Victoria's Forests

Victoria’s native forests provide a diverse variety of products and services to the community.

Our forests provide habitat for native terrestrial and aquatic organisms, from invertebrates essential for nutrient cycling to iconic Australian marsupials, thereby playing a vital role in the conservation of biodiversity.

Forests also make an important contribution to Victoria's economy by supporting regional communities, and by providing excellent opportunities for recreation and tourism. In fact, more people visit our forests for recreation and amenity than for any other purpose. Indigenous and cultural heritage, education, and aesthetic values of our forests are also highly prized.

The provision of clean water, sequestration and storage of atmospheric carbon, and maintenance of fertile soils which support healthy and productive forest ecosystems are critical processes performed by Victoria's forests.

Victorians expect their forest ecosystems to be protected for current and future generations to enjoy, whilst continuing to provide sustainably derived forest products such as high-quality timber, firewood and honey.

	State of the Forests Report 2008 Report to improve openness, accountability and community engagement in forest management.
	Biological Diversity Discover the richness and diversity of life forms in our environment, including species of native plants, animals and micro-organisms.
	Productive Capacity Forests are important to our ecological, economic and social wellbeing. They provide wood and non-wood products, recreational opportunities and other non-market goods and services.
	Ecosystem Health The scale and impact of natural processes and human activities on the health of forest ecosystems are important considerations in sustainable forest management.
	Soil and Water Soil and water are fundamental to any ecosystem, and vital to the health and productivity of our forests.
	Carbon Cycles Forests act as an important part of the global carbon cycle, storing carbon in both vegetation and the soil.
	Socio-Economic Benefits Forests provide many social and economic benefits for the communities that interact with them, including Indigenous communities.
	Legal, Institutional and Economic Framework The legal, institutional and economic frameworks support sustainable forest management. They also provide the capacity to monitor change and to conduct and apply research and development.