The Australian Government has introduced the Nature Repair (Enhancing Native Vegetation) Methodology Determination 2026, which came into effect on 30 October 2026.
The new method provides opportunities for eligible landholders, including Queensland agricultural producers, to participate in the national Nature Repair Market by improving or maintaining native vegetation and biodiversity on their properties.
Key considerations for Queensland producers:
• New income opportunities: Eligible producers may be able to generate a tradeable biodiversity certificate through activities such as native vegetation restoration, revegetation, weed and pest management, and improved grazing management.
• Grazing and land management: Grazing and fire management can form part of a project, but specific conditions and restrictions apply. Producers should carefully consider how participation may affect existing and future agricultural operations.
• Carbon and biodiversity projects: The method allows eligible biodiversity projects to operate alongside Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) projects on the same land, subject to scheme requirements and restrictions.
• Environmental offsets: Projects can be registered as EPBC offset-capable, potentially allowing biodiversity certificates to be used to meet environmental offset obligations under the EPBC Act or relevant state schemes. Additional requirements apply.
• Long-term commitments: Participation involves biodiversity outcomes, monitoring and reporting obligations, and commitments to maintain project outcomes. Producers should assess the implications for land-use flexibility, management costs and future productivity before entering into agreements.
• Interaction with Category B: There remain state-based restrictions on what can be done within category B. At this stage there is no clarification of how the two state and federal legislation may interact.
What should producers do?
Participation is voluntary, and eligibility will depend on the location, vegetation and proposed activities. Producers considering a project should first assess whether it is commercially viable, including establishment and ongoing management costs, potential certificate revenue and any restrictions on agricultural production.
AgForce encourages members to carefully consider the long-term implications of biodiversity and offset arrangements, particularly where productive agricultural land may be affected.
