Previously we reported only on investigations that were in response to a community report. We are now reporting on all Crown forestry investigations.
- To make a report, contact the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555 or info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
- For information on any investigations contact us on 131 555 or info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
The stages of an investigation are
- Under Investigation: the EPA is investigating the matter, collecting evidence to determine if a breach has occurred.
Investigation timeframes include both collection of evidence and legal review.
- Prosecution Commenced: the case is with the courts for a ruling or for sentencing. This category only applies to matters for prosecution.
- Investigation Completed: the investigation has been finalised and an outcome reached or recommended.
Current investigations
Last updated 11 August 2022
| Investigation Title | Investigation Stage | Date Investigation Commenced | Allegation Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currowan 502A |
Under investigation |
January 2022 |
Alleged soil erosion and/or water pollution |
| Mogo 146A |
Under investigation |
January 2022 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
| Coopernook State Forest | Under investigation | December 2021 | Alleged damage to environmentally significant area |
|
Conglomerate State Forest |
Under investigation |
May 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
|
Wild Cattle Creek 32, 33, 34 |
Prosecution commenced |
July 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
| Wild Cattle Creek 32, 33, 34 (Part 2) | Prosecution commenced |
July 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
|
Yambulla State Forest 299A |
Prosecution commenced |
October 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
|
Tomerong State Forest 1199 |
Prosecution commenced |
October 2019 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Completed investigations
| Investigation Title | Date Investigation Commenced | Allegation Category | Outcome | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Brooman 58A – Part 2 | 6 October 2020 | Alleged felling of 5 hollow bearing trees after re-commencement of harvest operations (post SWO) | Penalty notice issued to FCNSW | 23 June 2022 |
| Dampier State Forest | May 2019 | Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities | FCNSW were convicted of 3 charges, ordered to pay fines of $230,000 and the EPA's costs of $8,000 | 23 June 2022 |
| Wild Cattle Creek Cpts. 537 539 540 and 548 | December 2018 | Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
FCNSW were convicted of 4 charges, ordered to pay fines of $135,600 and the EPA’s costs of $150,000 |
9 June 2022 |
| Lower Bucca State Forest 8-14 CIFOA |
June 2020 | Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Official Caution and advisory letter issued to FCNSW |
19 April 2022 |
| Lower Bucca State Forest 8-14 CIFOA |
June 2020 | Alleged issues identified relating to operational planning requirements |
Discontinued. Closed out with correspondence |
19 April 2022 |
| Forestry Corp of NSW – Norwood Western Land Lease |
May 2021 | Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Discontinued due to lack of evidence | 7 April 2022 |
| Forestry Corp of NSW – Woodmount Western Land Lease |
May 2021 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Discontinued due to lack of evidence |
10 March 2022 |
| Mogo 161, 173A, 174 | August 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
3 penalty notices issued to FCNSW | 21 December 2021 |
|
Yambulla S.F, Cpts 345A, 350A, 355A, 357A. CIFOA -SSC |
22 July 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Advisory letter written. |
3 August 2021 |
|
Bago 47A |
October 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Advisory letter written. |
16 November 2020 |
|
Styx River State Forest |
29 October 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Formal warning issued. |
20 January 2021 |
|
Wild Cattle Creek State Forest -Compartments 551, 552 and 553 -old IFOA |
27 February 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Advisory letter written. |
2 February 2021 |
|
Olney erosion control |
23 April 2020 |
Alleged soil erosion and/or water pollution |
Official caution issued. |
3 September 2020 |
|
Olney exclusion zone breach |
23 April 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Penalty notice issued. |
16 February 2021 |
| South Brooman Compartment 58A (Part 1) |
June 2020 | Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Discontinued due to lack of evidence. | 2 May 2022 |
|
Kalateenee State Forest, South Kempsey |
22 May 2020 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Discontinued due to lack of evidence. |
16 February 2021 |
| Girard State Forest -Compartment 456 |
21 February 2020 | Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Advisory Letter issues | 4 June 2021 |
|
Bodalla State Forest, Boyne State Forest and Mogo State Forest (Swift Parrots) |
24 July 2019 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Two penalty notices issued and three official cautions issued to FCNSW. |
1 March 2021 |
|
Ballengarra State Forest |
21 August 2019 |
Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Two penalty notices and an official caution issued to FCNSW. |
26 February 2021 |
| Orara East 565 566 | November 2018 | Alleged damage to habitat of threatened species and/or ecological communities |
Two penalty notices issued | 7 January 2020 |