Legislation and governance

The legislative framework for the operations of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is set by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 and the Biodiversity Conservation (Savings and Transitional) Regulation 2017. Part 10 of the Act constitutes the BCT.

The purpose of the Act is to maintain a healthy, productive and resilient environment for the greatest wellbeing of the community in NSW, now and into the future, consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

The BCT has established a comprehensive governance framework. This includes:

• the BCT’s business plan
• a governance framework
• a charter for the BCT Board
• a charter for the BCT Audit and Risk Committee
• a charter for the BCT Programs and Delivery Committee
• instruments of delegation
• a risk appetite statement, risk management policy, and risk management plan
• a fraud control policy
• a conformance framework and plan
• a compliance policy for private land conservation
• conservation agreement (CA) collation execution and registration guidelines
• a procedural guideline - Payment of ex-NCT MFC payments to landholders
• a policy for staff participation in BCT programs
• a working alone or remotely policy
• a fatigue management policy
• work health and safety policy and procedures
• a funds and investment management framework
• program implementation plans
• a media and communications strategy
• an internal audit program and internal audit charter and appointment of a Chief Audit Executive
• external financial audit and possible performance audits by the Audit Office NSW
• adoption of numerous NSW Government or planning and environment cluster policies
• quarterly reports to the Board on performance; communication, engagement and education activities; finance; conformance; risk management, work health and safety
• annual reports

The BCT proactively provides access to a wide range of information. Our Agency Information Guide provides additional information about our organisation, the types of information we hold, and how we manage our information. If you are seeking access to information that is not available on our website, please visit the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s How can I access information.