Access is one of the most critical issues for hunters in Australia.

Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) are 20-year plans for the sustainable management and conservation of Australia’s native forests. There are 10 RFAs in four states covering commercial native forestry regions – five in Victoria, three in New South Wales and one each in Western Australia and Tasmania.

The RFAs seek to balance competing economic, social and environmental demands on forests by setting obligations and commitments for forest management that deliver:

• certainty of resource access and supply to industry – building investment confidence
• ecologically sustainable forest management – ensuring forests are appropriately managed and regenerated
• an expanded and permanent forest conservation estate – to provide for the protection of Australia’s unique forest biodiversity.

The RFAs result from scientific study, consultation and negotiation covering a diverse range of interests. Our website contains many historical documents that show the detailed scientific, economic and social processes that underpinned the development of each RFA.

The State of Victoria and Commonwealth of Australia have committed to working towards delivering a modernised and harmonised Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) framework to meet the needs of communities, industry and the environment.

As part of this process, the Victorian and Australian Governments want to understand the community’s views on opportunities to improve the five Victorian RFAs. 

The Australian Deer Association is discussing these plans at senior government levels, ensuring that the importance of access for deer hunting is well understood. 

All hunters have an opportunity to contribute and support our cause, whilst making your own, individual points. 

There is a short survey and more information at the Engage Victoria website.