Public consultation is open on the draft Terms of Reference for DEECA’s strategic assessment under the EPBC Act for planned bushfire management works. This is an important opportunity for individuals and community groups to highlight where these processes are failing forests, wildlife and communities.
In its current form, the draft Terms of Reference risk enabling a Strategic Assessment that legitimises existing destructive practices rather than confronting them.
In VFA’s view, this Strategic Assessment risks becoming a pathway to obtain a broad federal ‘green tick’ for large-scale habitat destruction unless the Terms of Reference are substantially strengthened. The ToR currently assumes that DEECA’s governance, data systems and operational processes are functioning effectively. Our collective experience shows this assumption is false.
The VFA has written a submission, which you can use to support your own. Pay particular attention to the numbered recommendations on the last page. Access it here.
Our submission focuses on the need for the Strategic Assessment to interrogate real-world practice, not merely policy frameworks on paper.
VFA calls on the Federal Government to approach this process with caution and independence, recognising that Victoria’s forests are living ecosystems and irreplaceable homes for threatened wildlife already struggling to survive and that
communities are watching this process closely. Short-term administrative convenience must not override responsibility to future generations, because decisions taken now will shape the survival of forest species and directly affect the health, resilience and wellbeing of communities across Victoria.
We strongly encourage all VFA member groups and supporters to submit their own examples, including:
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flawed or biased assessments
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problems with the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas
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and DEECA’s failure to properly consider evidence from citizen scientists.
The process is simple:
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Enter your group’s details
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Answer the two questions:
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What is your opinion on the draft Terms of Reference?
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Do you have any recommendations for the draft Terms of Reference? AND/OR
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You can lodge a submission without answering the two questions
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Supporting documents (reports, photos, data) can also be uploaded (up to 4).
Make your submission via the online portal here.
Submissions are due 20 February 2026.
If you’d like support or want someone to look over a draft, just get in touch at [email protected]
Let’s make sure that Forest Fire Management are subject to proper regulation and oversight.