Forestry Regulation 2009
The Forestry Regulation 2009 commenced on 1 September 2009 (online notification on 14 August 2009).
The Regulation was made under the Forestry Act 1916. The Act establishes the Forestry Commission with the objects of conserving and utilising timber on the lands it controls or manages for the benefit of the State and the community.
The Regulation provides for the identification of individual State forests and includes provisions for special management zones and flora reserves. The Regulation also specifies licensing requirements and provides a licensing application system and fee structure. Licences mainly relate to the harvesting and processing of timber. As well, under the Regulation, timber that is harvested from State forests must be identified by being branded by a Forestry Commission officer.
The Regulation also ensures the safety of all those entering State forest areas by restricting access to certain areas and limiting the use of fire and flammable materials. It includes a number of penalties for individuals who breach these provisions of the Regulation.
The draft Regulation and Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) were released for public consultation on 18 May 2009. The public consultation period closed on 15 June 2009.
Five submissions were received. Two addressed issues considered to be outside the scope of the Regulation and the other three suggested minor changes. The proposed Regulation was amended as a result.
The final Regulation can be viewed on the website of the NSW Parliamentary Counsel at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au