Proposed amendments to the Forestry Regulations

Consultation has concluded

Consultation Process

Now Closed

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


Share your thoughts on the proposed amendments to the Forestry Regulations 2013 which aim to develop a sustainable future for the recreational use of state forest reserves

What’s being decided?

We want your feedback on proposed amendments to the Forestry Regulations 2013 under the Forestry Act 1950.

Key changes include:

  • modest increases to regulated fees to horse riding;
  • fossicking;
  • camping permit fees;
  • the requirement for dogs to always be kept on a lead while in

Consultation Process

Now Closed

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


Share your thoughts on the proposed amendments to the Forestry Regulations 2013 which aim to develop a sustainable future for the recreational use of state forest reserves

What’s being decided?

We want your feedback on proposed amendments to the Forestry Regulations 2013 under the Forestry Act 1950.

Key changes include:

  • modest increases to regulated fees to horse riding;
  • fossicking;
  • camping permit fees;
  • the requirement for dogs to always be kept on a lead while in a forest reserve;
  • tighter restrictions around the use of generators, chainsaws and metal detectors;
  • an increase in expiation fees for offences committed under the Forestry Act 1950.

We are encouraging input from across the community including the horse riding community, recreational users and local community members.

Get involved

Read the Forestry Act 1950 and the proposed amendments to the regulations to inform your feedback.

To have your say:

ForestrySA
Forestry Regulations Amendments
Private Mailbag 2
MEADOWS
South Australia 5201

How can your input influence the decision?

Your views are important in developing a sustainable future for the recreational use of state forest reserves within the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Your feedback will assist in updating the Forestry Regulations under the Forestry Act 1950.

What are the next steps?

A summary of the feedback received will be provided on this and the ForestrySA website at the end of the consultation period and following review.

Contact details

E: recreation@forestrysa.com.au

Closing date: 5pm, Sunday 30 August 2020



Background


Now Closed

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


Forest reserves are important areas of public open space available for a variety of recreational activities within commerical pine plantation and native forest. We use an online permit system for some activities, which are subject to regulated fees, to assist in the management of recreational use within forest reserves.

The Forestry Regulations were last updated in 2013. A modest increase in regulated fees will help offset costs of the online booking system, associated administrative fees and ongoing maintenance and provision of recreational infrastructure. The transition to online permits has proven popular, with campers, horse riders and fossickers recognising the convenience of the system.

For the 2021 camping season, we intend to implement a per vehicle fee for campsite bookings, removing the current per person fee. This will mean less administration costs to process changes to bookings and cancellations. The introduction of a per vehicle fee is consistent with the National Parks and Wildlife Service campsite fee structure.

We are also seeking to amend current regulations requiring dogs to be on a lead always no greater than three metres in length. This amendment is in response to an increase in dog attacks on the public and wildlife within forest reserves as a result of dogs off lead. The requirement for dogs to be on a lead is consistent with the National Parks and Wildlife Service regulations.

Read all the proposed changes and share your feedback with us.

Consultation has concluded

  • 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.

  • Update

    Forestry Regulations 2013 approved

    Cabinet have now passed the amendments to the Forestry Regulations 2013.

  • Update

    Consultation summary report available for feedback

    The community consultation summary report is available for feedback.