Here you will find the latest news and our media releases and statements.
LATEST NEWS
Independent research finds harvesting does not impact water quality
20 June 2024Read more
VicForests conducted thousands of night surveys
12 June 2024Read statement
HAZARD ALERT - Threatening and aggressive driving risks lives
31 May 2024Read hazard alert
Response to false and misleading claim aired on ABC Mornings
24 May 2024Read statement
Setting the record straight - yet again
14 March 2024Read statement
VicForests Community Forestry statement
25 January 2024Read statement
Students from Lilydale’s Ranges TEC have received awards for signature furniture pieces crafted from native timber donated by Powelltown Sawmills as part of their community awareness course requirements.
Throughout October, VicForests is embracing National Safe Work Month by committing to continually building a safer and healthier workplace for our valued staff.
VicForests is please with the latest independent audit conducted in 32 coupes with harvesting operations in 2020–21 across the Central Highlands.
Victoria’s oldest farm forestry demonstration site is being restored through a partnership between VicForests, Gippsland Agroforestry Network and Lardner Park.
VicForests has started its annual planting season after receiving a delivery of more than 200,000 seedlings.
VicForests has awarded about $850,000 in grants through its Gippsland Farm Forestry Program to 16 landholders across Gippsland to assist in planning, establishing and managing a total of 274.3 hectares of new farm forests.
VicForests acknowledges the final report issued by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) into alleged surveillance of members of the public more than a decade ago.
Students from Ranges TEC have experienced hardwood timber production from start to finish thanks to a partnership between the Lilydale-based school, Powelltown Sawmills and VicForests.
This Sunday 30 July is National Tree Day and VicForests is taking the opportunity to share its work in growing seedlings and collecting seeds for its forest regeneration works with the community.
VicForests has released an amended Timber Release Plan (TRP) to support the new transition timeframe out of native harvesting.
The Victorian Government has decided to bring forward the cessation of native timber harvesting to 1 January 2024.
On Wild Koala Day, VicForests is taking the opportunity to remind Victorians of the care it takes for the environment and its wildlife when undertaking harvesting operations.
VicForests is, and always has been, committed to meeting its obligations diligently under the FOI Act and takes its obligations under the Act very seriously.
The Supreme Court has not found that VicForests' 'illegally harvested'.
The Court’s findings and Orders are about additional surveying that needs to be undertaken before future timber harvesting operations to meet the Court's new interpretation of what is required under the regulations.
VicForests has released the amended Timber Release Plan (TRP).
Statements in each of the broadcasts conveyed that the Office of the Conservations Regulator (OCR) had found logging breaches by VicForests had put Melbourne’s drinking water at risk. ACMA found that these statements by the ABC did not accurately reflect the OCR’s published statements.
This event as an opportunity to reflect on what is important to it as an organisation, its communities and its people.
Read about how we will continue to adapt our management in response to new information and will consider the updated Greater Glider conservation advice.
VicForests is establishing a program to encourage the expansion of farm forestry to help meet critical future timber and fibre requirements.
Read about how VicForests is assisting with timber recovery following the 2021 storms.
Our approach to conducting operations in wet conditions considers the best outcome for the environment and the safety of our staff, contractors and licensees.
VicForests engages regularly with independent experts to ensure that it applies scientific rigour and best practice to forest management operations across Victoria. To support the sustainable management of State forests, we established the VicForests Science Committee in 2021.
Up to 5 million seedlings per year are set to be grown using reclaimed wastewater after VicForests signed a lease agreement with East Gippsland Water to create a new State Forest Nursery.
Researchers are investigating active forest management to find ways to increase forest resilience and reduce the risk of these landscape scale, high severity fires.
As we celebrate International Day of Forests today, it is important to remember that sustainability is front of mind with everything we do at VicForests.
VicForests is seeking stakeholder and community comments on proposed changes to the Timber Release Plan (TRP).
As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, I’d like to acknowledge the inspiring women who work at and lead VicForests.
VicForests has ensured there are more trees in the ground in Victoria, planting nearly 80,000 seedlings as it continues to support the delivery of the State Government’s Victorian Forestry Plan (VFP).
At VicForests, caring for the environment in which we operate is our primary concern. As leaders in sustainable forest management our activities are informed by the latest scientific research and guided by best practice.
Bushfire is a significant threat to Victorians and our forests. VicForests is committed to the mitigation and suppression of fires to protect communities, assets and environmental and cultural values.
In response to an article in the Weekly Times today, Chair of VicForests Board, Chris Lovell confirms the Minister for Agriculture did not direct VicForests Board regarding the judgement debt owed by MyEnvironment Inc.
With 2022 in full swing, forest management in Victoria has never been more important.
New research published in Forest Ecology and Management highlights the need for active forest management as climate changes worsens and severe fires become more common.
Vicforests’ responsibility is to regenerate harvested forests to the standard of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 (as amended November 2021) and the associated Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations in Victoria’s State forests 2021.
The VicForests Board of Directors has commissioned an external investigation into claims made public last week.
VicForests is disappointed to see yet another repeat of claims and allegations that have been previously made, have resulted in an apology from the ABC and are currently being investigated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. VicForests will refer this latest conduct to ACMA and seek to have this behaviour added to our existing complaint.
At VicForests we take our responsibility of sustainably harvesting in our state forests for today and future generations seriously. That is why we welcome the Responsible Wood Statement on the Management of Australia’s Native Forests.
At VicForests, caring for the environment in which we operate is our primary concern. As leaders in sustainable forest management our activities are informed by the latest research and guided by best practice.
VicForests welcomes the clarification in the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 regarding harvesting on steep slopes.
New research led by VicForests has found that preserving and creating midstorey forest connectivity is critical to maintaining Leadbeater’s Possum populations.
Post-harvest surveys have shown VicForests’ harvesting and regeneration practices are better protecting Victoria’s wildlife as species are now commonly found immediately within or around completed harvest areas.
VicForests has released the amended Timber Release Plan (TRP).
The story of VicForests’ innovation and environmental guardianship has landed in the offices, home offices, meeting rooms and boardrooms of key innovators and decision-makers across the Asia Pacific region – literally.
There are suggestions that timber harvesting had a significant impact on the scale and severity of the unprecedented 2019-20 Summer Bushfires.
A team of six eminent environmental scientists and academics from the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University, Canberra, led by Professor Rodney Keenan, put those suggestions to the test.
On behalf of VicForests I’d like to acknowledge the important role our citizen scientists play in our harvesting planning.
Like everyone, we care about protecting our precious flora and wildlife in our native forests.
On behalf of VicForests I’d like to wish you all Happy Schools Tree Day on Friday 30 July and Happy National Tree Day on Sunday 1 August.
VicForests has acknowledged an apology from the ABC regarding its inaccurate reporting of allegations raised by Professor David Lindenmayer.
More trees will grow in East Gippsland’s State forests thanks to VicForests’ annual regeneration burning program as part of its commitment to sustainable and responsible timber harvesting.
More trees will grow in the North East State forests thanks to VicForests’ annual regeneration burning program as part of its commitment to sustainable and responsible timber harvesting.
VicForests is seeking stakeholder and community comments on proposed changes to the Timber Release Plan (TRP).
If you have wind thrown timber following the storm event that may be able to be processed by our timber processors please contact VFS Admin on vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au
VicForests is pleased that its appeal to the Full Court of the Federal Court has been successful.
The Full Court accepted VicForests’ arguments on the main ground of appeal – with all other grounds being argued as an alternative in the event that the first ground was unsuccessful.
Claims aired today by the ABC that Melbourne's drinking supplies have been put at risk by harvesting are false, irresponsible and absurd.
The Office of the Conservation Regulator (OCR) inspected the operation in question in October 2020 and did not report any significant issues with management of slope.
Immediately following the 2019-2020 bushfires, VicForests paused all harvesting in the East Gippsland Forest Management Area to allow the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to assess the impact of the fires and implement thorough threatened species surveys.
In its report on 20 April 2021, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) made allegations that VicForests has put Melbourne’s drinking water supply at risk by ‘systemic’ unlawful timber harvesting on steep slopes. These allegations are false, misleading and misconceived.
International Day of Forests is a reminder of the critical role Australia’s forestry industry plays in ensuring forests can continue to benefit the nation’s environment, climate and economy for generations to come.
VicForests has today released the amended Timber Release Plan (TRP) and Timber Utilisation Plan (TUP).
A recent article published in the Monthly magazine on 3 November 2020 entitled ‘Coup de grâce’ contained a number of false and unfair claims. VicForests was not given the opportunity to correct these claims as we were not approached for comment despite being named several times throughout this story.
VicForests is aware of recent media reporting regarding our 2019 FSC® audit report results.
Pursuant with our announcement in August, VicForests has today released the FSC® Controlled Wood Standard audit report developed on the basis of fieldwork conducted in November 2019.
Victoria’s forestry transition will be boosted with the creation of a new VicForests nursery at Nowa Nowa in east Gippsland, helping both local forests and economies recover from the devastating 2019/20 Victorian Bushfires.
VicForests will move quickly to lodge an appeal now the Federal Court has finalised its Orders relating to the Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum case.
VicForests has today released the amended Timber Release Plan (TRP) following the completion of its consultation period. Read more
We are aware that the Wilderness Society sent an “industry alert” to timber industry stakeholders on 10 July 2020.
VicForests has extended its feedback period on the proposed changes to its Timber Release Plan (TRP). This follows some difficulties experienced by stakeholders opening web links to online information.
VicForests has made format changes to the VicForests Timber Release Plan (TRP). There are no additions, deletions or alterations to coupes, nor changes to the spatial information relating to the last approved TRP change in December 2019 and continue to be available on VicForests’ website.
VicForests is disappointed and deeply concerned by Bunnings’ decision yesterday to no longer stock sustainably sourced Victorian timber from VicForests.
This decision has put up to 170 regional jobs in jeopardy, many of which had already been impacted by this summer’s disastrous bushfires, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and illegal protest action.
VicForests has commenced public consultation on proposed changes to its Timber Release Plan in response to the 2019/20 bushfire season.
This paper responds to the listing and the assessment, and outlines VicForests’ current approach to harvesting.
VicForests acknowledges today’s decision of the Federal Court and will carefully consider the implications on its harvesting program.
The 2019-20 bushfires affected 1.6 million hectares across Victoria, mostly in the East Gippsland and the North East areas. VicForests has developed a bushfire recovery timber harvesting program and sustainably harvest a very small part of burnt areas.
Bushfire recovery timber harvesting documents are available here.
VicForests completely rejects claims made online by The Wilderness Society, headed “Illegal Logging in Australia – Are You Buying into It”. Contrary to inferences in the article, paper that Australians are printing on is not sourced from illegally harvested wood in Victoria.
"Research shows no discernible impact of harvesting on fire severity," says Melbourne University Bushfire Ecologist Associate Professor Kevin Tolhurst.
A story in Melbourne's The Age newspaper this week that "Victoria's state-owned logging company doesn't comply with Australian requirements designed to stop illegal logging ..." has been roundly denounced in this article from Timber and Forestry News.
VicForests is assessing today’s Supreme Court decision. We will consider the outcome of the proceedings and make further comment in due course.
There have been increasing incidents of forest protestors entering coupes without prior authorisation and notice, and encroaching on areas where mechanical harvesters are felling trees. VicForests would like to reiterate that active coupes are dangerous environments – posing a significant risk of serious injury or death, and that these incursions also create an unacceptable workplace risk to machine operators.
VicForests asks for all protestors to adhere to Timber Harvesting Safety Zones and, in the strongest possible terms, urges anyone entering an active coupe to notify safety officers at the coupe landing.
The ABC has corrected its report on 19 December 2019 claiming that VicForests had illegally harvested outside its Allocations Order.
VicForests’ CEO Monique Dawson has committed to the continued support of 10 contractors and 90 workers who have been impacted by a force majeure notice because fires have meant timber supply cannot be guaranteed in the foreseeable future from East Gippsland.
The VicForests Board of Directors has endorsed a statement about the way VicForests will respond to the implications of the 2019/20 bushfires in Eastern Victoria.
VicForests stresses that it has no connection to the operation where koalas were tragically killed at a private property in the southwest of Victoria recently. VicForests would also like to address an instance of the death of one koala two-and-a-half-years ago in a VicForests coupe (Mont Blanc – 309-507-0001).
VicForests has not conducted any timber harvesting operations in East Gippsland since 20 December 2019. All available VicForests foresters, planners and harvest crews, are involved in, and in many cases leading, local fire response. This includes direct firefighting, firebreak works and managing emergency road clearance.
VicForests is balancing its significant contribution to the fire response with the need to ensure sufficient timber supply to avoid processor shutdowns as this would deepen the impact on towns already affected by the fires. VicForests operates in accordance with Forests (Fire Protection) Regulations and procedures that are more rigorous that Total Fire Ban restrictions. Around 20% of the timber felled through harvesting is left as biomass to support forest regeneration.
VicForests staff and contractors are supporting the fire response and state-wide recovery efforts currently underway across the east and north-east parts of Victoria.
VicForests has today released the amended Timber Release Plan (TRP) and Timber Utilisation Plan (TUP) following the completion of its consultation period.
VicForests today announced its successful nine-month Responsible Wood Standard audit.
“It is normal for the TRP to include some coupes or areas outside the Allocation Order. VicForests cannot harvest these areas without prior special approval from the regulator.
VicForests has started public consultation on draft Timber Release Plan and Timber Utilisation Plan amendments. Stakeholder feedback on proposed harvest areas is an important part of VicForests’ planning process.
VicForests today said that its harvesting in water catchment areas complies with relevant regulations, including complying with slope limits.
VicForests has met face to face with around 50 Victorian timber businesses since the Victorian government announced its plan to transition out of native timber after 2030.
The Victorian Government's decade-long plan to end harvesting of native timber will drive VicForests to transform its business and support diversification and innovation in the native timber sector.
Over the year VicForests delivered a strong financial result with a net profit of $1.953 million for 2018-19, the strongest return in three years
VicForests has written to Forest Conservation Victoria representative, Christine Schuringa seeking a meeting to resolve the 11-day tree protest at its Martell coupe, Mt Baw Baw road, Noojee. VicForests notes a conflict of views regarding harvesting operations within the coupe. By discussing the issues in detail with Forest Conservation Victoria we seek a resolution to end the protest. VicForests is concerned about the sustained and heavy impact the protest, and halting of work, has had on the local contractor undertaking work in the coupe.
VicForests has completed the key first consultation phase of a revision of its harvesting methods and practices to enhance threatened species protection. The consultative process has benefitted from input from major stakeholders, including industry, environment groups and Government.
More than 100 stakeholder organisations have been directly contacted by VicForests. The extensive consultation is part of VicForests goal of attaining the Forest Stewardship Council® Controlled Wood standard by 2020.
New published research has found Victoria’s Leadbeater’s possums living beyond the areas and mix of tree species so far considered their limited habitat. VicForests and Ecology and Heritage Partners have located six new Leadbeater’s possum colonies in the Central Highlands.
VicForests has today released the Timber Release Plan (TRP) amendment following the Victorian Government’s release of the Allocation Order. VicForests Chief Executive Officer Nathan Trushell said the TRP provides detail on which coupes will potentially be harvested - subject to forest protection surveys, operational assessment and stakeholder consultation.
Victorian forests are vital for the economic, social and environmental future of our state. They support thousands of jobs across Victoria in the native timber, processing and manufacturing industries, provide beautiful locally grown and sourced materials for buildings and furniture and are a vital ecosystem protecting and fostering local biodiversity.
VicForests has announced its successful 3-year re-certification under the Responsible Wood standard. An audit was conducted across the business in December 2018 and recommended VicForests re-certification highlighting its thorough workplace and contractor safety standards, contractor management and continued contribution to research.
The Responsible Wood standard is endorsed by the international Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the largest such system in the world which covers more than 300 million hectares of forest, has 49 national members and equates to around two-thirds of the world's total certified forest area.
VicForests is supporting Patchwork Collections Yarra Valley Inc. with a $2000 contribution toward the purchase of backing fabric, wadding and threads. The grant, delivered under VicForests’ Community Support Program, ensures Patchwork Collections Yarra Valley can continue their vital work providing quilts to those in need.
Since 2010, Patchwork Collections Yarra Valley has provided hand-made quilts, free of charge, to local community members impacted by hardship, illness and given to very sick children at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
VicForests, today, released a study by Deloitte Access Economics showing the economic impact of native forestry in Victoria.
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.
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 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, 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
VicForests would like to take the opportunity during NAIDOC week to reflect, acknowledge and respect the long-held forest based cultural and spiritual connections that Aboriginal people have. These connections are significant, current and respected. Aboriginal people developed and implemented land management techniques and fire regimes over millennia which shaped the forests that Australians know, love and value.
Aboriginal people are a part of the forest and timber industries and we encourage this going forward.
With respect to this year’s NAIDOC week, ‘Because of Her, We Can!’ we would particularly like to acknowledge Aboriginal women and their connections to forests and community. As well we’ve recently met with female Traditional Owners from the East Gippsland region and we would like to take this opportunity to once again thank them for their generosity during these meetings.
Finally, we wish Aboriginal communities an enjoyable NAIDOC week.
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.
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.
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).
VicForests today released pre-harvest maps of a Noojee timber coupe indicating that total protected and buffered areas comprise 13 hectares, or nearly one quarter (24%), of the gross coupe area.
This area includes about 7ha of additional voluntary visual buffers in response to community preferences to screen the “Backdoor” coupe from the centre of the township.
The Noojee coupe plan is available on request.
VicForests will defend an application for an injunction brought by the Friends of Leadbeaters Possum Inc (FLBP).
The court today granted an interim injunction regarding six coupes until 2 May, 2018, when the Court will hear arguments about whether a final injunction will be imposed.
The Federal Court has today formally issued orders which reject the basis of the claim brought by FLBP against VicForests.
VicForests said today that it respected the sentiments of South Gippsland Shire Council, which voted against native timber harvesting in Mirboo North.
“We urge the Council and the community to continue talking with us,” Alex Messina, VicForests General Manager Corporate Affairs said.
VicForests announced today that it would retain habitat areas around about 20 habitat trees identified through field assessments and three night surveys of the Noojee Backdoor coupe, scheduled for harvesting towards the end of April.
Alex Messina, VicForests General Manager Corporate Affairs said “This is part of a routine and thorough pre-harvest process designed to double check and update desktop data before any harvest.
The Federal and State Government has confirmed that the North East, Central Highlands and East Gippsland Regional Forest Agreements in Victoria will be extended to March 2020.
This provides certainty for our customers and contractors while a more extensive review by State and Federal Governments is undertaken.
After listening to the Noojee community VicForests has confirmed it will implement a 100 metre wide buffer on a timber harvesting coupe nearby to ensure the area will not be visible from the centre of town.
This buffer, which is an extension to the existing environmental buffers, was confirmed at an Open Day VicForests hosted in Noojee on Sunday 18 March.
VicForests is pleased that the Federal Court today rejected the argument brought against it by the Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum.
The Court found that VicForests’ operations in the Central Highlands were not affected by government delays in reviewing the Central Highlands Regional Forest Agreement.
The Rubicon State forest has been a vital resource in supplying quality timber products to Victorians and supporting the regional economy for more than 100 years.
The Rubicon sits within the Central Highlands Regional Forest Area which generates more than $500 million dollars and directly employs more than 2 000 people every year.
Protestors are blocking the road leading into the Strathbogie State forest in order to stop timber harvesting operations from commencing.
Arthur Rylah Institute has conducted surveys in this area and our Conservation Biologist individually markied trees to ensure best available habitat is protected for the Greater Glider.
A group of protestors stationed themselves at a live harvesting site in far East Gippsland putting themselves, and the workers, at risk and caused timber harvesting operations to be suspended.
The protestors have now been escorted from the area by authorised officers and operations can safely recommence.
The Neerim South Wetlands played host to the 2017 Neerim Frog Festival, celebrating a decade-long rehabilitation of the wetlands by Neerim District Landcare group.
Following a ‘pilot’ festival last year supported by VicForests, this year’s Neerim Frog Festival attracted more support, activities and attendees, who came out to see, and appreciate, Landcare’s work on the wetlands.
The crew from 7MATE’s Going Bush recently joined VicForests, and a team of auditors, to learn how native timber harvesting operations are certified in Victoria.
Forest certification is important to VicForests because it provides reassurance from third-party experts that their operations comply with internationally recognised environmental standards.
Consultation period runs from 4 December 2017 to 12 January 2018
VicForests is seeking input from local community members on the proposed updates to its Timber Release Plan, relating to timber harvesting operations in North East Victoria, West Gippsland and East Gippsland regions.
Listening to the community ensures that we are aware of what is important to them, so that we can incorporate these things into our plans. Read more
A $2,000 investment in Warragul-based charity, Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief, will go towards helping more than 700 families within the Baw Baw Shire access emergency food supplies.
The grant was provided by VicForests, as part of its Community Support Program, and will go towards the operational costs of the volunteer-run organisation, which relies on donations and contributions to continue providing its vital services to those in need. Read more
A low intensity timber harvesting operation will commence in the Strathbogies State forest in January 2018.
VicForests’ General Manager Stakeholders and Planning, Lachlan Spencer, said the operation will use the single-tree selection harvesting method. Read more
Cann River Community Centre this year awarded two prizes worth $250 each as part of its 2017 Arts, Crafts and Photography Expo thanks to VicForests’ Community Support Program contributions.
The Expo, running from 3 to 7 November, had 189 entries from 61 artists, which showcased the artistic skills of the local community with a wide range of art forms represented, including quilting, painting, photography, drawing, soft textiles, woodwork and mixed media. Read more
VicForests has commenced a stakeholder consultation phase to encourage relevent stakeholders to comment on our expertise in, and execution of, forestry management practices as journey towards our goal of seeking Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Controlled Wood (CW) certification for our operations in the regions of Central Highlands and East Gippsland. Read more
Click here to read more about our plans to seek FSC®
An environmental group has issued legal proceedings regarding VicForests operations under the Central Highlands Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs).
Nathan Trushell, VicForests CEO, said VicForests believes its operations are in accordance with the Central Highlands RFA. Read more
VicForests Media Statement regarding tabling of Parliamentary Inquiry Report. Read more
VicForests Media Statement regarding harvesting delay in Princess Cut, East Gippsland. Read more
VicForests has achieved a positive profit from operations before tax of $1.5 million in 2016/17, highlighting the continued demand for native timber in Victoria. This is a good result considering the operational challenges we have faced. The company’s result after tax was a loss of $3.2 million, due to a decrease in the accounting valuation of the area of State forest available to be harvested for timber. Read more
VicForests Media Statement responding to Murrindindi Shire statement calling for an end to timber harvesting in the Shire 9/10/2017. Read more
VicForests letter to the editor sent to The Age titled ‘The root causes’ printed 20/09/2017.
The Victorian Government announced this morning that the purchase of the Heyfield Mill has been finanlised.
VicForests welcomes this announcement as it it a very positive outcome for the Victorian timber industry and the Heyfield community with clarity around the future arrangements for the mill.
VicForests Media Statement released following a town hall meeting VicForests attended on 14/9/2017
VicForests attended a community meeting in Mirboo North on Thursday 14 September to speak to local residents about planned operations in the area. Lachlan Spencer, VicForests General Manager Stakeholders and Planning said that VicForests openly encourages input from the public into its operations.
VicForests Media Statement responding to ANU report on economic contribution of timber in the Central highlands released 5/9/2017.
VicForests Media Statement responding to the community in Mirboo North 8/9/2017.
VicForests Media Statement responding to Frinds of the Earth report released on 7/9/2017
VicForests Media Statement sent to The Guardian in relation to the article ‘Greater gliders: fears of 'catastrophic' consequences from logging in Victoria’ posted online 7/9/2017
Nathan Trushell has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of VicForests following a successful period of acting CEO.
VicForests’ Board Chair, Michael Humphris, said Mr Trushell brings a wealth of experience in the Victorian native timber industry.
VicForests has released its 2017 Resource Outlook which forecasts the amount of high quality timber that can be commercially supplied from State forests in eastern Victoria on a sustainable basis.
Nathan Trushell, Acting CEO VicForests said the Resource Outlook is developed using a range of systems and processes.
Every year hundreds of millions of eucalyptus seeds are spread across Victoria’s State forests. The seeds are used to regrow areas that have been harvested to supply wood to Victoria’s timber industry. Helicopters aerially spread seeds over larger areas and smaller areas are sown by hand
VicForests is inviting not for profit community groups and services to apply for a grant as part of its 2017 Community Support Program before the deadline of Friday 16 June 2017.
The Community Support Program has been designed by VicForests to assist regional community groups and services who are working to positively contribute to their local area.
VicForests has successfully extended its certification to the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) to include community forestry operations in western Victoria.
Nathan Trushell, Acting CEO VicForests, said that this is the first time VicForests has sought certification for its community forestry operations. Read More.
The Strathbogie State Forest has been providing local employment to residents for over 100 years.
The work VicForests do is sustainable and the area being harvested in this region this year is only 0.1% of the total Strathbogies forest. Read More
The timber harvesting operation that was postponed in the Strathbogie State forest due to wet weather have now been rescheduled.
General Manager Planning, Lachlan Spencer, said the operation will be undertaken using the single-tree selection harvesting method. Read More
VicForests is seeking comment from local community members on proposed changes to the Timber Release Plan (TRP).
VicForests Acting CEO, Nathan Trushell, said any amendment to the Timber Release Plan would not change the overall level of harvesting. Read More
VicForests achieved its best ever full-year operating result of $6.8 million for the 2015/16 Financial Year and a net profit after tax of $3.4 million.
Robert Green, CEO of VicForests said “This is the fourth consecutive year we have returned a profit and as a result at 30 June 2016 we were completely debt free as an organisation. Read More
The timber harvesting operations that were planned to begin in the Strathbogie State forest in September have been postponed due to wet weather.
Significant rain over the past four to six weeks has delayed the start of harvesting. Read More
A family of Woodchopping champions from regional Victoria took home an impressive 23 ribbons at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show.
For almost 70 years now, the Meyers have been competing and making a name for themselves in woodchop events all around Australia and the world. Brad Meyer, contractor for VicForests, said that wood-chopping has become a proud family tradition. Read More
VicForests CEO Robert Green announced on Friday 7 October that he will be leaving VicForests to pursue a career opportunity in New Zealand.
Mr Green will be taking on a position as CEO of Kaingaroa Timberland in New Zealand, one of the world’s oldest and largest softwood plantations. He will remain with VicForests until the end of November 2016. Read More
Two rare and threatened Spot-tailed Quolls have been discovered in the Bendoc region in East Gippsland.
The detections are only the second time the species has been found in over five years of VicForests pre-harvest surveys. Read More
A team of pack mules and horses have become the first in history to take part in a VicForests seeding operation in the Acheron.
In a pioneering move by Vic Forests contractors ‘Timberwolf’, this equine team was engaged to help carry the thousands of seedlings required to replant an area of forest that had been recently harvested for timber. Read More
A low intensity timber harvesting operation will begin in the Strathbogies state forest on Monday, 19 September 2016.
The operation will use the single-tree selection harvesting method, which has been chosen as a result of discussions between VicForests and the local community that have taken place over a number of years. Read More
Cann River Community Centre received a grant as a part of VicForests’ Community Support Program that will enable them to continue their arts and crafts classes for children.
The Community Centre runs a series of activities for children aged as young as four and has recently been struggling from a lack of financial assistance. Read More
VicForests welcomes the news that East Gippsland Shire Council’s Wood Encouragement Policy was unanimously adopted by councillors at a Council meeting in August.
East Gippsland Shire Council is the ninth Council to adopt this policy in Australia and the second regional Council in Victoria alongside Latrobe City Council. Read More
As experts predict another difficult fire season, the VicForests staff who bravely battled the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires have been publically recognised.
The 50 staff members from VicForests, both past and present, who fought against the fires were recently presented with the National Emergency Medal at a special commemorative ceremony. Read More
People connect to trees and forests on an emotional level. Beyond the fundamental role they play in providing the air we breathe, forests are often viewed as the gateway to nature and we feel the need to protect them from threats both man-made and natural.
This emotional connection can led to misconceptions about our native timber industry and the important roles forests also play in meeting our demand for wood products. Read More
VicForests is seeking comment from local community members on its proposed changes to the Timber Release Plan relating to timber harvesting operations in North East Victoria, West Gippsland and East Gippsland regions.
The community consultation period begins on July 26 and runs through to August 19 2016.
In conjunction with its public consultation process, VicForests are consulting closely with the Forest Industry Taskforce about the next Timber Release Plan. Read More
The Noojee and District Historical Society will be upgrading its facilities as a result of a three year sponsorship from VicForests as part of its annual Community Support Program.
The Noojee and District Historical Society runs a historical and educational facility that showcases the culture and industry of Noojees history by maintaining and reconstructing historical sites. Read More
Over $5 million dollars is being invested into the Victorian timber industry by local businesses which will boost regional economic growth and provide job security in rural areas.
The majority of the investment has come from three VicForests’ regional customers, however, there has also been significant support via a range of Local, State and Federal Government grants aimed at supporting regional communities. Read More
VicForests has provided funding to Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief to support their Opportunity Shop through a Community Support Program grant.
Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief recently opened an Opportunity Shop in Warragul to raise money for their food relief program and sought funding to promote the shop to the broader community in its early stages. Read More
A newly released study has found timber harvesting in Victoria’s native forests north-east of Melbourne generates $573 million worth of economic activity each year.
The study was undertaken by Deloitte Access Economics (DAE) and focussed specifically on the Central Highlands Regional Forest Agreement area which covers 623,000 hectares of public land to the north-east of Melbourne. Read More
Four off road bush tracks in the Alberton West State forest will be temporarily closed as a result of forest thinning operations from 15 July to 1 October 2016. Read More
VicForests has provided the community with more information about future timber supply to mills in East Gippsland after criticism last week.
Nathan Trushell, General Manager Stakeholders and Planning said timber resources available in the region have reduced substantially as a result of bushfires, increases to the reserve system and improvements in the way sustainable yields are determined. Read More
Family has always been an integral part of the A.G Brown Sawmill.
Five generations have worked in the Victorian native hardwood industry for almost 100 years and seven of the 55 current staff at the sawmill are members of the Brown family. Read More
VicForests congratulates the organisers of the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show on celebrating the events 20th birthday.
Nathan Trushell, General Manager Stakeholders and Planning said VicForests’ ongoing sponsorship of the Show is designed to help support the community which has been a timber town for over a hundred years. Read More
VicForests is inviting not for profit community groups and services to apply for a grant as part of its 2016 Community Support Program, before the deadline of Friday, 10 June. Read More
VicForests has stopped timber harvesting operations in an area in East Gippsland following the verification of a Greater Glider detection by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). Read More
The team from Channel Seven’s Going Bush recently visited the Arbuthnot Saw Mill in Koondrook to learn more about VicForests’ community forestry operations. (Read More)
VicForests achieved two significant safety achievements in March that are paving the way towards the goal of zero harm. (Read More)
VicForests sponsored an event for Australia’s most skilled woodchoppers this year at AusTimber.
The event has attracted many state, nation-wide and international woodchopping champions including Laurence O’Toole, the world champion in Underhand and Standing divisions. (Read More)
There will be an increase in the number of log trucks travelling through Yea and Alexandra following a decision by VicForests to suspend the use of the Black Spur by B Double log trucks. (Read More)
Hundreds of millions of eucalyptus seeds are currently being spread across Victoria’s State forests.
Helicopters are being used to spread the seeds as part of a program to regrow forests which have been harvested to supply wood to Victoria’s timber industry. (Read More).
VicForests responds to concerns over timber harvesting operations taking place near Rubicon. (Read More)
A VicForests Forester has helped to fight a fire near Rubicon State Forest. Jim Anderson stopped to help a couple of people on the side of Rubicon Road who were frantically trying to beat flames out in a grass fire with their shirts.
Thinking quick and concerned for their welfare, Jim pulled over to offer some assistance and noticed the fire was developing and spreading. (Read More)
VicForests provided each student at Gladysdale primary school with a seedling in celebration of International Day of Forests and to teach them about sustainable forest management.
The United Nation’s International Day of Forests is held on 21 March every year and is a chance to show the positive nature of forestry and the benefits forests provide to communities across the world. (Read More)
There have been 218 new Possum colonies verified since February 2015 following surveys conducted by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI), VicForests, Parks Victoria, Zoos Victoria and the community, including four detections verified in the past week.
Of the colonies detected, 164 were identified in State Forest and immediately protected from timber harvesting operations. (Read More)
VicForests has been successfully re-certified to the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management for the ninth year running. CEO Robert Green said that this re-certification is a great example of how VicForests is continuously improving and adapting its operations as a leader in sustainable and ethical timber production. (Read More)
VicForests has chosen to postpone harvesting operations on a site north of Orbost in East Gippsland. Acting CEO, Lachlan Spencer, said the operation on Jacks Rd is legal and complies with the regulations which govern native timber harvesting in Victoria. (Read More)
The critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum has been found living in man-made hollows created as part of a study aiming to provide additional habitat for species. (Read More)
VicForests has posted $4.68 million profit for the 2014/15 Financial Year. Speaking after VicForests' Annual Report was tabled in Parliament yesterday, CEO, Robert Green, said the result is the third year in a row the organisation returned a profit. (More)
VicForests is seeking comment from local community members on its proposed changes to the Timber Release Plan relating to timber harvesting operations in the North East, West Gippsland and East Gippsland regions. (More)
VicForests has clarified details regarding its operations in East Gippsland with CEO, Robert Green, saying that while operations in the region are currently not profitable, work is continuing to turn this situation around and across the board VicForests’ operations continue to make a profit.
VicForests has confirmed there would be no area harvested simply for bio-energy production even if native timber wood waste is included under the Federal Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme. (More)
VicForests has announced it is postponing its upcoming Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) Controlled Wood audit.
VicForests’ CEO, Robert Green, said the audit will be deferred until later in the year.(More)
The critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum has been found living in man-made hollows created as part of a study aiming to provide additional habitat for species. (Read More)
VicForests encourages all eligible community groups and services to make an application to this year’s Community Support Program, before its deadline at close of business Friday June 12th, 2015. (More)
Following discussions with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, VicForests has agreed not to undertake a regeneration burn as part of its plans to regrow an area harvested in Toolangi.
Concerns has been raised by community members with the Minister for Environment, Water and Climate Change, Lisa Neville, about plans to burn the site. (More)
VicForests has accepted the outcomes of an investigation by Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) into allegations that rainforest was harvested in East Gippsland. (More)
The Federal Minister for Enviroment has announced the Leadbeater's Possum is now listed as 'critically endangered'.
Robert Green, VicForests CEO, said the organisation hopes this announcement will maintain the necessary focus on actions designed to ensure the long term survival of the species. (More)
VicForests has signed a lease which will see its Healesville regional office relocate to Woori Yallock during the second half of 2015.
VicForests’ CEO, Robert Green, said the move will initially see approximately 30 staff from VicForests’ Healesville and Melbourne offices working out of Woori Yallock.(More)
The annual Forest Industry Safety Summit, sponsored by VicForests, this year hosted in Melbourne, delivered a moving and powerful reminder on the importance of keeping forest industry employees safe at work. (More)
VicForests has protected almost 10 000 hectares of habitat for threatened species and areas surrounding old growth forest over the last four years.
Figures released this week in VicForests’ 2013-14 Sustainability Report, show 7000 hectares were excluded from harvesting last financial year to protect old growth forest, and habitat for species such as the Leadbeater’s Possum and the Long-footed Potoroo.(More)
VicForests has accepted the outcomes of an investigation by Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) into allegations that rainforest was harvested in East Gippsland. (More)
VicForests has successfully passed its certification surveillance audit under the revised nationally endorsed Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AFS).
AFS has been specifically developed for Australia’s forests and is internationally recognised by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the world’s largest forest certification scheme. (More)
VicForests would like to invite community members to attend Open House sessions across Eastern Victoria this month.
The Open House events, to be held in Healesville, Heyfield, Bairnsdale and Orbost, allow members of the community to drop in and discuss concerns and ask questions about VicForests’ organisation and operations at their convenience. (More)
VicForests will commence planned regeneration burns across Eastern Victoria in the coming weeks.
VicForests’ General Manager, Operations, Bradley Winthrop, said the burns are a vital step in regrowing previously harvested forest areas. (More)
VicForests has thanked the community for attending an information event held in the Strathbogie State forest last weekend.
VicForests’ Manager, Corporate Communications, David Walsh, said more than 50 people turned out to the event to discuss work planned to rehabilitate a site on the corner of Ferraris Rd and Barjarg Rd after harvesting. (More)
VicForests has negotiated a contract extension to supply a smaller quantity of pulp log to South East Fibre Exports in 2015.
VicForests’ General Manager, Stakeholders and Planning, Nathan Trushell, said the contract extension with the Eden-based mill is good news for East Gippsland and the native timber industry. (More)
VicForests is protecting a considerable concentration of tall trees identified during a survey of a proposed harvesting site in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
Michael Ryan, Forest Scientist with VicForests, who surveyed the site along with a local interested expert familiar with the stand said: “We are protecting approximately a dozen trees over 80 metres in height along with many hundreds of trees surrounding them in this area”. (More)
VicForests has welcomed the news that Latrobe City Council’s Wood Adoption Policy has been unanimously adopted by councillors at a Council meeting last night.
VicForests CEO, Robert Green, said the unanimous support of the Policy by the Council was a fantastic endorsement of the local timber industry. (More)
VicForests’ Community Support Program has assisted the Nindi-Ngujarn Ngarigo Monero Aboriginal Corporation capture the history of one of the most well-known Indigenous families in East Gippsland. (More)
All commercial timber harvesting in Victoria is now managed through one organisation following the transfer of responsibility for managing small scale harvesting licences from DEPI to VicForests. (More)
VicForests has taken a further step towards seeking FSC® Controlled Wood certification with the release of updated drafts of its Forest Management Plan and High Conservation Management Strategy. (More)
Both documents are now available for public comment -www.vicforests.com.au/consultation-opportunities
VicForests has partnered with leading universities to obtain Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project grants for two collaborative biodiversity research projects.
VicForests’ General Manager Stakeholders and Planning, Nathan Trushell, said the research would work towards developing new models and techniques to assist the long-term survival of threatened species such as the Leadbeater’s Possum. (More)
VicForests has provided funding to a number of community groups and services including health and education initiatives across East Gippsland.
Orbost based Moogji Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), who provide a range of health services for the region, has received funding through VicForests’ annual Community Support Program. (More)
VicForests has posted a profit of $3.4 million for the 2013/14 Financial Year.
CEO, Robert Green, announced the details of the positive financial result following the tabling of VicForests’ Annual Report in Parliament today.
“Returning a profit of $3.4 million is one of a number of achievements which were part of a successful 2013/14 year for VicForests,” Mr Green said. (More)
VicForests has provided funding to Alexandra Primary School for a large garden project through its annual Community Support Program.
The Mountains to Rivers garden project has been a labour of love with input from students and parents of the school. (More)
VicForests has provided funding to Healesville Splitz and Flipz gymnastics group through its annual Community Support Program grant allocation.
Liz Langford, Regional Engagement Manager with VicForests who runs the Community Support Program, said the grant has enabled the purchase of much needed training equipment, "We visited a pre-tournament training session of the gymnasts and they were absolutely fantastic,” Ms Langford said. (More)
VicForests celebrates its ten year anniversary on August 1st with a reception at Parliament House in Melbourne.
VicForests’ CEO, Robert Green said the organisation had worked hard to deliver social, environmental and economic sustainability since being established in 2004 with the timber industry continuing to play a vital role in communities across regional Victoria. (More)
VicForests is protecting an additional area of forest as part of harvesting operations in the Toolangi State forest.
Nathan Trushell, VicForests’ General Manager, Stakeholders and Planning, said the coupe was a good example of how input from stakeholders is considered in planning harvesting operations. (More)
VicForests has announced today that it will be seeking Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Controlled Wood certification.
The Controlled Wood standard provides evidence that wood has been controlled to ensure it is legally harvested, in accordance with traditional and civil rights, and does not threaten High Conservation Values or result in natural forest conversion to plantations. (More)
VicForests encourages all eligible community groups and services to make an application to this year’s Community Support Program, before its deadline at close of business Friday 13th June 2014. (More)
South East Fibre Exports (SEFE) has announced it will not be entering into a new contract with VicForests when its current agreement expires at the end of 2014.
VicForests’ CEO, Robert Green, said the decision means SEFE will no longer purchase timber from VicForests at the end of its current contract. (More)
VicForests is seeking information regarding the site of any Leadbeater’s Possum detection to assist in ensuring these sites are protected in line the recently released recommendations of the Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group. (More)
VicForests will transition away from widespread clearfell harvesting in forests which are home to the Leadbeater’s Possum, Victoria’s faunal emblem.
The change was announced by the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change following recommendations provided by the Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group, and will come into effect from July 1st. (More)
A Leadbeater’s Possum has been found in an area which underwent timber harvesting near Healesville in the late 1980s.
Local community members recently provided footage to VicForests showing Victoria’s faunal emblem emerging from an older, habitat tree located in 26 year old timber harvesting regrowth.
An audit conducted on behalf of the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) published this week, has recommended the acceptance of 100 per cent of forest land regenerated by VicForests last year. (More)
VicForests has undergone an audit commissioned by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, of timber harvesting and coupe closure, as part of its Forest Audit Program (FAP) activities for the 2012-13 financial year.(More)