Plantation Regulation in NSW
Background
Plantations in NSW are regulated and supported by the Department of Primary Industries.
The total plantation area in NSW is approximately 320,000 hectares.
The Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au) and the Plantations and Reafforestation (Code) Regulation 2001 (185kb, PDF) came into operation in December 2001.
Regulatory framework
The Act promotes plantation establishment for much needed timber resources on essentially cleared land, and provides a streamlined authorisation process.
The Code contains clear and comprehensive standards for establishment, management and harvesting operations on authorised plantations.
The Act and Code have resulted in vastly improved service delivery for an important and expanding industry, while also producing benefits in terms of soil, water and biodiversity.
The regulatory framework meets the needs and expectations of the industry, by creating conditions favourable to investment.
Greater security for the plantation industry generates increased job opportunities and other economic benefits for local communities.
The Act and Code reflect the strategic direction of national policies, including Plantations for Australia: The 2020 Vision (www.plantations2020.com.au).
Research by CSIRO indicates that the regulatory framework compares favourably with those in other Australian states.
Service delivery
Significant aspects of service delivery include:
- A single application, replacing the need for multiple licences and permits
- Pre-application inspections to resolve issues in advance of formal applications
- Streamlined assessment processes
- 14 day Guarantee of Service for complying plantations
- 40 day Guarantee of Service for non-complying plantations
- Specialist departmental plantation officers
Plantation officers provide support and advice to the industry, both during the authorisation process and at other times. Guarantee of Service time limits are routinely met.
Auditing is another aspect of superior service delivery.
Plantation officers are accredited to international standards in auditing in order to perform this function.
The clear and transparent processes established by the Act and Code benefit the community as well.
The Act provides an opportunity for third party submissions to be considered where applications do not comply with the Code.
The Department remains committed to a process of continual improvement in service delivery, and feedback from industry and the community is welcomed and acted on where appropriate.
For more information
Contact your local Department of Primary Industries office.
161 Kite St, ORANGE NSW 2800 or phone 02 6391 3100.
Further information is contained in Investing in Planted Forests: Guidelines for Applicants.