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 File - 2.1 MB]
Proposed variations to the Code of Practice for timber production (updated March 2013)
Public submissions on a proposed variation to the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007 were invited between November 2011 and February 2012. A large number of submissions were received and referred to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change for consideration.
After reviewing public submissions, the Minister decided to withdraw the proposed variation to the Code of Practice.
The Victorian Government’s intention outlined in the Timber Industry Action Plan 2011 to 'appropriately balance the conservation of biodiversity with the supply of timber and other commercial forest products to generate socio-economic benefits for Victorian communities' will be met through the 'new strategic approach to biodiversity management' project.
This $1.86 million project is the largest of its kind in more than a decade, and will deliver up-to-date information on the distribution and habitat of key species in our native forests. On completion, DEPI will be able to proactively manage listed threatened species. It will allow land managers to appropriately balance the conservation of biodiversity with the supply of timber and other commercial forest products to generate benefits for the Victorian community.
Compliance with the Code of Practice
The department ensures that all timber harvesting operations are undertaken in compliance with relevant legislation and with the Code of Practice. Find out more about timber harvesting compliance.
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, Roading and Regeneration of Victoria's State Forests 2009 - 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.