Ordered to be published

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER June 2018

PP No 399, Session 2014–18

RFAs between the Commonwealth and the states designate areas that can be logged under state supervision.

RFAs are designed to provide for access to forest resources, making possible continued development of internationally competitive and ecologically sustainable industries. They also aim to identify industry development opportunities and protect the environmental and heritage values of forests through national parks and other conservation reserves.

Figure C1 shows the state's five RFA regions.

Figure C1
Victoria's RFA regions

Figure B1 shows an example of a fish report card from the Wild Trout Fisheries Management Program. It contains information on the overall health of the species.

The VFA is compiling similar report cards for 14 native fish in a joint project with DELWP called the Native Fish Report Card Program.

Figure B1
Example of a fish report card for wild trout, 2017

We have consulted with VFA, DELWP, DEDJTR and VicForests, and we considered their views when reaching our audit conclusions. As required by section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, we gave a draft copy of this report, or relevant extracts, to those agencies and asked for their submissions and comments. We also provided a copy to the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the relevant agency head.

Responses were received as follows:

2.1 Context

Just over 3 million hectares (ha) of Victoria's 7.9 million ha of public forest is state forest, where native timber harvesting is permitted. Around 450 000 ha of this (15 per cent) is available and commercially suitable for timber production in eastern Victoria, where the actual area harvested has averaged 3 000 ha annually over the last five years. Small-scale timber harvesting also occurs in western Victoria.

1.1 Context

Victoria's freshwater creeks, rivers, lakes and dams are home to native and introduced fish species. Native fish are integral to the health of these waterways, and many native and introduced species are important for recreational fishing.

This report follows up two performance audits we completed in 2012–13 and 2013–14.

Performance audits focus on the efficiency, economy, effectiveness and legislative compliance of public sector agencies, and include recommendations to improve the management and delivery of public services.

The Victorian Auditor-General’s Annual Plan 2018–19 was prepared pursuant to the requirements of section 7A of the Audit Act 1994, and tabled in the Victorian Parliament on 6 June 2018.