A case study of environmental offsets for the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris)

Abstract

Environmental offsets are applied in Western Australia (WA) as a management tool to compensate for residual significant impacts of clearing and development of habitat for the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). In the past 20 years many offsets have been established for the species. This research investigated whether environmental offsets were effective for conserving Carnaby’s cockatoo habitat. The research was conducted as a case study describing offset implementation in WA based on 45 state-approved development proposals (2011–16) and 20 federally approved development proposals (2013–15). Land acquisition offsets were the most common type used for both WA- and federally approved developments. Only one offset that contributed to the 25364ha acquired has been vested as conservation estate. Land acquisition offsets allow development to occur without significant time delays, as developers have been able to use the transfer of funds for land purchase to fulfil most, or all, of their offset obligation(s). Those lands purchased by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (and its predecessors) in fulfilment of offset conditions have been strategically acquired to either extend existing conservation estate, or to create a significant contiguous corridor of habitat suitable for Carnaby’s cockatoos. Other offset types such as research and education were rarely used to fulfil offset obligations. There was free and easy access to online primary documentation associated with the granting of offsets, but secondary documentation was mostly unavailable and prevented in-depth investigation. Overall, mitigation of impacts on Carnaby’s cockatoos from development of key habitat through environmental offsets shows promise, but thus far has resulted in a net loss of habitat for Carnaby’s cockatoo.