VicForests is seeking stakeholder and community comments on proposed changes to the Timber Release Plan. The TRP identifies potential operational areas for the coming years and is updated regularly as part of VicForests’ ordinary planning process. Source: Timberbiz
The proposed changes will add new operational areas (called coupes) for harvesting and access, amend areas already on the plan and remove coupes that have been successfully regenerated or are no longer required.
Community feedback is sought on matters that should be considered by VicForests in deciding whether to include specific areas in the plan or as part of more detailed planning undertaken prior to commencement of activities in the proposed new areas.
“Areas on the approved TRP undergo further detailed assessments and planning before harvesting occurs,” VicForests Chief Executive Officer Monique Dawson said.
“We are particularly interested in feedback about ways we can plan our future activities to minimise impacts on local communities.”
It is important that interested members of the public use this opportunity to make themselves known to VicForests to enable further engagement on specific issues as part of this detailed planning.
Public and stakeholder feedback on the proposed TRP is open from 2 July to 30 July.
“The plan is essential to meeting our ongoing obligations to supply responsibly sourced timber to local customers and contractors in accordance with the Victorian Forestry Plan,” Ms Dawson said.
All VicForests’ timber harvesting and regeneration operations are conducted in line with Victoria’s strict environmental regulations and the State’s Forest Management Zoning scheme and are subject to oversight by an independent regulator.
A schedule of proposed timber harvesting areas, maps indicating approximate locations and a feedback form for public comment are available at
https://www.vicforests.com.au/planning-1/proposed-timber-release-plan-july-2021
Submissions can also be provided via email to [email protected] or made in writing and sent to: VicForests, GPO Box 191, Melbourne, 3001 from 2 July until 5pm on 30 July 2021
