The Biodiversity Toolbox

Tools and resources

• Projects and Current Research
• Discussion Networks
• Reference Materials

Benchmark 1 commit to change

• Benefits of Biodiversity Conservation to Local Government
• Australian Local Government Association Information on roles and responsibilities of Local Government in natural resource management
• The Sustainability Network: email network for local government. Available to local council personnel in NSW. Members can receive and post messages. Subscribe by sending an email to sustainablenet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (do not put any message in the subject box or message box).

Benchmark 2 establish baseline position

• Diagnostic Tools
  • Natural Resource Information, Databases and Mapping
  • Survey Methods and Guidelines
  • Australian, State and Regional Plans, Strategies and Targets

• Guide for Assessing & Monitoring the Health of Remnant Bushland
• Mitcham Council Biodiversity Assessment (PDF)
• Department of the Environment and Water Resources web site Information sheets on Threatened Species
• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Threatened Species search
• NSW National Park and Wildlife Service Wildlife Atlas
• Weeds
• VIC - Dept of Sustainability and Environment: Plants and Animals
• Victorian Resources On Line
• TAS Parks and Wildlife Note Sheets
• SA Biodiversity information (Biodiversity website - Department of Environment and Heritage)
• SA Threatened Species Fact Sheets
• Department of Environment and Heritage SA
• QLD Threatened Species
• Department of Agriculture Weed Science WA
• NT Parks - Nature of the Northern Territory

Benchmark 3 develop strategic approach

• Planning Information
  • Zoning - Opportunities and Examples
  • Planning Schemes/ Provisions - Examples
  • Development Assessment Processes
  • Development Consent Conditions

• Municipal Association of Victoria
• Summary Document of Local Government Rate Incentive Schemes (PDF)
• Bibliography for Rate Incentive Schemes 2003 (PDF)
• Integrating Local Land Use Planning and Regional Catchment Planning
• ECO-Buy - Local Government Green Purchasing
• Victorian Stormwater Action Program - Capacity Building Project
• NSW Biodiversity Planning Guide for NSW Local Government

Benchmark 4 implement and monitor

• Funding Opportunities
• Incentives & Supporting Mechanisms
  • Rate Rebates
  • Grants
  • Local Award Schemes
  • Training, Technical Support and Materials
  • Tradeable/ transferrable development rights
  • Management Agreements
  • Revolving Funds
  • Environmental Levies
  • Developer Contributions

• A Guidebook to Environmental Indicators - CSIRO
• Greening Australia ‘Bush Benefits’ - techniques, tools & incentives for conserving Australia's unique plants & animals
• EPA Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan
• Site Implementation Guidelines Practice Notes WA Government
• Photographic monitoring of vegetation: Go to the Victorian Department of Primary Industries Information Notes Series
  In the search box, type LW0043 to go to the document.
• Natural Resource Management Monitoring and Evaluation

Benchmark 5 review and evaluate

• The Sustainability Network: email network for local government. Available to local council personnel in NSW. Members can receive and post messages. Subscribe by sending an email to sustainablenet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (do not put any message in the subject box or message box)
• Environmental Portal - your gateway to Australian environment resources on the Internet
• 'Catchment Scorecard' - monitoring and evaluation program, see Greening Australia
• Green corps
• Greening Australia - Western Australia publications
• Planning WA - Bush Forever Program
• The Department of the Environment and Water Resources - Biodiversity Theme
• EPA Victorian Environmental Auditors