The independent state MLC, Justin Field, has called the decision “a gross act of bad faith by Forestry Corporation and John Barilaro as forestry minister”. Both the EPA and Forestry Corporation had been negotiating an updated set of environmental conditions which were meant to manage the long-term risks of logging in fire-affected forests. But in a statement on Wednesday, the EPA said the forestry agency had walked away from those negotiations as they related to forestry operations on the south coast. The agency said it had an obligation to “protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment in NSW” and warned the Forestry Corporation it could face regulatory action.