The third Victorian RFA Annual Meeting of Officials took place on 31 March 2023. The meeting was attended by officials from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water and the Victorian Government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
In accordance with the requirements of RFA clauses 35A and 35B (Central Highlands RFA clause reference), the Parties held an annual meeting to monitor the implementation of the agreements and discuss any matters or issues which had arisen in the preceding year.
Officials discussed progress and achievements against the milestones of the modernised RFAs including:
- Delivery of risk assessments and any necessary protections for updated or newly listed species and communities;
- Completion of the review of legislation and regulatory instruments to identify improvements to strengthen protections for Listed Species and Communities.
- Completion of the Victorian Government’s review of the Victorian Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) Reserve System.
- The review of the Code of Practice for Timber Production, due to be completed by the end of 2023.
- The updates to Victoria’s Forest Management Plans, also due to be completed by the end of 2023.
DEECA provided updates on a range of research projects, addressing the themes of Listed Species and Communities, Climate Change, Active Forest Management, Fire and Technology and Innovation. Officials discussed the advantages of aligning Commonwealth and state research activities on listed species to ensure conservation planning and actions are well-informed.
The Conservation Regulator (CR) provided an update on timber harvesting compliance issues. The CR outlined how it has managed species reports from stakeholders. The CR noted its progress in responding to the 2022 report by the Victorian Auditor General’s Office, Regulating Victoria’s Native Forests. The CR also noted its focus on proactive inspection of harvesting coupes which is leading to improvements in compliance.
Officials discussed the progress made in the preparation and implementation of Statutory Conservation Planning documents for Listed Species and Communities. Officials noted there is an opportunity to align the national recovery plans and Victorian action statements for the Greater Glider (southern and central) and the South-eastern Glossy Black Cockatoo.
DEECA led discussion on matters related to Victoria’s Forest Management System. This included an update on work to determine the future tenure of the Immediate Protection Areas, including extensive engagement with Traditional Owners. DEECA highlighted the Variation to the Code of Practice for Timber Production that came into effect in June 2022 aimed at improving the clarity and enforceability of the Code and reducing uncertainty in how it is interpreted. Officials also discussed the Victorian Government’s progress on the development of a best practice Forest Coupe Regeneration and Reintegration Procedure, including the active management of regenerated coupes that are handed back to DEECA.
DCCEEW provided Victoria with an update on the development of National Environmental Standards and the consultation process for their application to RFAs.
The next annual meeting will be held by 31 March 2024.