Timber Release Plans
The Legislative Framework
After the Allocation Order to VicForests has been gazetted by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Timber Release Plans (TRPs) are developed. Timber Release Plans show the location of areas which may be sustainably harvested and regenerated by VicForests over the next five years.
After a TRP is approved we must strictly abide by the conditions specified including harvest year, boundaries and harvesting method. Any major changes must be approved by the Secretary of DSE prior to harvest.
All TRPs are prepared in accordance with Part 5 of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004. They provide a range of information including:
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A schedule of coupes selected for timber harvesting
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The location and approximate timing of timber harvesting in the proposed coupes
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The location of any associated access roads.
A TRP may be reviewed and changed in accordance with section 43 of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004.
TRP Preparation (New and Amended)
VicForests a detailed planning process to determine where future operations may occur including intensive field and desk based assessments.
Following this process, TRPs are prepared and submitted to DSE for review and approval. Submissions to DSE are generally made on an annual basis, although they can be made at other times where exceptional circumstances exist (for example following major bushfires).
Stakeholder Consultation
All TRPs are evaluated by a number of stakeholders including DSE, Parks Victoria and Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. We also provide the opportunity for local community individuals and groups to review our initial plans when they are available and provide comment where appropriate.
The stakeholder review period is generally one month prior to submission for approval and is advertised in local newspapers, via direct mail and on our website.
Please email vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au if you wish to be informed of future harvesting plans.
VicForests' Timber Harvesting Schedule - Central Highlands
The Timber Harvesting Schedule is a list of coupes VicForests intends to harvest to meet sales commitments, contract commitments and operational requirements. Click here to see VicForests' Timber Harvesting Schedule - Central Highlands (Sept 2011 - June 2012).
This schedule lists the coupe number and an indicative time of harvest for all coupes on the Plan. These coupes have been selected from the approved Central Highlands Timber Release Plan.
For further information regarding these plans please email vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au or contact VicForests' Healesville office on (03) 5969 9000.
The stakeholder review period is generally one month prior to submission for approval and is advertised in local newspapers, via direct mail and on our website.
Please email vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au if you wish to be informed of future harvesting plans.
VicForests' Timber Harvesting Schedule - Central Highlands
The Timber Harvesting Schedule is a list of coupes VicForests intends to harvest to meet sales commitments, contract commitments and operational requirements. Click here to see VicForests' Timber Harvesting Schedule - Central Highlands (Sept 2011 - June 2012).
This schedule lists the coupe number and an indicative time of harvest for all coupes on the Plan. These coupes have been selected from the approved Central Highlands Timber Release Plan.
For further information regarding these plans please email vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au or contact VicForests' Healesville office on (03) 5969 9000.