Communique - 11 March 2020
The first WA RFA Annual Meeting of Officials took place on 11 March 2020. The meeting was attended by officials from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; the WA Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA); and the WA Forest Products Commission (FPC).
On 29 March 2019, the WA RFA was varied to include improvements and a rolling 20 year extension by the Parties. In accordance with the requirements of the varied RFA 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 and progress on a range of matters relating to changes to the WA Forest Management System that had occurred since the WA RFA variation was signed. This included an update on:
- the mid‑term review of the Forest Management Plan (FMP) 2014‑2023,
- planning for the FMP 2024‑2033, and
- process for changes to the WA conservation estate.
Officials discussed the research projects currently underway through DBCA and FPC in WA, and noted that the focus of WA’s research priorities is to inform the implementation of the FMP 2014-2023 and development of the FMP 2024-2033.
Officials discussed compliance processes and programs in place on a range of matters including forestry operations and data use and access.
Consistent with relevant clauses in the WA RFA, officials noted the process for notification on changes to the Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) reserve system.
Officials commenced consideration of the process that will be used to support the five‑yearly review in 2024, as required by clauses 8D, 8E and 8F of the WA RFA. Officials also discussed the process and requirements to be prepared for RFA rolling extensions.
Officials discussed recent bushfires and impacts on the WA RFA region.
Officials agreed that the next annual meeting will be held in early March 2021.