While the association acknowledged the government’s new approach could potentially provide revenue streams for farmers managing parts of their property for environmental outcomes – several issues still existed with the way offsets were currently treated.

Mitchell Clapham, NSW Farmers Conservation and Resource Management chair, said he wanted to see a level playing field between large developers such as mining companies and farmers to enable farmers to utilise offsets in the development of agricultural land.

“We are hopeful today’s announcement will be the impetus for achieving a level playing field for agriculture in NSW,” he said.

“Management of offset land is also an issue with some farmers’ neighbouring properties locked up in conservation agreements. The issue is lack of management leading to other problems like feral pests and weeds being out of control.

“Offset areas need diligent land management and strict enforcement and compliance for things like fencing, health and safety, pests and weeds and fire management.”

NSW Farmers is also concerned about the locking up of biophysical strategic agricultural land which contains some of the richest soils for food and fibre production. These areas should be discounted from offset areas rather than locked up indefinitely.

The association will be encouraging its members to participate in the consultation process and will be watching very closely to ensure agricultural land and productivity is not lost in NSW as a result of the new biodiversity offset policy.