Regional Assessments
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The Resource and Conservation Assessment Council (RACAC) was formed in May 1995 to implement the NSW Government's forest policies. RACAC aims to balance forest conservation with ecologically sustainable forest industries through Regional Forest Assessments and Forest Agreements. Incorporation of Aboriginal values in the assessments and agreements are facilitated through Aboriginal Management Committees.
RACAC has completed forest assessments and agreements in the coastal public forested lands (stage 1 assessments). Stage 1 included the expansion of conservation reserves and nomination of forested lands for Aboriginal ownership.
Stage 1 also saw the creation of agreements for the Pilliga and Goonoo State forests. RACAC is assisting dialogue with Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal Land Councils, Elder groups, and other groups within these communities. An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment and Community Consultation project includes consultation with Aboriginal communities about the cultural values and assessment process; consultation with landholders regarding cultural values; and a cultural heritage survey which uses landforms to model the potential cultural values. An Aboriginal liaison officer, based in Dubbo, is assisting consultation with the Aboriginal community.
Stage 2 assessments are currently taking place in the Brigalow Belt South bioregion as part of the Western Regional Assessment (WRA).
To find out more about regional assessments you can contact the Department of Aboriginal Affairs on 9219 0700
