Module 5 - VicForests

3 Audit Approach
Details of audit findings are discussed in the following sections.
4.2.2 Forest Coupe Plans
General
Forest Coupe Plans were generally assessed as having been prepared and managed appropriately
overall. This Compliance Element addressed general planning aspects of developing Forest Coupe
Plans and marking coupe features in the field.
The Auditor noted several examples of the thorough use of coupe diaries to record operational
activities such as removal of stag trees from around landings in a thinnings coupe and ceasing
operations for wet weather (C3, C11 and C17). The audit found that Forest Coupe Plan maps were
generally clear and legible, having been generated in colour using a geographic information system
(GIS). However, several non-compliances were identified regarding the quality of detail provided on
some maps, as discussed further in this section of the report.
All coupes that were audited were completed coupes. Therefore, one Code requirement, pertaining to
the availability of Forest Coupe Plans and supporting documents on site while operations are in
progress, could not be assessed (Section 2.1.3 of the Code).
The Forest Coupe Plans for each of the 27 audited coupes were assessed, 19 of which were found to
be compliant with all of the FAP requirements for the Forest Coupe Plans Compliance Element. Of
the eight coupes where non-compliances were recorded, all of the non-compliances were assessed as
having a No impact EIA rating.
Table 4-3 summarises the compliance findings for the Forest Coupe Plans Compliance Element.
Table 4-3
Summary of compliance findings for the Forest Coupe Plan Compliance Element
Compliance Element
Forest Coupe Plans
Total compliance 657
Total non-compliance 9
Non-compliance EIA breakdown
Severe 0
Major 0
Moderate 0
Minor 0
Negligible 0
No impact 9
Seven of the instances of non-compliance (C8, C12, C13, C17, C21, C26 and C27) related to the lack
of consideration of weed and pest management in developing the Forest Coupe Plans in the context
of the presence of a small number of noxious weeds observed within the coupes.
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