SEB criteria and eligibility

There are clear criteria for the establishment of on-ground SEB sites (including SEB credit sites), to ensure that the right benefits are provided to offset each approved vegetation clearance. Research projects are not accepted.

The requirements for on-ground SEB sites are explained in detail in Section 3 of the Policy for Significant Environmental Benefit under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and Native Vegetation Regulations 2017

In brief, the requirements are:

1. ‘Like for like or better’: the vegetation in the SEB site should be the same type of vegetation that is proposed to be cleared, unless the SEB site contains a better option, such as a vegetation type that is of higher conservation significance.
2. Location: the SEB site should be as close as practical to the site of impact.
3. Area required: the size required for a SEB site is determined by an assessment of the biodiversity value to be lost through clearance and the biodiversity value to be gained through the SEB;
4. Additional to existing requirements: the area must not already be legally protected and managed for conservation purposes; management should be additional to existing legal requirements
5. Protection: the SEB site must be conserved in perpetuity for the growth of native vegetation
6. Management: the SEB site must be managed in accordance with a Native Vegetation Council approved management plan for 10 years, then the vegetation condition maintained thereafter
7. Establishment: an SEB area must be established over a clearly defined physical area that will not be subject to future disturbance; SEB sites must be 3 hectares or larger, unless the area contains vegetation of national significance then it may be smaller.
8. Revegetation may be required as part of some SEB sites, e.g. to offset major clearance in areas with less than 30% vegetation cover, to ensure the extent of native vegetation is maintained.