At VicForests we believe that ongoing improvements to our forest management and harvesting methods are vital to responsible forest stewardship. As such, we seek to work with relevant and credible bodies to improve our practices beyond what is mandated. Going above and beyond to improve our operations and protect the flora and fauna in the areas we operate is at the heart of our ethos. 
 
That’s why we are pleased with the latest independent audit on operations conducted in 30 coupes across the Central Highlands, Gippsland and East Gippsland Regional Forest Agreement areas.  

This audit was conducted according to four themes: environmental values in State forests, conservation of biodiversity, operational planning and record keeping and coupe infrastructure for timber harvesting operations.  

As part of its Annual Forest Audit program, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) commissions an Environmental Protection Authority accredited auditor to conduct an audit of VicForests’ operations.  

Coupes for the audit were selected using a risk-based procedure that prioritised coupes with high risk features and associated with special values: waterway crossings; long lengths of in-coupe road; steep slopes, more erosive soils; rainforest vegetation in close proximity; presence of threatened flora and/or fauna; Special Protection or Special Management Zones (SPZ and SMZ respectively) in close proximity. 

This audit was conducted according to four themes: environmental values in State forests, conservation of biodiversity, operational planning and record keeping and coupe infrastructure for timber harvesting operations.  

The 2020/21 audit found VicForests achieved an average of 94 per cent compliance across:   
•    Protection of forest soils   
•    Protection of water flows, water quality and river health   
•    Protection of biodiversity values   
•    Road maintenance and closure practices   
•    Coupe planning  

As coupe selection was risk-based, rather than fully randomised, the findings of this audit cover a portion of VicForests’ operations, with lower-risk areas not audited.

These findings are a testament to the diligent and detailed work our passionate staff undertake in the forest with commitment and care for the environment. Our staff are committed to continuously improving our practices and strive to demonstrate excellence in all that we do. Which is why our sustainable forest management activities are informed by the latest research and guided by best practice. And it’s important to us that anyone who buys timber products harvested by VicForests can be secure in the knowledge that it has been harvested responsibly, sustainably and with care and respect for our forests. 

As part of our continuous improvement program, we use findings from these audits to improve our operational practices. Following on from the 2020/21 audit, we will increase our focus on including a selection of salvage coupes in ongoing post-harvest monitoring, reviewing and updating our procedures, and providing further training to staff around soil and water protection associated with coupe infrastructure.  

Our harvesting operations are subject to the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 (as amended 2022) (the Code) and Schedule 1 to the Code, Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations in Victoria’s State forests. 
 
Our activities are highly scrutinised through extensive internal, external, certification and regulatory audits, including Responsible Wood Certification Scheme audits every three years and surveillance audits every nine months.  
 
We welcome regular audits as protecting our precious flora and wildlife in our native forests to the highest possible standards is central to everything we do.