Environmental offsets are actions that provide environmental benefits which counterbalance the significant residual environmental impacts or risks of a project or activity.
The environmental offsets framework comprises the environmental offsets policy (2011), guidelines (2014) and register (2013). The review determined that offsets have been used appropriately.
DWER Executive Director of Strategic Policy, Sarah McEvoy, said the progressive introduction of the offsets framework improved the transparency of offset arrangements and provided clear policy to guide agencies and proponents.
“The approach to offsets in Western Australia is informed by good science and the review’s recommendations will ensure the continued effectiveness of and improvements to WA’s environmental offsets framework,” she said.
“The review also found opportunities to improve the framework and following consultation with stakeholders, we have developed a plan to implement the review recommendations.
“The implementation will begin as a priority.”
DWER will soon publish an environmental offsets metric (calculator and guideline) for use in WA. The metric was developed in consultation with stakeholders, and the department will be undertaking further consultation on the inputs.
This work, along with progressing bilateral agreements with the Commonwealth Government, will improve the alignment between State and Commonwealth environmental assessment processes.
The Review of the Western Australian Environmental Offsets Framework and the implementation plan can be viewed on DWER’s website.
