The Code of Practices for Timber Production

The Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production in Victoria is the main tool used to implement the requirements of the Victorian Planning Provisions relevant to forestry practices. The Code is available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment website - www.dse.vic.gov.au .

The code is a statutory document under both the Conservation Forests and Lands Act 1987 and the Sustainable Forest (Timber) Act 2004

The Code was first introduced in 1989. Although most of the goals and guidelines it contains apply equally to commercial timber production on both public and private land, there are instances where the way they are applied varies between the two.

Scope of the Code

The Code lays down state wide goals and guidelines that apply to timber harvesting, timber extraction, roads, regeneration, and reforestation in native forests as well as to the planning, establishment and management of softwood and hardwood plantations.

The Code ensures that:

land managed for forestry is adequately regenerated and managed following timber harvesting;

reforestation is achieved efficiently and with environmental care;

environmental values (including soil, landscape, flora, fauna, archaeological, historic, and cultural) are conserved;

water supply catchments are protected; and

opportunities are provided for recreation, scientific study and education.

The Code establishes goals and guidelines in environmental care for all commercial timber production activities in the state. On public land, requirements are usually set at the local level because conditions vary across Victoria. However, the Code does provide some key state wide requirements (for example, width of stream side buffers and grades of roads), which act as minimum allowable local standards.