Reporting alleged non-compliances of the regulatory framework for timber harvesting

The regulatory framework for timber harvesting and associated activities, such as roading and regeneration, in Victoria’s State forests is designed to ensure that sustainable forest management outcomes, as described in relevant legislation and policy, are achieved.

Ensuring timber harvesting and associated activities in Victoria’s State forests comply with the regulatory framework for timber harvesting is a key area of responsibility for the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Forests and Parks Division.

In 2010, the Department implemented a Forest Audit Program to monitor and assess compliance of timber harvesting operations with the regulatory framework for timber harvesting and associated activities. Independent third-party auditors appointed under the Environment Protection Act 1970 conduct desktop and site inspections and publicly report their findings.

Where the Department receives sufficient information and evidence to reasonably conclude a potential non-compliance of the regulatory framework has occurred, the Forests and Parks Division will coordinate compliance assessments additional to those of the Forest Audit Program.

A key element of the Department’s compliance approach is working together with regional departmental and VicForests staff, timber industry employees, environmental groups and members of the community to monitor compliance with the regulatory framework for timber harvesting and associated activities. Information provided by these sources can assist the Department to identify and prioritise matters for investigation, and can inform potential audit targets for the Forest Audit Program.

The Reporting Alleged Non-compliances Factsheet contains information about how to report an alleged non-compliance, the type and standard of information and supporting evidence required, the assessment and investigation processes, and who to contact for further information.

Reporting Alleged Non-compliances Factsheet [PDF File - 430.8 KB]

Alleged Non-compliance Report Form [RTF File - 188.5 KB]

Alleged Non-compliance Report Form [PDF File - 48.2 KB]

Alleged non-compliances should be documented in an Alleged Non-compliance Report Form and submitted, with supporting evidence, to: