- Date:
- 8 Mar 2022
An exemption from the Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations in Victoria’s State forests 2021 (the MSPs) can be requested for the following reasons:
- Seed Collection from areas excluded from timber harvesting operations in accordance with clauses 9.1.3.7 to 9.1.3.10 of the MSPs.
- Roading activities conducted in Protection Areas or Special Protection Zone (SPZ) in accordance with clause 6.1.1.2 of the MSPs.
- For timber harvesting operations (in a water supply protection area) that are not conducted in accordance with clauses 3.5.1.1 and 3.5.1.2 of the MSPs.
- For any camp site or shower units associated with timber harvesting operations that are not located on a sanctioned coupe in accordance with clause 7.2.5.1 of the MSPs.
- Regeneration or rehabilitation works in areas of harvested native forest (clause 7.1.2.4 of the MSPs).
- Use of existing coupe infrastructure (and necessary incidental works) in areas of harvested native forest (clause 7.1.2.4 of the MSPs).
The authority to determine applications for MSP exemptions is delegated by the Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change to the Chief Conservation Regulator.
An approved MSP exemption provides for a temporary exemption to allow a specific activity to occur with the site retaining its zoning status.
MSP exemption approvals generally contain conditions required by the Conservation Regulator to ensure that impacts are minimised and effectively monitored.
Below you will find a register of decisions made by the Chief Conservation Regulator on applications for MSP exemptions.
Register of decisions on applications for exemptions
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Rehabilitation works. Decision Approved 15/06/23
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Summit Ridge (300-527-0004)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to allow for the rehabilitation of an area of former roading infrastructure. This MSP exemption approval allows rehabilitation works in an area now included within a Special Protection Zone established for the protection of Leadbeater’s Possum. The Special Protection Zone was established after the construction of the roading infrastructure.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Use of existing coupe infrastructure in SPZ Decision Approved 30/05/22
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Fifteen Feet (312-011-0001) and Big Snake RDC (312-509-0008)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to use existing infrastructure within a Special Protection Zone (in accordance with clause 7.1.2.4 of the MSPs). 400 metres of upgrades to an existing track footprint within a Special Protection Zone has been approved.
The approved track upgrade is consistent with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 (as amended November 2021) and has the least impact on SPZ of all possible access routes.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber haulage and road maintenance operations only in a closed water supply protection area. Decision A limited approval has been granted 30/05/2022
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Tarago River water supply protection area
Central Gippsland Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSP to conduct timber harvesting, haulage and regeneration in June 2022 during the seasonal closure of the Tarago water supply protection area. A limited approval allowing haulage and road maintenance only has been granted for the period 1 to 30 June 2022 inclusive. Approval has been granted subject to mitigation and monitoring measures.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber haulage in a water supply protection area Decision Approved 17/05/2022
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Bunyip water supply protection area
Central Gippsland Forest Management AreaSummary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs for haulage and road maintenance during the prescribed seasonal closure of the Bunyip water supply protection area from approval date to 31 May 2022 inclusive. Approval has been granted subject to mitigation and monitoring measures.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area Decision Approved 02/05/2022
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Thomson water supply protection area
Central Gippsland Forest Management AreaSummary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber harvesting operations and associated road maintenance during the prescribed seasonal closure of the Thomson water supply protection area from 2 May 2022 to 31 May 2022 inclusive. Approval has been granted subject to mitigation and monitoring measures.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area Decision Approved 02/05/2022
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Tarago River water supply protection area
Central Gippsland Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber harvesting, haulage and associated roading maintenance during the prescribed seasonal closure from 02 May 2022 to 31 May 2022. The approval has been granted subject to mitigation and monitoring. The request for a further conditional exemption beyond 31 May 2022 has not been approved. A further application will need to be submitted for this period based on a condition and conduct review.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 08/03/22
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Hyperinflation (312-509-0002)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct roading activities within Special Protection Zones (in accordance with clause 6.1.1.2 of the MSPs). Roading has been approved utilising an existing road footprint through approximately 350 metres of Special Protection Zone established for Leadbeater’s Possum, and 250 metres through a buffer area within Special Protection Zone established for Cool Temperate Rainforest.
The approved roading is consistent with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 and the Rainforest Action Statement and has the least environmental impact of all possible access routes.Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 03/03/22
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Federation Peak (312-504-0003)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct roading activities within a Special Protection Zone (in accordance with clause 6.1.1.2 of the MSPs). 70 metres of roading on an existing road footprint within a Special Protection Zone has been approved.
The approved roading is consistent with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 and has the least environmental impact of all possible access routes.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 28/01/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Annabour (716-501-0001)
Tambo Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct roading activities within a Special Protection zone (in accordance with clause 6.1.1.2 of the MSPs). Roading activities were proposed through approximately 50 metres within Special Protection Zone established for Ecological Vegetation Class Protection (Montane Grassy Woodland), Landscape values (Australian Alps Walking Track), Recreation Site (Australian Alps Walking Track).
The exemption has been approved, as it is consistent with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 20/12/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Lucifer (288-503-0005)
Central Highlands Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct roading activities within Special Protection Zone (in accordance with clause 6.1.1.2 of the MSPs) established for Linear Reserve, Cool Temperate Rainforest and Leadbeater’s Possum.
The exemption has been approved, as it is consistent with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 and has the least environmental impact of all possible access routes. The approval allows 250 metres of roading to be constructed within Special Protection Zone. Rope bridges are required to be installed to maintain forest connectivity for Leadbeater’s Possum.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area Decision Approved 27/10/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Starvation Creek water supply protection area
Dandenong Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber haulage and associated roading maintenance on Brahams Road during the prescribed seasonal closure. The approval allows only the use of Brahams Road for the transport of timber sourced from outside the Starvation Creek water supply protection area from 18 October 2021 to 30 November 2021.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area
Decision Approved 18/10/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Tarago River water supply protection area
Central Gippsland Forest Management AreaSummary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber haulage and road maintenance during the prescribed seasonal closure. The approval allows only for the transport of timber sourced from outside the Tarago River water supply protection area from the date of approval until 31 October 2021 (which is the end of the prescribed seasonal closure period).
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 08/09/2021
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Cape Cobra (300-541-0002)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct roading activities within a Special Protection zone (in accordance with clause 6.1.1.2 of the MSPs). Approved roading activities through approximately 350m metres of an existing road footprint within Special Protection Zone established for Leadbeater’s Possum. The exemption has been approved, as it is consistent with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 and has the least environmental impact of all possible access routes.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 29/07/2021
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Springs Creek RDC (320-503-0028)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct roading activities within Special Protection Zone (in accordance with clause 6.1.1.2 of the MSPs) established for Linear Reserve, Cool Temperate Rainforest and Leadbeater’s Possum.
The exemption has been approved, as it is consistent with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 and has the least environmental impact of all possible access routes. The approval allows 250 metres of roading to be constructed within Special Protection Zone. Rope bridges are required to be installed to maintain forest connectivity for Leadbeater’s Possum.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Not Approved 08/07/2021 for coupes Balto and Togo
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Loch River water supply protection area
Gippsland Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber haulage operations and associated roading (maintenance) only relating to coupes 463-504-0014 (Togo) and 463-504-0015 (Balto) along existing roads, McCarthy Spur Road and Camp Creek Road and use of existing landings and snig tracks within the Togo coupe between 1 September and 30 September 2021 (inclusive). The exemption was not granted as the activities are contingent on Forest Management Zoning changes that have not yet occurred, further assessment of environmental risks and mitigations and targeted consultation with relevant water authorities.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area
Decision Approved 08/07/2021 for coupes Frankincense, and Myrrh
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Loch River water supply protection area
Gippsland Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber harvesting, timber haulage operations and associated roading (maintenance) within the Loch River water supply protection area relating to coupes 462-508-0006 (Frankincense) and 462-508-0007 (Myrrh) for the period 1 July 2021 until 31 July 2021 (inclusive). The exemption was granted noting relevant water authorities did not raise objections and the roads in question are well-formed.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area
Decision Approved 08/07/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Starvation Creek water catchment (multiple coupes)
Dandenong Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber haulage and associated roading maintenance on Brahams Road during the prescribed seasonal closure. The limited approval allows only the use of Brahams Road for the transport of timber sourced from outside the Starvation Creek water supply protection area from 7 July 2021 to 31 July 2021. The request for a further conditional exemption between 1 August 2021 to 31 August 2021 has not been approved, noting VicForests may submit a further application.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area Decision Approved 02/06/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Tyers River water catchment (multiple coupes)
Gippsland Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber haulage and associated road maintenance on Spurwood Road and South Face Road during the prescribed seasonal closure. The approval allows only the use of Spurwood Road and South Face Road for the transport of timber sourced from outside the Tyers River water supply protection area from 2 June 2021 to 11 June 2021. This approval does not allow cutting, felling or removal of timber from within the Tyers River water supply protection area.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area
Decision Approved 28/05/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Starvation Creek water catchment (multiple coupes)
Dandenong Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to conduct timber haulage and associated roading maintenance on Brahams Road during the prescribed seasonal closure. The limited approval allows only the use of Brahams Road for the transport of timber sourced from outside the Starvation Creek water supply protection area from 28 May 2021 to 30 June 2021. The request for a further conditional exemption between 1 July 2021 to 31 July 2021 has not been approved. A further application will need to be submitted for this time period based on a condition and conduct review in late June.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 12/03/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
McAdams Bight RDC (318-512-0053)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved use of an existing road footprint through approximately 345 metres of Special Protection Zones established for Leadbeater’s Possum and Montane Wet Forest protection. Rope bridges are required to be installed to maintain forest connectivity for Leadbeater’s Possum. Assessment of the vegetation to be removed found it does not include important habitat features for the target species, and that its protection would not materially benefit continuity and replacement of habitat features over time. This is the least environmental impact of roading options for this coupe. The alternative roading route requires construction of 1.2 kilometres of new road which would involve multiple waterway crossings and road construction on steep slopes.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 13/01/21
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Real Madrid, Messmate Ridge RDC (312-511-0003, 312-010-0011)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved roading activities utilising an old road footprint through approximately 175 metres of Special Protection Zone established for Leadbeater’s Possum protection. The approval will result in the removal of some 12-15 year old Acacia and Olearia species. Rope bridges are required to be installed to maintain forest connectivity for Leadbeater’s Possum. No mature trees or high-quality habitat may be removed. The alternative roading options identified would have a higher environmental impact with many more trees being removed and large amounts of soil disturbance associated with new side cuts, switchbacks, and stream crossing construction.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 03/07/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Bells RDC (480-503-0026) and Jingle (480-503-0014)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved roading activities through approximately 25 metres of Special Protection Zone established for Leadbeater’s Possum protection utilising an existing road footprint. No mature trees or high-quality habitat to be removed. This choice is the best environmental outcome of roading options for this coupe. It avoids construction of 900m of new road in the General Management Zone including construction of new drainage crossings and reduces potential impacts on habitat connectivity.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 25/06/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Point Stop Thinnings Coupe (320-503-0021)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved road improvements, restoration, and construction of approximately 100 metres of road through an existing road footprint within Special Protection Zone established for Leadbeater’s Possum protection. No mature eucalypt or high-quality habitat to be removed. This option represents the best environmental outcome of roading options for this coupe. It avoids construction of 550m of new road (including 20m within the SPZ) through a stream area and the need for major earthworks.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 24/06/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Wellington Coupe (480-508-0021)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved construction of approximately 80 metres of new road within Special Protection Zone established for Leadbeater’s Possum protection. No mature trees to be removed. This approval represents the best environmental outcome of roading options for this coupe. This option avoids construction of 900m of new road through mature forest and riparian area. It avoids, construction of a switchback and a waterway crossing and 600 metres of new roading through SPZ.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 12/06/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Damselfly RDC coupe (288-517-0009)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved construction of approximately 450 metres of new road within Special Protection Zone established for Leadbeater’s Possum protection. No mature trees or other high-quality habitat for Leadbeater’s Possum will be removed. This approval represents the best environmental outcome of roading options for this coupe. It avoids reopening 2.5km of existing access and the construction of a new road that would require three waterway crossings and approximately 600 metres of roading through SPZ.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 08/06/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Vennells Track RDC Coupe (317-505-0017)
Central Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved construction of 95 metre length of new road through an area of SPZ that has been created to protect multiple values. The area of SPZ the road will impact contains an existing gravel pit and does not contain the values for which the SPZ has been created. A limited number of trees and some understorey will require removal. The only other roading option identified would have a greater environmental impact, including 1.8km of roading through SPZ.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Timber harvesting operations in a water supply protection area Decision Approved 29/05/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Thomson River water catchment (multiple coupes)
Central Gippsland Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
VicForests sought an exemption from the MSPs to allow timber harvesting operations within the Thomson River water catchment for the period 1 June 2020 to 6 June 2020 (inclusive), and to conduct timber haulage on Turners Track for the same period. The approval does not authorise VicForests to continue tree felling. The approval allows the following activities for the period 1 to 6 June 2020 (inclusive):
- Removal of already felled timber
- Rehabilitation and catchment closure works
- Removal of plant and equipment
- Use of Turners Track for the transport of timber sourced from coupes outside the Thomson River Catchment.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 01/05/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Boys Shelter Coupe (463-501-0008)
Central Gippsland Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved 400 metre length of new road construction in a Special Protection Zone. The approved roading will not impact the values for which the Special Protection Zone was created (linear reserve, river reserve, cool temperate rainforest, and a recreation site (Noojee Depot)). The approved option provides the shortest road construction option, thereby minimising the environmental impact of roading for this coupe. Two alternative roading options also involved roading through Special Protection Zone, and a fourth option would require a new road construction with two major stream crossings.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 29/04/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Magnum PI Coupe (288-511-0005)
Central Highlands Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved use of an existing track through an of Special Protection Zone which is 25 metres wide. The approval allows for minor works to brush up the existing track. It does not require the felling of any trees in the Special Protection Zone. The approval avoided the alternative option, which would have required significant earthworks and a stream crossing to construct a new access road across a waterway. The Conservation Regulator approved the roading through Special Protection Zone because it represented a significant reduction in environmental impact compared to the alternative roading option.
Applicant VicForests Authorised Activity Road activities in SPZ Decision Approved 03/02/20
Coupe and Forest Management Area
Zinger Coupe (298-515-0001)
Central Highlands Forest Management Area
Summary of decision and reasoning
Approved use of an existing track through Special Protection Zone for 160 metres. The approval allows minor works and understory clearing, but no felling of trees. The approval avoided the alternative access option of creating an 800-metre length of new roading through a forested area (which VicForests had the right to do without regulatory approval).
Updated