Central Coast bioregional planning pilot

The NSW and Australian Governments are investing in a bioregional planning pilot to explore a new approach to strategic conservation planning.

The pilot aims to better protect the environment by considering development impacts on threatened species early in the process. It is being led by the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie region.

The pilot aims to:

• collate and analyse information and data for the bioregion – an area defined by the types of plants, animals, and ecosystems found there
• identify the most important areas for biodiversity in the region to provide early advice on conservation priorities
• improve coordination of conservation activities across the bioregion
• provide early guidance on important biodiversity values to support better planning decisions and give more certainty to landholders and industry.

The pilot differs from the Central Coast Strategic Conservation Plan, which, once endorsed, will identify areas that can be developed, and which areas must be protected in the Central Coast. 

Instead, the pilot will offer guidance and supporting information for a wider area. It addresses development and conservation objectives and priorities for the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie region to help guide future planning and policy decisions. It won’t replace the need for site-based assessments.

NSW Government is currently developing the Bioregional Plan and there will be an opportunity for stakeholders to review and give feedback on the draft plan, once it is available.

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