Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) are long-term plans for the sustainable management and conservation of Australia’s native forests. There are five RFAs in three states: three in New South Wales and one each in Western Australia and Tasmania. The five Victorian RFAs were terminated on 31 December 2024, following the Victorian Government’s decision to cease native forestry in that state.
The RFAs seek to balance economic, social and environmental demands on forests by setting obligations and commitments for forest management that deliver:
- certainty of resource access and supply to industry – building investment confidence
- ecologically sustainable forest management – ensuring forests are appropriately managed and regenerated
- an expanded and permanent forest conservation estate – to provide for the protection of Australia’s unique forest biodiversity.
The RFAs result from scientific study, consultation and negotiation covering a diverse range of interests. Our website contains a number of historical publications that demonstrate the detailed scientific, economic and social processes that underpinned the development of each RFA.
For details on how each of the five RFAs have been implemented by the states, see the relevant state forestry website.
Regions
The RFAs cover forested regions illustrated in the following map:
The region-specific RFA webpages provide information about the RFAs, five-yearly RFA reviews, and historical publications associated with the development of each RFA.
Current RFAs:
- New South Wales - Eden (signed 26 August 1999)
- New South Wales - North East (signed 31 March 2000)
- New South Wales - Southern (signed 24 April 2001)
- Tasmania (signed 8 November 1997)
- Western Australia (signed 4 May 1999)
Historical RFAs no longer in operation:
- Victoria - Central Highlands (signed 27 March 1998)
- Victoria East Gippsland (signed 3 February 1997)
- Victoria Gippsland (signed 31 March 2000)
- Victoria - North East (signed 23 August 1999)
- Victoria - West (signed 31 March 2000)
The Australian and Queensland Governments completed a Comprehensive Regional Assessment for South-East Queensland but did not sign an RFA.
About RFAs
- RFAs: Why?
- RFAs: How?
- Protecting our Forest Environment
- Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management
- RFA History
- People, jobs and communities - social assessments
- Indigenous heritage
- RFAs: Outcomes
- The RFA Process
The department published a booklet about RFAs in 2015, Regional Forest Agreements – an overview and history PDF [10.7 MB, 12 pages]. This booklet provides historical information about the development and operation of RFAs.
Publications
- Forest News
- World Heritage Expert Panel Meeting
- Deferred Forest Areas
- Annual Reports and Five Year Reviews