The second NSW RFAs Annual Meeting of Officials took place on 29 October 2020. The meeting was attended by officials from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (which includes the Environment Protection Authority and the Environment, Energy and Science group), Department of Regional NSW (which includes NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services) and the NSW Natural Resources Commission.
On 28 November 2018, the three NSW RFAs for the Eden, North‑East and Southern regions were varied to include improvements and a rolling 20-year extension by the Parties. In accordance with the requirements of the varied RFAs clauses 8B and 8C, the Parties held an annual meeting to monitor the implementation of the Agreement and discuss any matters or issues that have arisen since the variation.
Officials discussed updates, changes, and progress on a range of matters relating to the NSW Forest Management Framework and the Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals (IFOAs). NSW also provided an update on recent additions to the Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) reserve system.
Officials discussed research priorities and recent developments for forest-related monitoring, evaluation and reporting in NSW, including on Matters of National Environmental Significance. An update was provided by NSW on the progress of the NSW Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program – 2019 – 2024, and development of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Plan as required under the RFAs.
Officials discussed compliance processes and programs in place on a range of forest management matters including for the IFOAs and for the Private Native Forestry Codes.
NSW officials provided an update on the impact of the 2019‑20 Black Summer bushfires across NSW. Both NSW and Australian Government officials discussed the response to the bushfires, including measures to aid environmental recovery and support to the forestry industry.
Officials also discussed sustainable yield and noted that this was under review as a result of the 2019‑20 bushfires, with a revised sustainable yield document to be made publicly available soon.
Officials commenced consideration of the process that will be used to support the outcomes focused five‑yearly review in 2024, as required by clauses 8A and 8B of the NSW RFAs. In preparation for that review, the development of a draft scoping agreement was discussed.
Officials noted that the next annual meeting is required to be held no later than 28 November 2021 and agreed to meet before that date.
29 October 2020