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.