The community is invited to have its say on the renewal of NSW Regional Forestry Agreements (RFAs), that cover the North East, Eden and Southern regions of the State. Source: The Manning River Times
The session will be held at the Bulahdelah Bowling Club 9am to 11am on Thursday,8 February.
NSW Department of Primary Industries forestry policy, research and development group director Nick Milham said the State and Federal governments are seeking community input through drop-in sessions as well as a consultation and submission process.
“The NSW and Australian governments are encouraging all stakeholders to have their say on what shape the RFAs should take and how we can improve the sustainable management of our native forests.
“The governments are working closely with all parties to get the balance right in the long-term management of our forest resources, and consultation is integral to this process.
“We hope to hear from industry, environment groups, landholders and the broader community on any emerging issues or changes that need to be captured since the agreements were developed nearly 20 years ago,” Mr Milham said.
He added that the RFAs are in place to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of Australia’s native forests.
“The renewal consultation coincides with a review being undertaken on how we are tracking in current implementation of the RFAs,” Mr Milham said.
“This provides our stakeholders with a full picture on how we have performed under the existing agreements, while at the same time what the future holds, and how we can learn from our experience over the past 20 years.”
Other sessions will be held in Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Eden, Batemans Bay and Tumut.
The three RFAs in NSW are Eden (expiring on August 26, 2019), North East (expiring on March 31, 2020) and Southern (expiring on April 24 2021).
The commitment to improve and renew the NSW RFAs is a key component of the NSW Forestry Industry Roadmap 2016, which commits to a sustainable and reliable timber supply with the maintenance of environmental values.
