Commercial Wood Production from Public Forests
DPI is responsible for the management and licensing of timber harvesting in State forests in western Victoria. VicForests is the Victorian government business with responsibility for the sustainable harvest and commercial sale of Victoria's timber in eastern Victoria. DSE manages the all aspects of domestic firewood production and the sale of some other minor forest products throughout the State.
The Sustainable Forests (Timber Harvesting) Act 2004 requires anyone engaged in commercial timber harvesting in Victoria’s State forests to hold a Timber Harvesting Operator’s Licence (THOL). ‘Timber harvesting’ is the harvesting of any tree, or part of any tree for the purpose of sale or processing and sale. This excludes harvesting firewood for personal (domestic) use, which is regulated under the forests (licences and permits) regulations. DSE continues to manage domestic firewood production for personal use.
Persons interested in commercial timber harvesting in State forests in western Victoria must obtain a Forest Produce Licence. To apply for a Forest Produce Licence, complete the application form below and submit it to DPI Forestry at 1 Spring Street, Melbourne for assessment.
In eastern Victoria, persons interested in commercial timber harvesting should contact VicForests.
Further Information
Forest Licences
Find out you can apply for a forest operator’s licence.
Code of Practice
Read the full Code of Practice for Timber Production.
Penalties
Read about which penalties rogue operators may be liable for.
Wood Utilisation Plans
Learn how Victoria’s regional Wood Utilisation Plans may affect you.
Forest Management Plans
Read about Victoria’s Forestry Management Plans.
Glossary
Use DSE’s forestry glossary to help with lesser-known forestry terms.
Public safety zones
Learn about Victoria’s various public safety zones.
