Private native forestry

Private native forestry is the management of native vegetation on private property for sustainable logging and timber production. Learn how we regulate this area and about recent changes to the framework.

Sustainable timber harvesting

Harvesting timber for the purposes of PNF requires approval through a private native forestry plan (PNF Plan), ensuring that ecologically sustainable forest management is implemented and measures are put in place to mitigate impacts on plants, animals, soil and water.

Private native forestry plans

A PNF Plan is an approval under the Local Land Services Act 2013 to carry out private native forestry operations in accordance with the minimum operating standards set out in the relevant PNF Code of Practice (PNF Code).

A PNF Plan holder is a landholder with an approved PNF plan. PNF Codes of Practice require landholders to complete a forest operation plan, which describes the proposed forestry operations, before commencing PNF operations. Anyone carrying out forestry activities must comply with the PNF Plan, the relevant PNF Code and the forest management plan.

For more information see the Local Land Services website.

Local Land Services and private native forestry

Local Land Services (LLS) assumed responsibility for approval of PNF activities on 30 April 2018. Local Land Services provides land planning and forestry advice to landholders and administers the approval process for PNF Plans.

See Local Land Services for more information on PNF approval and advice services.

The EPA and private native forestry

A machine loader harvests timber as part of a private native forestry operation on the Mid North Coast NSW

The EPA is responsible for PNF monitoring and compliance. We ensure that PNF operations follow approved PNF Plans and the relevant PNF Code of Practice, which are designed to ensure PNF activity remains sustainable and its impact on other plants and animals is minimised. We ensure compliance by using a variety of methods that may include analysis of data such as satellite imagery and remote sensing tools, timber mill records and field visits.

PNF Plan holders’ responsibilities

Notifications

Landholders are required to notify LLS of the commencement and completion of forestry operations within 30 days prior to commencing forestry operations, and within 30 days following completion of forestry operations. New notifications are required if the 30 days lapses prior to commencement.

Landholders can download a template to notify Local Land Services of the commencement and completion of operations from their Local Land Services website.

Inspections

We are required to inspect PNF activities from time to time; inspections are required by the PNF Plan approval and the Local Land Services Act 2013. We will contact you to organise a suitable time and day. Plan holders do not need to be present during inspections.

Frequently asked questions

PNF is regulated under Part 5B of the Local Lands Services Act 2013. This sets out a requirement to seek approval from the Local Lands Service to undertake PNF. In addition, the Act requires all native forestry operations on private land to comply with the environment protection and forestry management rules set out in regionally based Private Native Forestry Codes of Practice.
Local Land Services (LLS) are responsible for approval and extension services for private native forestry. The EPA is responsible for compliance and enforcement of PNF Plans and the PNF Codes of Practice.
The Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code regulates certain types of land clearing for pasture or cropping on privately-held rural land in NSW. It is prohibited from being used on land subject to a PNF plan.
No. The Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2017 does not authorise clearing of native vegetation for forestry operations, nor clearing on land subject to a PNF Plan.
Landholders can carry out most allowable activities, on land subject to a PNF Plan. Some restrictions apply to land subject to a PNF plan, and landholders should review Schedule 5A of the Local Land Services Act 2013, or seek advice from the Local Lands Service.
Penalties for breaching a PNF Plan or PNF Code are the same amount as for a clearing offence under the Local Land Services Act 2013. On the spot fines are $15,000 for a corporation and $5,000 for an individual.

For more information on private native forestry approvals, contact Local Land Services.

Questions about private native forestry compliance and enforcement or the Government’s reforms to native forestry regulation should be directed to info@epa.nsw.gov.au.