Annual Compliance Report 2019: Ecological Thinning Trial in New South Wales River Red Gum Forests

Abstract

This report details the compliance status of the Ecological Thinning Trial conducted in New South Wales River Red Gum forests under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) approval conditions (EPBC 2013/6713). Covering the monitoring period from June 14, 2018 to June 13, 2019, the report assesses adherence to eleven specified conditions designed to protect threatened species, migratory species, and wetlands of international importance. While thinning operations were completed in August 2017, post-thinning monitoring continued throughout the reporting period. The Office of Environment and Heritage maintained full compliance with all applicable conditions, with no adverse impacts recorded on protected species or environments. The report documents continued monitoring activities, record-keeping practices, and public accessibility of compliance documentation, demonstrating successful implementation of the trial's environmental management and experimental design plans during its post-operational phase.