We are seeking feedback on the exposure draft of the National Environmental Standard for Environmental Offsets (Environmental Offsets Standard).
Sometimes projects can harm the environment in ways that can't be avoided or mitigated. When this happens, steps must be taken to compensate or make up for that damage. This is called an environmental offset. The offset could take the form of an activity, a payment (restoration contribution), or both.
The Environmental Offsets Standard is designed to make sure that when environmental damage can't be avoided, any approved offsets genuinely make up for that damage and leave the environment better off overall.
We have updated the draft Environmental Offsets Standard based on earlier public feedback. Initial consultation closed on 30 January 2026. This is your chance to have your say before the Environmental Offsets Standard is finalised.
Read the draft and provide your feedback by 11:59 pm AEST 9 June.
Further consultations
Open: Tranche 2 regulations that support the next stage of Australia's environment protection reforms
Additional standards are in development and will be released for consultation when ready. This includes standards for:
- First Nations engagement
- community engagement
- data and information.
