Mr Nathan Trushell
VicForests is seeking comment from local community members on proposed changes to the Timber Release Plan (TRP). Source: Timberbiz
VicForests Acting CEO, Nathan Trushell, said any amendment to the Timber Release Plan would not change the overall level of harvesting.
“The changes will be reflected in the locations where operations will occur, within areas already designated for timber harvesting in State forest, over the next five years,” he said.
The proposed changes to the TRP focus on options for timber harvesting which are outside the areas identified as most important for conservation as part of the current Forest Industry Taskforce process.
“There also continues to be an increase in the number of Leadbeater’s Possum colonies found in State forest, with each new colony found protected by a 12 hectare reserve area.
“Amending the TRP will provide the timber industry with further flexibility to work around the new reserves being created for the protection of Leadbeater’s Possum,” Mr Trushell said.
The community consultation period will run from 2 November to 23 November 2016 and relate to operations in the North East and West Gippsland regions.
Community feedback is sought on specific operational aspects of our proposed new harvesting locations or boundary changes. This process is an opportunity to provide comment regarding concerns with:
- The timing of harvesting operations;
- The use of particular haulage routes;
- The proximity of proposed harvesting to private property or public use areas; or
- The identification and protection of other forest values within specific harvesting sites.
“We welcome the community to raise any specific concerns they may have about the proposed operations. Public submissions are closely considered by VicForests’ Planning staff before the plans are finalised,” Mr Trushell said.
The finalised Timber Release Plans, along with all submissions received, are then submitted to the VicForests’ Board of Directors for consideration and approval. These plans must be approved before harvesting commences and all operations are required to comply the detailed regulations which relate to native timber harvesting in Victoria.
A schedule of proposed coupes, maps indicating approximate locations and a feedback form for public comment are available on our website at vicforests.com.au/Proposedtrp
Submissions can be sent to [email protected], via our website at vicforests.com.au/proposedtrpsubmission or in writing to: VicForests, GPO Box 191, Melbourne, 3001 during the specified feedback period.
