Timber production

Whether you have an existing plantation or are thinking of establishing a new plantation, you need to be aware of your responsibilities.

Native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests ended on 1 January 2024. If you’re considering establishing a new plantation, or harvesting an existing plantation, here’s what you need to know. 

In the Ballarat Planning Scheme, ‘Timber Production’ is a defined land use, and should be managed in accordance with the provisions of Clause 53.11 (Timber Production). 

Clause 53.11-2 requires compliance with the ‘Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014, as amended 2022’ (the Code). Some zones require planning permits in addition to compliance with the Code. The Code regulates timber harvesting in state forests (now ceased), private native forests and plantations. The Code outlines environmental standards for planning and conducting commercial timber harvesting. 

Important values like biodiversity, recreation and cultural heritage are protected under the Code. Before establishing a plantation on private land, you must submit either a ‘Plantation Development Notice’ or a planning permit application to the City of Ballarat in accordance with Section 4.1 of the Code. 

Before harvesting a plantation on private land, you must submit a ‘Timber Harvesting Plan’ to the City of Ballarat in accordance with Section 4.5 of the Code. 

Blue gums are a popular plantation wood and a favourite food and habitat for koalas. If you are considering establishing or harvesting a blue gum plantation, then koalas will likely be present. The Conservation Regulator requires owners and managers to hold an authorisation to disturb koalas during plantation management operations. This takes the form of a Koala Management Plan. 

Templates for both ‘Plantation Development Notices’, and ‘Timber Harvesting Plans’ are available via the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA’s) website.

Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014

A Koala Management Plan template is available:

Koalas in blue gum plantations