Module 5 - VicForests

4 3BAudit Findings
Non-compliances were recorded on five coupes (C2, C7, C20, C21 and C24) where small amounts of
litter were observed, including discarded chainsaw chains, empty oil containers, a spray paint can,
rags, glass and ropes. These non-compliances were assessed as having Negligible EIA risk ratings.
The Auditor notes that additional litter was also observed at these and other coupes during the audit.
The nature of the litter observed and its apparent recent deposition suggested that it was not the direct
result of the timber harvesting activities. As such these observations were not recorded as noncompliances.
Water catchments
Water catchments were generally assessed as having been managed appropriately with regards to
consideration of Special Area Plans and Heritage River Area management.
Table 4-11 summarises the compliance findings for the River health, water quality and soil protection –
Water catchments Compliance Element.
Table 4-11 Summary of compliance findings for the River health, water quality and soil protection –
Water catchments Compliance Element
Compliance Element
River Health, Water Quality and Soil
Assessment - Water catchments
Total compliance 34
Total non-compliance 1
Non-compliance EIA breakdown
Severe 0
Major 0
Moderate 0
Minor 0
Negligible 0
No impact 1
One non-compliance was identified where coupe planning documents indicated that VicForests did not
check whether any designated water catchment requirements applied during planning for one coupe
(C21). The EIA risk rating was determined as No impact.
The Water Catchments Compliance Element includes a criterion requiring compliance with the
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, which requires landowners to take all reasonable steps to
control noxious weeds. The declared noxious weeds recorded in the coupes included blackberry
(Rubus fruticosus) and spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare). These weeds were observed at varying
extents and densities across the audited coupes. Non-compliances were not recorded against this
Compliance Element, as monitoring of noxious weeds is also a requirement of the Management
Procedures, compliance with which is addressed by the Forest Health Compliance Element. The
control of pests, including noxious weeds, is also assessed as a Code requirement under the
Biodiversity conservation – Protection of biodiversity values Compliance Element. In order to avoid
‘double-counting’ of compliances and non-compliances where the same requirement is addressed by
more than one Compliance Element, these findings have been recorded against the Forest Health and
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