Let’s talk about the management of our forests

Victorians are being encouraged to have their say on the sustainable management of our forests as part of the five-yearly review of the Victorian Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs).

 

The Australian and Victorian governments today released the Report on Progress with Implementation of the Victorian RFAs Period 3: 2009-2014, which reports on progress to implement the five Victorian RFAs in the East Gippsland, Central Highlands, North East, Gippsland and West Victoria RFAs.  

 

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said community feedback was vital in helping to improve the future management of these forests.  

 

“We’re giving Victorians an opportunity to have their say on past management of the Victorian RFAs to help ensure we get future arrangements right,” Minister D’Ambrosio said. 

 

Feedback from the consultation process will go to an independent reviewer, who will consider the progress that’s been made in implementing the agreements, along with public submissions, to develop a report for government consideration. 

 

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, said RFAs were central to the sustainable management of Victoria’s forests and forestry industry.

 

“Victorian forests produce high quality timber and the RFAs ensure this is done sustainably and in recognition of other social and conservation needs,” Minister Ruston said.  

 

“RFAs strike the right balance between the competing economic, environmental and social uses of our native forests, and the Australian Government is committed to keeping that balance.”

 

To make a submission on the five-yearly review or to view the report, go to forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/forest-management/regional-forest-agreements.