Growing houses and trees: Integrating biodiversity conservation and urbanisation: An Australian case study

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the framework, operation and prospects of two innovative planning tools - biobanking and biodiversity certification - to protect biodiversity in the context of urbanisation. Design/methodology/approach: Using the Australian State of New South Wales, and its capital Sydney, as a focus, the paper reviews the history and performance of the two planning tools selected for examination. Findings: Through its analysis, this paper supports the use of biobanking and biodiversity certification as tools at the disposal of planners which should be employed to augment the array of tools to manage the impacts on biodiversity of urban development. Indeed, these tools have the potential to increase the level of conserved biodiversity if used appropriately. Originality/value: Biobanking and biodiversity certification are, respectively, examples of market-based and strategic-based statutory planning mechanisms that can be used to protect biodiversity in an urban development context. Creative adaption of environmental planning laws is required to ensure effective implementation of these innovative planning tools. The relevant contemporary statutory enactments that have given effect to these mechanisms are examined in this paper.