WA | Index of Biodiversity Survey (IBSA) is here

If you conduct land-based biodiversity surveys in Western Australia or use biodiversity information, then IBSA is for you.

IBSA was launched by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) in early May 2018, and provides an index of land-based biodiversity surveys submitted to DWER, Environmental Protection Authority and Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.

All proponents from May 2018 onwards are required to prepare and submit IBSA data packages to accompany biodiversity survey reports during assessment and compliance processes.

An IBSA data package is to be submitted electronically and consists of:

•    the biodiversity survey report

•    a metadata and licencing  

•    spatially referenced data derived from the survey.

The relevant agency will then submit each data package to IBSA during the assessment or compliance process on the proponent’s behalf.

As resources permit, DWER will also be working to include past biodiversity survey information submitted under the Environmental Protection Act prior to May 2018 into IBSA.

To assist proponents in preparing IBSA data packages, instructions and templates are available on the Environmental Protection Authority’s website.

Visit the EPA's website for more information 

Article by Andrew Del Marco (EIANZ WA Vice President)