGW Spreadsheet Tool (XLXS 41KB).
Biobanking Ecosystem Credits
Delta Associates can assist you with Ecosystem biobanking credit requirements, and advise you on options for offsetting the ecological impact on the ecosystems affected by your development in NSW. We can help you find suitable credits, and arrange the purchase of biobanking credits. We can draft your biobanking agreement and can also assist with transferring and retiring credits.
We can help with finding suitable Ecosystem credits for:
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We offer flexible contracting terms and credit pricing that meets the market. Your project may wish to secure credits today at today’s credits prices whilst having the flexibility of a deferred settlement or option agreement.
For more information, review our FAQs below or enquire online for a consultation and review of your biobanking NSW needs.
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