Media Releases 2018
Deloitte Access Economics Study Provides Insight into Economic Impact of Native Timber Industry
30 November 2018
VicForests, today, released a study by Deloitte Access Economics showing the economic impact of native forestry in Victoria.
Commissioned by VicForests, The Economic Impact of VicForests on the Victorian Community found the native timber industry generates significant revenues and supports thousands of jobs across regional Victoria.
The study found VicForests, its customers and contractors generated $770 million in revenue during 2015/16 and supported over 2500 jobs, many which are in regional areas.
VicForests Response to ABC Claims of Illegal Harvesting
21 November 2018
VicForests refutes claims made by ABC regarding illegal harvesting.
The ABC have based their story on a narrow interpretation of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004. Under the Act, VicForests must comply with the terms and information described in the Allocation Order as gazetted.
VicForests is confident its operations are consistent with the Allocation Order including the forest zoning scheme.
Investing in Local Communities: VicForests Community Support Program 2018
29 October 2018
VicForests announced 34 community groups and organisations across Central and East Victoria would receive funding under the VicForests Community Support Program 2018.
The program supports local community groups and organisations with grants of up to $2000 to undertake projects which increase community connectedness or community development.
VicForests Receives Strong Endorsement from Responsible Wood Audit
22 October 2018
VicForests released the results of its May 2018 Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) Surveillance Audit report for Responsible Wood certification.
The audit endorsed VicForests’ strong management practices and found the organisation conformed across all AFS indicators.
VicForests Sets Out Roadmap FSC® Controlled Wood
5 October 2018
VicForests, today, released the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) audit report (May 2018) and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing certification of FSC® Controlled Wood standard.
In conjunction with the results, VicForests released its FSC® 2020: VicForests Controlled Wood Roadmap outlining the steps for VicForests to achieve its goal and address non-conformities raised in the audit.
VicForests will resubmit for certification of FSC® Controlled Wood standard by 2020.
VicForests Trailblazer Awarded Forestry Medal for Distinguished Service
7 September 2018
VicForests is celebrating the announcement of its General Manager of Strategy and Business Development, Anne Geary, as the winner of the Institute of Foresters of Australia’s NW Jolly Medal for 2018.
The NW Jolly Medal is the forestry profession’s highest and most prestigious award and recognises outstanding service and dedication to the profession of forestry across the nation. read more
Calling for Applications to VicForests’ Community Support Program
4 September 2018
Applications are now open for VicForests’ Community Support Program 2018.
VicForests’ Community Support Program provides grants and funding of up to $2000 to not-for-profit organisations and community groups which encourage community connectedness and community development.
Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s Central West Investigation Draft Proposals Paper
31st August 2018
VicForests welcomes the release of the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s (VEAC) Central West Investigation Draft Proposals Paper.
The VEAC report provides an important opportunity for public debate around the conservation, use and sustainability of public forests and reserves in central west Victoria.
Through its Community Forestry program, VicForests undertakes operations in many areas reviewed by the VEAC investigation including Mount Cole, Mount Lonarch, The Wombat and Wellsford State forests and the Pyrenees ranges. READ MORE
VicForests responds to misleading claims
31st July 2018
A media story has been prominent in the last two days alleging VicForests admitted a research project it is undertaking in East Gippsland may cause the death of Greater Gliders.
These claims are misleading. It’s important to clearly state some facts:
The words in the email referred to in the story were written a year ago and had nothing to do with the current research project.
VicForests apologises to the many interested parties who found the story distressing.
VicForests will continue to operate in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner, balancing needs of the environment, our staff and rural communities whose livelihood depends on a successful forestry industry.
This information may assist in providing some facts around the current story. read more
VicForests releases social impact scoping study summary to the Mirboo North community
5th June 2018
VicForests today released to the Mirboo North community a social impact scoping summary report that assessed concerns and support around plans to harvest coupes near the town.
VicForests’ General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Alex Messina, said he has released the report to give stakeholders, including the Preserve our Forests Steering Committee, the community and Local Government a summary of feedback provided to VicForests during interviews in August 2017.
VicForests releases social impact scoping study summary to the Noojee community
5th June 2018
VicForests today released to the Noojee community a social impact scoping summary report conducted last August that assessed concerns around plans to harvest coupes near the town.
VicForests’ General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Alex Messina, said he has released the report because it will give stakeholders including local residents and the Baw Baw Shire Council a summary of the feedback provided to VicForests during the interviews in August 2017.
Media Statement following hearing in Federal Court
10 May 2018
The Federal Court today continued an injunction brought against VicForests by the Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum (FLBP), preventing VicForests from harvesting timber in five coupes in the Central Highlands and West Gippsland.
The application for an injunction was submitted by FLBP, as part of the Amended Statement of Claim; a follow-on of the original case brought against VicForests in March regarding the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act exemption.
Quoll Sighting
9 May 2018
A Spot-tailed quoll was recently sighted in the Erica State Forest.
Spot-tailed quolls are rare; they are listed as Threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and Vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC)