Haulage

Haulage of Timber

Each year, VicForests' haulage contractors move over one million cubic metres of timber from the forest to our customers.

The safety of the public and our truck drivers is of paramount importance when undertaking these haulage operations and we aim to protect both the community and our contractors.

Our haulage contractors share the same responsibilities as all other drivers when using public roads. All haulage operations must comply with VicForests' 'Haulage Code of Behaviour' to ensure safety for all road users.

If you observe a problem with one of our log trucks, we encourage you to email: vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au with the details of the date, time, location and truck registration number.

You will be contacted by a VicForests staff member to discuss your concern.

Haulage Code of Behaviour

We have developed a Haulage Code of Behaviour with our haulage contractors which covers travel on roads in Victoria's State forests.

This Code has been signed by all of our haulage contractors and outlines details such as which forest roads can be used by loaded log trucks and when this travel can occur.

Log trucks are entitled to use public roads and must adhere to the same road rules as other drivers. We develop Haulage Plans to minimise disruption to residents and help to maintain safety for both the general public and our truck drivers.

Haulage plans are specific to the relevant area and include information such as when and where school buses operate.

Out of Hours Haulage

Haulage contractors are permitted to cart timber out of State forests during the hours between sunrise and sunset from Monday to Saturday.

Any haulage on forest roads taking place outside of these hours must be approved by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

DSE approval is required for use of forest roads only. Standard road rules apply elsewhere.

Current State Forest Out of Hours Haulage Approvals (2011-12)

VicForests currently has approval for Out of Hours haulage from State Forests in the following districts:

Central Highlands	East Gippsland
Marysville	Erica
Broadford - Mt Disappointment	Cabbage Tree
Noojee	Cann River
Powelltown
Alexandra
Toolangi
Heyfield

Road Closures

Harvesting operations sometimes occur adjacent to public roads. To ensure safety, it may be necessary to close these roads for short periods. If this occurs then appropriate signage is placed to advise the public. VicForests also notifies local residents of the reasons for the closure as well as when and where the road will be closed.

Current Approved Road Closures

Central Highlands

Alexandra, Broadford, Marysville and Toolangi Districts

Erica, Noojee and Powelltown Districts

Attachments

VicForests Haulage Code of Behaviour

Links