The 2023 NSW RFAs Annual Meeting of Officials took place via videoconference on 29 November 2023. The meeting was attended by officials from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment (which includes the Environment Protection Authority, and the Environment and Heritage Group (including the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service)), Department of Regional NSW (which includes NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services) and the NSW Natural Resources Commission.
The meeting and this communique satisfy the requirements of clauses 8B and 8C of the three NSW RFAs for the Eden, North East and Southern regions:
8B: The Parties agree to hold annual officials-level, bi-lateral meetings in the years between each five-yearly review to monitor the implementation of the Agreement and discuss any matters or issues that arise.
8C: An online statement will be made publicly available on the outcomes of the meeting.
Officials heard updates on matters relating to the NSW Forest Management Framework, including on the progress and implementation of the Private Native Forestry codes introduced in 2022, proposed amendments to the Plantations and Reafforestation Code to mitigate bushfire risks, and progress for the Sustainable Yield review currently underway by Forest Corporation NSW, due to be finalised in 2024. NSW Officials also provided an update on additions to the Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) reserve system over the last year.
Officials heard updates on the NSW Government’s commitment to establish a Great Koala National Park on the NSW Mid North Coast, including the process to establish the park and changes to forestry operations in relation to the halting of timber harvesting operations in the 106 koala hubs within the area being assessed for the park.
Officials from the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water provided an overview of the Australian Government’s Nature Positive Plan and the commitment to apply the new National Environmental Standards to RFAs as part of the reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Officials discussed current research priorities and recent developments for forest-related monitoring including the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (MER) Plan which is under oversight by the NSW Forest Monitoring Steering Committee led by the NSW Natural Resources Commission, projects being progressed under the NSW Forest Monitoring Improvement Program, and an update on the finalisation of a MER framework for private native forestry by NSW Local Land Services. Officials also discussed the NSW Government’s announcement of ongoing funding to support research and monitoring projects in NSW. Officials committed to reviewing and research themes and priorities (as outlined in the varied RFAs) which will be considered through the RFA five-yearly review process.
Officials received updates on threatened species management at both the state and federal level, including the preparation and implementation of conservation advice and recovery plans for Listed Species and Communities.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority provided an update on compliance and auditing activities including a summary over the last year under the Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals and the Private Native Forestry Code. The EPA noted its focus on proactive inspection of harvesting coupes is based on risk assessment that takes into account a range of biodiversity and ecological criteria. The EPA also responds to all community complaints on public and private native operations.
Officials considered progress made in preparation for the NSW RFAs five yearly review due to commence in 2024, including preparation of the Progress Report, risk management, consideration of timelines, and communication/engagement approaches for public consultation. Officials noted the importance of delivering a timely outcomes-focused reporting of the RFAs.
Considering the NSW RFAs five-yearly review is expected to take place in 2024 (per clause 8A(d)), an annual meeting is not required in 2024 per clause 8B of the RFAs. The next annual meeting will be held no later than 30 November 2025.
29 November 2023