Summary of changes

Now Closed

This online engagement was hosted on YourSAy from 3 August to 30 August 2020. Below is a record of the engagement.

Below are the summary of the key changes to the Forestry Regulations 2013 and a description of what the change means to you.

You can read the detailed list of the proposed amendments, including revised penalties and fees, in the Forestry Regulations Proposed Amendments.

Regulation and Number under review	Description of changes
9 (1): Lighting, maintaining or using fires	This amendment provides clarification that fires are only permitted in designated fire pits located at campgrounds and picnic areas within the forest reserve.
12: Use of aircraft	The use of and enquiries to use drones in forests, both recreationally and commercially is increasing. ForestrySA plan to authorise use of drones as a permitted activity, in line with the CASA guidelines.
15 (1) Protection of vegetation	This amendment will allow ForestrySA to regulate the removal of fungi for commercial purposes if required
20 (1-3) Bringing animals into reserves (Previously - Bringing horses or other animals into reserves)	The current regulations do not require dogs to be on a lead in a forest reserve. There has been a noticeable increase in dog attacks/complaints within forest reserves. This amendment will make dog management in forest reserves consistent with National Parks and Wildlife (National Parks) Regulations 2016.
26 Display of certain permits in vehicles	ForestrySA has transitioned to online permits with no paper copies provided. It is no longer a requirement to display paper copies.
Possession and use of Chainsaws	There is no specific regulation regarding the use of chainsaws. The unauthorised use of chainsaws by the public in forest reserves is common and poses a noise nuisance and a risk to public safety. This amendment will ensure chainsaws can only be used under certain circumstances.
Use of Generators and Alternators	There is no specific regulation regarding the use of generators. The use of modern generators is increasingly prevalent in forest campgrounds and for events. The amendment will align the regulations with the current practice of allowing the use of a generator through a permit under certain conditions. i.e. noise restriction and placement for fire protection.
Use of metal or mineral detectors	There is no specific regulation regarding the use of metal or mineral detectors. Fossicking, in particular with a metal detector, is a popular activity currently authorised through the ForestrySA permit and regulated fees. This amendment will cover permit authorisation.
Straying and Grazing of Animals	Although rare, there have been recorded instances of unauthorised release of feral animal species and unauthorised grazing in forest reserves. This amendment will allow ForestrySA to require the removal of unlawful grazing animals or expiate a person found to have released feral animal species into a forest reserve.

Consultation has concluded