Module 5 - VicForests

4 3BAudit Findings
The Auditor also observed unstable cut slopes on several of the steeper coupes, where slumping had
occurred, blocking table drains and resulting in sedimentation (Refer to Appendix K, Photograph 12
C20, C24). The Code provides guidance, however it is not mandatory, that engineering advice be
used when building roads that traverse steeper slopes (over 20 degrees). No evidence was found that
engineering advice had been sought in these instances.
Road construction was not assessed for DSE-managed coupes as the coupes used the existing road
network.
Road maintenance
Due to harvesting on the coupes having been completed, the audit was unable to assess the
maintenance of roads during the time that harvesting was undertaken. If roads are required to remain
open after harvesting is finished, the Code requires that they be adequately maintained to ensure
drainage remains effective.
Table 4-21 summarises the compliance findings for the Road maintenance Compliance Element.
Table 4-21
Summary of compliance findings for the Road maintenance Compliance Element
Compliance Element
Road maintenance
Total compliance 44
Total non-compliance 6
Non-compliance EIA breakdown
Severe 0
Major 0
Moderate 0
Minor 1
Negligible 5
No impact 0
Most of the audited roads were assessed as having been adequately maintained at the time of the
audit, with six non-compliances identified on four VicForests coupes (C12, C13, C18 and C21).
Issues included a damaged culvert and cross drains rendered ineffective through siltation or rollover
drains having been washed through. The EIA risk ratings were determined as Minor (C21), where a
series of rollover drains had washed through resulting in scouring of the road surface, and Negligible
on the other coupes (C12, C13 and C18).
Harvesting debris in drainage structures was also observed to be affecting or potentially affecting road
drainage on two coupes (C12 and C18). The EIA risk ratings for these non-compliances were
determined as Negligible.
Suspension of cartage
A large proportion of the requirements relating to suspension of cartage in adverse weather conditions
could not be assessed as there was no harvesting current in the audited coupes at the time of the
audit. Of the few applicable requirements, there were no non-compliances identified during the audit.
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