Community consultation on updates to Timber Release Plan and Timber Utilisation Plan

VicForests is seeking stakeholder and community comments on proposed changes to both the Timber Release Plan (TRP) and the Timber Utilisation Plan (TUP).

The TRP covers areas where we may conduct operations in state forests, including timber harvesting, while the TUP covers Community Forestry operations, predominantly occurring in the west of the state.

The proposed changesinclude the addition of new coupes for harvesting and access, propose coupe boundary changes and remove coupes that have been successfully regenerated or are no longer required. These plans are updated regularly as part of VicForests’ planning process.

VicForests Chief Executive Officer Monique Dawson said: “This consultation is a vital part of VicForests’ processes and we welcome feedback to any proposed changes to the TRP and the TUP.

“Relevant information received through the consultation is fed back into our assessments for consideration before harvesting.”

The consultation period for feedback is from 15 March to 12 April 2022.

In launching the consultation process, Ms Dawson said: “The regular updates to these plans are important to ensuring continuous supply of sustainably sourced timber to our contractors, licensees and customers. It is essential we continue to meet our obligations to supply responsibly sourced timber in line with the Victorian Forestry Plan.”

All VicForests’ timber harvesting and regeneration operations must comply with the regulations around responsible timber harvesting in Victoria, and are subject to oversight by an independent regulator.

A schedule of proposed timber harvesting areas and maps are available at:

Submissions can be provided via email to vfs.trp@vicforests.com.au or made in writing and sent to: VicForests, GPO Box 191, Melbourne, 3001 from 15 March until 5pm on 12 April 2022.