The NSW Government has tasked the NSW Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to develop a Strategic Assessment for forestry operations in the state as it progresses its alignment with new Commonwealth Government environment laws that affect the regulation of operations.
The assessment by the NRC will cover public native forestry, plantation and private native forestry operations across forests sitting within NSW’s defined Regional Forest Agreement boundaries.
“The Minns Government is committed to working constructively with the Commonwealth to secure a pathway that supports sustainable forestry, strong environmental standards and certainty for industry and regional communities,” said NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.
“We will utilise the assessment and engagement process with the Commonwealth to deliver a more practical and efficient approval process for industry and support a sustainable domestic timber sector.”
The long-standing exemption for forestry operations between the Commonwealth and NSW across large areas of NSW forests, known as the Regional Forest Agreements (RFA), will cease on 1 July 2027 following the introduction of new environment legislation by the Commonwealth in November last year.
The RFAs in NSW cover forests in Eden, the North-East and Southern NSW and set obligations and commitments for forest management.
The assessment will consider the impacts from forestry operations on nationally significant animals, plants, habitats and places to ensure they are appropriately identified and managed.
From 1 July 2027, forestry operations taking place in RFAs will need to comply with the same rules and standards as other industries covered under the EPBC Act.
The NSW Government is now releasing for public consultation the draft terms of reference for the strategic assessment.
Once the strategic assessment is complete, the NSW Government will work on a long-term bilateral agreement with the Australian Government to accredit NSW forestry operations.
“We believe in a strong and environmentally sustainable future for the New South Wales forestry industry, and we look forward to continuing work with the Minns Government on this,” said Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt.
Consultation commenced on 18 September and finishes on 16 October 2026. Have your say via Strategic Assessment of Forestry in RFAs.
