Timber release changes

Numerous changes have been made to the latest proposed Timber Release Plan for VicForests managed areas in the Central Gippsland district.

Vic Forests is conducting an information session for the community at Traralgon tomorrow ahead of the closure for public feedback on Thursday.

The plan is the key to the availability of timber for harvesting in State forests and includes the timing of harvesting, proximity to private and public land and the protection of forest values.

It identifies proposed changes relating to individual coupes’ boundaries, removal of some from the TRP as well as new coupes during the life of the plan.

The revised plan has been released in the wake of an announcement by the State government to significantly reduce available saw log allocations from 2024 and end native timber logging by 2030.

The timber industry has strongly attacked the government’s action claiming it would directly cost 2500 jobs and many thousands more indirectly as well forcing Australia to import quality hardwoods.

The TRP schedule, available at www.vicforests.com.au/proposedtrp, specifies logging availability throughout Gippsland including the

Noojee, Powelltown

Erica districts.

It lists 53 coupe boundary changes and removals in the Noojee district, 32 at Powelltown and 26 in the Erica area.

A total of 43 new coupes would be created under the plan – 16 in Noojee district, 14 at Powelltown and 13 at Erica.

VicForests chief executive officer Monique Dawson said community consultation was critical to harvest planning and supporting biodiversity in operational areas.

Planning decisions are made within the context of changes in the environment, rules and regulations. and