Register of investigations

To make a report, contact the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555 or info@epa.nsw.gov.au.

Only reports related to the on-ground conduct of logging operations on State Forests which in the opinion of the EPA warrant significant further enquiry and evidence collection are placed on the register. It includes investigations into native forestry operations that have been finalised or commenced since 1 January 2019. The register is not live and is updated by the EPA from time to time.

For information on reports not on the register, contact us on 131 555 or info@epa.nsw.gov.au.

The stages of an investigation are:

1. Planning for investigation
2. Collection and analysis of evidence
3. Finalising investigation
4. Regulatory decision made.

Stages 2 and 3 can take a significant period of time as the EPA must ensure that sufficient evidence has been collected to support a regulatory decision. More information can be found in Questions and Answers. 

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of this register?

• The register aims to keep community members who lodge reports with the EPA up to date on progress of EPA enquiries and investigations.

Why is my report not on the register?

• The register houses a subset of community reports only.

• Reports that raise concerns about Private Native Forestry Operations are not captured on the register.

• Reports that do not relate to the on-ground conduct of a forestry operation and do not contain specific allegations of non-compliance with the Integrated Forestry Operations Approval are not captured on the register.

• Reports that are resolved quickly through initial phone or in-field enquiries are also not captured on the register. This is because these reports are considered inquiries and due to the nature of the reports do not result in significant on-ground regulatory effort. 

What are the allegation categories and where do these categories come from?

• The EPA broadly categorises allegations in community reports after a review of content. A number of categories may be applicable to any given report.
• The allegation categories currently are:
  
  • Alleged harm to animals and/or picking of plants
  • Alleged damage to habitat of a threatened species and/or ecological communities
  • Alleged soil erosion and/or water pollution

• The EPA uses its best endeavours to ensure the register adequate categorises the nature of the complaint. However, it does not warrant the accuracy of the categories and is not responsible for any loss suffered as a result of reliance on it.

• New categories may be added from time to time or existing categories may change as the register develops.

What further information can I get about report progress?

• While investigations are underway, the EPA will limit information about the detail and status of evidence collection or analysis to ensure the investigation remains independent.

• However, the EPA will provide updates about any significant developments in the progress of investigations in a timely manner. These changes will be reflected in updates to the register.

• When an investigation is completed, notification of the outcome from investigation is provided directly to the community member who lodged the report. The register will be updated accordingly.

Why is my report taking so long to investigate?

• Investigations of native forestry operations can take significant time to finalise, often up to and beyond a year.

• Investigations may involve several aspects including the collection of evidence, obtaining expert advice and obtaining legal advice.

• The timeframes are dependent on the complexity and volume of allegations, and the scale of the forestry operation.

What kind of information is noted on the register?

• The register is only intended to provide high-level information on allegations made by members of the public regarding logging operations on public forestry land. Allegations included in the register are prompted by reports made by members of the public to the EPA, which in the EPA’s opinion warrants significant further enquiry. They are not matters that have been proven or determined as requiring or being the subject of further regulatory action.

• While the EPA endeavours to ensure that the content of the register is accurate, it does not warrant the accuracy of the register and is not responsible for any loss suffered as a result of reliance on it.

When an investigation is concluded what action can the EPA take?

• After an investigation has concluded, the EPA determines the appropriate course of action, including whether regulatory action is warranted and if so what type of regulatory action is appropriate, in accordance with the EPA's Compliance Policy.

How can I make a report?

• If you have any information about forestry operations on State Forests that do not appear to comply with the IFOA, please contact us on 131 555 or at info@epa.nsw.gov.au

• Please ensure you include the following information:

  • State Forest
  • Compartment
  • Closest town
  • Date you observed the issue
  • Closest road, trail or log dump
  • GPS co-ordinates (if known), or diagram showing the location of the allegation
  • Details of your observation including as much identifying information as possible
  • Details of what you are alleging
  • Contact details, in case we need to obtain more information from you and to ensure we can advise you of the outcome of the inquiry or investigation.

What if I do not want my report included on the register?

• Please notify us if you would prefer not to have allegations in your report included on this register when you are making a report.