Communities in Gippsland are encouraged to get involved in the second engagement stage of the Future of our Forests reform program.

The engagement is part of a two-month joint Victorian-Australian Government engagement phase to seek community input to the modernisation of the five Victorian Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs). 

Gippsland communities can provide feedback during June 2019, through an online survey or submission responding to an Independent Consultation Paper and at drop in events throughout the state.   

The consultation paper was developed by an independent environmental consultant and explains what the Victorian RFAs are, how they operate, and how effective they have been. It also identifies potential areas for improvement within the RFAs. 

 This phase of engagement is part of a broader reform of Victoria’s forest management system and follows the first phase from December 2018 - March 2019, which was undertaken to help better understand what Victorians value and their priorities for the management and use of our forests. 

This current phase is focused on seeking feedback on potential opportunities for improvement to the Victorian RFAs. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Victorian and Australian Governments to guide the modernisation and extension process for the Victorian RFAs and ensure that future forest management delivers the highest and best value uses of our forests to Victorian communities.  

The Victorian Government has invested $36.9 million to update Victoria’s Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) and improve future management in partnership with Traditional Owners to deliver highest and best use of our forests, deliver stronger environmental protection, and enable adaptive management to address climate change and associated challenges. 

Communities around Orbost and Bairnsdale can attend drop-in sessions at Orbost Neighbourhood House  between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm on Monday 24 June and the Bairnsdale RSL between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm on Tuesday 25 June  to have their say on potential improvements to the Victorian RFAs. 

To obtain a copy of the Independent Consultation Paper or provide an online submission, visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/future-of-our-forests

 Further information and details about the community drop in sessions is available at: https://www2.delwp.vic.gov.au/futureforests/get-involved/joint-rfa-consultation-with-commonwealth/RFA-community-drop-in-sessions