All applications to register projects using the avoided deforestation method must include a relevant clearing consent for the area on which the project will be carried out.
In NSW, clearing consents are known as a Property Vegetation Plan or PVP.
If the clearing consent was approved after 1 July 2010 by the relevant agency, it may satisfy the requirements of the avoided deforestation method, but only if it can be demonstrated that a draft clearing consent was issued before 1 July 2010.
Delays by the relevant agency in issuing an approved clearing consent may be taken into account if evidence showing a draft clearing consent was issued prior to 1 July 2010 is provided.
However, if actions by the applicant caused delays in finalising the clearing consent, regardless of the reason for delay, they will not be taken into account for eligibility.
Participants claiming to have a draft clearing consent issued prior to 1 July 2010 must provide evidence of the date of issue of the draft and provide the subsequent approved clearing consent.
Additional information
The avoided deforestation method is unambiguous in requiring a clearing consent. Evidence of planning or assessing for the purpose of obtaining a clearing consent will not satisfy this requirement.
When preparing an application to register a project, the project area and species identified in the application must correspond to the land area and species identified in the approved clearing consent.
Later inclusions of areas or species will not satisfy eligibility requirements and must not be included in the project area or species description in an application to register a project.