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Wood Utilisation Plans

DPI is responsible for commercial timber production in Victoria's State forests.

Victoria uses a comprehensive and rigorous planning process to ensure that natural, cultural and catchment values found within State forests are protected while allowing for sustainable wood production.

Some areas for harvesting in eastern Victoria are managed by VicForests according to Timber Release Plans. Timber harvesting in all other areas of State forest is managed directly by DPI according to Wood Utilisation Plans (WUPs).

Proposed Wood Utilisation Plans for 2013/14 to 2015/6 - Western Victoria

DPI has prepared proposed Wood Utilisation Plans for the period 2013/14 to 2015/16.  The proposed WUPs establish three-year schedules of planned coupes and associated access roading for all commercial timber harvesting activities in Western Victoria managed by DPI.

The proposed WUPs can be viewed online and cover these six Forest Management Areas.

Alternatively, the proposed WUPs may be inspected until 9 April at the DPI offices, Taylor Street, Epsom (Bendigo).

Have your say

Written comments on the proposed WUPs are invited.

Information supplied in your response to the proposed WUP will be managed in accordance with the Victorian Privacy Act, 2002. This information may be disclosed to another Government organisation on matters related to forest management in Victoria. You may access a copy of your response held by DPI by contacting, Manager Privacy, Department of Primary Industries, GPO Box 4440, Melbourne 3001 or dpiprivacy.enquires@dpi.vic.gov.au

Submissions close 9 April 2013.

Please forward written comments, or direct enquiries to;
Jim Allen
Department of Primary Industries, Box 3100, Bendigo Delivery Centre 3554 VIC
(03) 5430 4650
DPI.forestry@dpi.vic.gov.au

Wood Utilisation Plans (WUPs) for 2012-13 to 2013-14

Wood Utilisation Plans have been prepared for each of Victoria's Forest Management Areas (FMAs).

Each WUP indicates the areas (coupes) for sawlog, firewood and minor forest produce production.

Maps can be viewed online at DPI Forestry Maps

WUPs are public documents and are available on the DPI website Forestry section (www.dpi.vic.gov.au/forestry). For alternative viewing options please contact:

  • Forest Planner, DPI Epsom, 03 5430 4444

Forest Management Areas


Mildura Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Horsham Forest Management Area Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Portland Forest Management Area Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Otway Forest Management Area Bendigo Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Midlands Forest Management Area Mid Murray Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Dandenong Forest Management Area Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Central Forest Management Area Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Benalla-Mansfield Forest Management Area Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Central Gippsland Forest Management Area North East Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: Tambo Forest Management Area Proposed Wood Utilisation Plan: East Gippsland Forest Management Area

Wood Utilisation Plans (WUPs) explained

Strategic planning

Major public land use decisions such as designation of land as national park or State forest are established by the Victorian Government, following recommendations by the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC).

Victoria is also a signatory to the National Forest Policy Statement, which has - among its aims - to provide for:

  • the current and future range of commercial and non-commercial uses
  • nature conservation and the maintenance of forest biological diversity
  • regional economic development and employment opportunities.

An outcome of the National Forest Policy Statement has been the development of Regional Forest Agreements.

Victoria is divided into 14 Forest Management Areas (FMAs). Each FMA has, or will have, a Forest Management Plan that establishes strategies for integrating the use of State forest for wood production and other purposes with the conservation of natural, aesthetic and cultural values.

Operational planning

Rolling three-year Wood Utilisation Plans (WUPs) are prepared annually for each FMA. The WUP is a schedule of areas to be harvested (coupes) along with a map showing their location.
Coupes are selected on the basis that they contain the required quantities and mix of wood products that can be supplied using sound silvicultural practices and environmental care. WUPs are prepared in accordance with the relevant Forest Management Plan and the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production 2007.
For each commercial harvesting operation in State forest, Forest Coupe Plans are prepared. These plans contain a map identifying the area and a schedule incorporating the specifications and conditions under which the operation is to be administered and controlled.

Coupes in allocated forest stands in eastern Victoria where harvesting operations and roading activities will be managed by VicForests are not scheduled in a WUP. Under legislation, VicForests is required to prepare a Timber Release Plan for approval by the Secretary.

Disclaimer

The Wood Utilisation Plan may not be in its final form. It may be amended from time to time. DPI maintains a record of amendments to the WUP. If you wish to inspect any amendments, contact DPI to arrange a suitable viewing time. The Wood Utilisation Plan is based on supplying the licensed volume.

The location and boundaries of proposed coupes shown on maps are only approximate and indicative. The precise boundary of coupes will be identified on site before harvesting begins, in accordance with the Code of Forest Practice for Timber Production 2007.