(1) The biodiversity assessment method is to set out rules and guidelines with respect to the matters for which biodiversity assessment reports may be prepared under this Act.Note : Section 6.4 enables regulations to be made with respect to offset rules (including circumstances in which the ordinary rules for determining the number and class of biodiversity credits required as biodiversity offsets may be varied).
(2) The biodiversity assessment method may include provision for--(a) the adoption of datasets, maps and other information published from time to time by a specified person or body (or otherwise approved in a particular case), and(b) the submission of expert reports, and(c) the use of specified computer programs and databases for the carrying out of assessments under the method, and(d) the assessment of the biodiversity values of land by reference to features of surrounding land.
(3) The biodiversity assessment method is to exclude the assessment of the impacts of any clearing of native vegetation and loss of habitat on category 1-exempt land (within the meaning of Part 5A of the Local Land Services Act 2013 ), other than any impacts prescribed by the regulations under section 6.3.