Review of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004
As part of the Timber Industry Action Plan (TIAP), the Victorian Government is reviewing the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 (SFTA). The review is central to the Government's commitment to introduce a simplified legislative system that delivers clarity, efficiency, security and sustainability to the State and the native timber industry.
The SFTA was introduced in 2004 as part of a broad program of reforms for Victoria’s forest and timber industry, including the creation of VicForests. VicForests is a State-owned enterprise responsible for the sustainable harvest, regeneration and commercial sale of timber from Victoria's public forests on behalf of the Victorian Government
The SFTA provides the legislative framework for sustainable forest management and sustainable timber harvesting in State forests. The SFTA does not provide the legislative framework for Victoria’s national parks or reserves, nor does it establish codes of practice for timber production.
Under action 1.3 of the TIAP, the Department of Primary Industries is reviewing those elements of the SFTA which primarily relate to timber allocation and vesting, and timber harvesting operator licences.
DPI is undertaking a comprehensive engagement process to ensure key stakeholders and the broader community have an opportunity to input to the SFTA review.
Discussion paper
DPI prepared a discussion paper to gather initial views of key industry, environmental and community stakeholders on the current operation of the SFTA and opportunities for improvement.
View the:
DPI sent the discussion paper to key stakeholders on 5 June 2012, seeking written submissions by 19 June 2012. DPI received four submissions and has considered these in preparing the draft report for broader public consultation. Should you have any difficulty accessing PDF versions of these reports, hard copies are available on request.
View the:
- Australian Forests Products Association submission
- Environment and nature conservation groups submission
- VicForests submission
- Victorian Association of Forest Industries submission
Public consultation draft report
Please note that the public consultation period on the draft report closed on Monday 1 October 2012.
The public consultation period provided an opportunity for stakeholders and community members to comment on key reform directions and whether proposed solutions will improve the operation of the SFTA, and deliver the Government’s commitment to provide long term resource security and reduce regulatory burden.
View the:
- Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 public consultation draft report
- The written submissions to the public consultation draft report
Final review report
Submissions on the review of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 provided valuable input in assisting DPI prepare a final review report. The final report will was presented to the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security in late 2012.
Background reports
To inform the review, DPI commissioned two background reports.
