Module 5 - VicForests

1 Introduction
Figure 1-1
Map of Forest Management Areas and responsibilities across Victoria
Source: Forest Audit Program Module 1 Overview
All commercial timber harvesting in Victoria’s State forests is subject to the Sustainable Forests
(Timber) Act 2004, which requires compliance with the Code of Practice for Timber Production (the
Code). The Code is the key regulatory instrument applicable to commercial timber harvesting and is
developed under the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987. It prescribes the minimum standards
to which timber harvesting in Victoria must comply. The Code requires that Forest Management Plans
are developed for State forests in all Forest Management Areas in Victoria.
The Management Procedures for timber harvesting operations and associated activities in Victoria’s
State forests (Management Procedures), developed by DSE, provide additional guidance to
VicForests and DSE in meeting the requirements of the Code, as well as further environmental and
operational requirements. The Management Procedures apply to all commercial timber harvesting
undertaken by VicForests and DSE.
VicForests and DSE have developed subordinate procedural documents intended to assist staff and
contractors in the implementation of Code and Management Procedure requirements, including
Utilisation Procedures (VicForests) and Timber Harvesting Operator’s Procedures (DSE). Fire
salvage harvesting prescriptions are supplementary prescriptions, which apply to salvage harvesting
operations in wildfire-affected areas for a period of time following the fire event, with the aim of further
minimising negative impacts on an already disturbed environment.
The audit is intended to benefit DSE as the environmental regulator, the Victorian forestry industry,
catchment managers and the community by providing an independent and objective assessment of
the environmental performance of timber harvesting operations, and assist VicForests and DSE in
2 42807504/01/01