PROJ2025 - Biodiversity Offsetting Options for the Dungowan Dam
Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) is seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced ecological consultants to investigate and opportunities to establish a Biodiversity Stewardship Site (BSS) or other biodiversity offset mechanisms for land owned by TRC downstream of the Dungowan Dam, as shown in the figure below. These properties total approximately 1700 ha.
The purpose of this engagement is to identify feasible biodiversity offset pathways in accordance with the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) and relevant guidance under the Biodiversity Offset Scheme. The investigation will help Council determine the feasibility of utilising the site to generate biodiversity credits for current or future development offset requirements and to support Council’s environmental management objectives.
Dungowan Dam, located approximately 25 km southeast of Tamworth, forms a critical component of the region’s water supply system. The surrounding land includes Council-owned properties that contain a mix of cleared and remnant native vegetation, riparian areas, and habitat suitable for a range of native flora and fauna.
As Council plans for future development activities in the Dungowan area and broader region, it seeks to identify whether portions of this land could be registered as Biodiversity Stewardship Sites (BSS) or otherwise utilised for biodiversity offset purposes in accordance with the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) and associated Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM).
The project will provide Council with a clear understanding of potential offset opportunities, costs, and implementation pathways.
Reflecting this, Council would like an additional quoted option for the TRC owned land upstream of the initial 1700ha, as shown in the figure below. This additional area totals approximately 2,900 ha.