Forests

Code of Practice for Timber Production

The Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007 (the Code) is a key regulatory instrument that applies to commercial timber production in both public and private native forests and plantations in Victoria. It is a statutory document prepared under Part 5 of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987. Compliance is required under the Sustainable Forest (Timber) Act 2004 and via its incorporation into the Victoria Planning Provisions.

The purpose of the Code is to ensure that commercial timber growing and timber harvesting operations are carried out on both public land and private land in such a way that: permits an economically viable, internationally competitive, sustainable timber industry is compatible with the conservation of the wide range of environmental, social and cultural values associated with timber production forests provides for the ecologically sustainable management of native forests proposed for continuous timber production enhances public confidence in the management of Victoria's forests and plantations for timber production. Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007 (PDF - 2.1 Mb)

Environmental auditing of forestry in Victoria

In 2002, the Victorian government released the Our Forests, Our Future policy with a commitment to make the application of the Code of Forest Practice for Timber Production 1996 more transparent. To deliver on this commitment, the Minister for the Environment asked EPA Victoria to engage an independent environmental auditor to assess compliance on public land with the Code. DSE ensures that timber harvesting operations are regularly audited for compliance with the regulatory framework.

You can download Forest Audits from the EPA website, or get a hard copy from DSE regional offices.

Related Links

The Code refers to various laws and policies that may be subject to change. Links to state policies and other information relevant to the Code are provided below.

• Management Procedures for Timber Harvesting Operations and Associated Activities in Victoria's State Forests 2007 (PDF - 591 KB) - Provides detailed prescriptions for forest timber harvesting operations, road construction operations, significant road improvement operations, site rehabilitation, forest regeneration and associated administrative processes.
• Native Forest Silviculture Guideline series - Provide information and recommendations on the best available practice for basic silvicultural operations carried out in Victoria's native State forests, that may be applicable to other native forest areas.
• Timber Production in the Rural Zone - Provides guidance to planning authorities about the preparation of a schedule to the Rural Zone as it relates to timber production.
• www.legislation.vic.gov.au - Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents.
• Safety in Forest Operations (Harvesting and Haulage) Industry Standard (July 2007) - Provides practical advice about working safely in Victorian forests.
• Your Health and Safety Guide to Forestry - This guide will help you understand the risks of working in forestry plantations and native state forests and will explain what you need to do to make your workplace safe.