VicForests is seeking stakeholder and community comment on its proposed Timber Release Plan (TRP) and Timber Utilisation Plan (TUP) changes. The TRP and TUP identify potential timber harvesting areas for the coming years and are being prepared as part of VicForests’ regular planning process. Source: Timberbiz
The proposed changes to the plans include the addition of new coupes including access roads, removal of unharvested coupes, and amendments to coupes already part of the plans.
The TRP covers seven forest management areas in the east of the of the state while the TUP is related to Community Forestry operations, predominately occurring in the west of the state.
These plans are separate to the TRP changes made in July 2020 which focused on post-fire recovery.
Public and stakeholder feedback on the proposed TRP and TUP is open from 7 August to 14 September.
The standard consultation period has been extended in acknowledgment of the disruption to people’s schedules caused by coronavirus.
“The plans support ongoing responsible timber supply to local customers and contractors in accordance with Victorian Government policy,”
VicForests Chief Executive Officer Monique Dawson said.
VicForests’ harvesting and regeneration techniques focus on the protection of high conservation values.
Following the consultation period, VicForests’ TRP and TUP will be submitted to its board for consideration and approval. All operations are required to comply with the detailed regulations that relate to responsible timber harvesting in Victoria, and 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/proposed-timber-release-plan-august-2020 and https://www.vicforests.com.au/proposedtup
Other information: https://www.vicforests.com.au/static/uploads/files/vicforests-trp-including-approved-changes-july-2020-wfhqppwzzsig.pdf
Submissions can also be provided via email to [email protected] or made in writing and sent to: VicForests, GPO Box 191, Melbourne, 3001 from 7 August until 5pm on 14 September 2020.
