VicForests has released an amended Timber Release Plan (TRP) to support the new transition timeframe out of native harvesting.  

The TRP covers areas where we may conduct operations in state forests, including timber harvesting. These areas are divided into sections of the forest called coupes. 

The approved TRP changes include 184 new coupes, 12 coupe boundary changes and 2 coupe driveway additions for previously approved coupes.  

VicForests’ Board has approved the amendments to the TRP, in accordance with the requirements of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004, and a notice in relation to the amended TRP was published in the Victoria Government Gazette S 323 on 23 June 2023.   

In light of Court orders, new reserves and species detections, there are currently significant constraints that limit the ability to plan a coupe to harvest stage. As a result, VicForests requires flexibility in the coupes available for harvest to provide supply and employment for industry during the Government’s managed transition to 1 January 2024.

All timber harvesting and regeneration operations are subject to Victoria’s strict environmental regulations, including the State’s Forest Management Zoning scheme. 

VicForests’ operations are regulated and monitored by Victoria’s Office of the Conservation Regulator. VicForests is committed to complying with or exceeding regulatory controls to ensure the sustainable management of forest areas. 

A schedule of the approved timber harvesting areas as well as location maps are available on the VicForests website at: www.vicforests.com.au/timber-release-plan  

Ongoing feedback on the approved TRP is welcome and can be directed to vfs.engage@vicforests.com.au.