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EPA report a tick for the timber industryThe EPA's positive assessment of the timber industry's performance in East Gippsland presents compelling evidence for securing the industry's continuing access to timber resources, says Philip Davis. By Kevin Balshaw - 11th June 2008 - Back to News The Environment Protection Authority’s highly positive assessment of the timber industry’s performance in logging coupes in East Gippsland presented compelling evidence for securing resource access, the Member for Eastern Victoria, Philip Davis, said today.
An independent audit of logging practices for compliance with the Code off Forest Management Practices for Timber Production has ranked the Cann River forest management area at 96% and the Snowy River at an average of 93% and up to 100% in one of the 11 coupes in the area.
The assessments, contained in the EPA’s Environmental Audit: Timber Production on Public Land 2007 released yesterday, are higher than in previous years.
Mr Davis said the findings confirmed the timber industry’s commitment to sustainable practice.
"However, the audit is confined to the industry’s performance within the confines of the harvesting areas that the Government allocates to it," Mr Davis said. "Over time, the area has progressively been reduced, and the position is that the industry has no guarantee its present access to the resource will continue.
"In the light of this report, it is incumbent upon the Government to take the matter further and review the fundamental policy on resource allocation, on which the viability of the industry depends.
"The independent auditor has said the industry is complying with what the Government has asked of it. Therefore, there is no case for the Government to further remove access to the forest resource.
"This report provides the basis for the Government and Parliament to guarantee long-term access to the presently available forest resource, and I believe the Government should act accordingly."
In its summary comments on timber production on public land throughout Victoria, the report found that the audit "has not identified any imminent environmental hazards or unacceptable risks". Further, no areas where non-compliances with the forest code were identified as presenting an unacceptable environmental risk to humans or other forms of life, including the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.
The report found: "It is therefore concluded that the beneficial use of local amenity and aesthetic enjoyment is adequately protected, within the context of approved timber harvesting on public land in the state of Victoria."
The EPA report is available at: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/envaudit/forestry2007
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: kevin.balshaw@parliament.vic.gov.au
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East Gippsland Water donated two semi loads of hay to support drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south-west, demonstrating sustainability, community support, and its commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship. - East Gippsland Youth Art Prize 2025 celebrates creativity, talent, and next generation artists
East Gippsland’s 2025 Youth Art Prize showcased young artists aged 12–25, celebrating creativity, talent, and community engagement, with winners announced at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub in Bairnsdale. - East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption. - East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region. - East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community. - Melina Bath urges Labor Minister to reinstate Latrobe Valley town bus timetable after changes as commuters report major daily disruptions
The new Latrobe Valley PTV bus timetable has disrupted access to essential services, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to request reinstating the previous schedule to better serve commuters, students, and vulnerable residents. - East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards honours volunteers, youth leaders, and inspiring community events
Over 200 people gathered at Lakes Entrance to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, honouring outstanding volunteers, youth leaders, and community events strengthening connection, service, and local spirit. - East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together. - East Gippsland CMA protects Gippsland’s critically endangered Redgum Woodlands and seasonal herbaceous wetlands
EGCMA and partners are restoring Gippsland’s Critically Endangered Redgum Woodlands and Wetlands, planting native species, improving habitats, and tackling threats across 15 key sites for long-term conservation. - East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register cats and dogs to ensure safety, welfare and access to discounts by 10 April 2026
Pet owners are reminded to register cats and dogs by 10 April. Registration ensures pets’ safety, supports animal welfare, and funds community programs, with discounts available for eligible animals. - Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities. - East Gippsland residents invited to author talk on Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham on 10 September 2025
Author Stephen Whiteside will present Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham, sharing remarkable stories of resilience, adventure, and history at special East Gippsland library talks on Wednesday 10 September. - Seven students completed East Gippsland Water Vacation Student Program, gaining practical experience and development on skills
Seven university students completed East Gippsland Water’s Vacation Student Program, gaining hands-on experience in engineering, communications, IT, and environmental planning, preparing them for future careers in the water industry. - Free visitor information materials help East Gippsland businesses guide visitors quickly and easily summer
East Gippsland Shire Council is providing free QR-code posters, stickers and magnets to help businesses quickly connect visitors with maps, attractions, events and essential information via the Visit East Gippsland website. - East Gippsland Shire Council urges protect health and air quality, burn dry wood and maintain heaters to reduce smoke this winter
Residents are urged to burn only dry, untreated wood, maintain heaters, and consider alternatives to reduce smoke, protecting health and improving air quality this winter. - East Gippsland Shire Council invite local businesses to workshop mountain bike tourism opportunities in Omeo on 29 April 2026
Local businesses in Omeo are invited to a 29 April workshop to explore mountain bike tourism, gain insights, and learn practical strategies to attract visitors and boost local spending. - Engaging East Gippsland communities: Listening, learning and shaping council priorities across the region
Over recent weeks, council engaged East Gippsland communities through budget sessions, site visits, and consultations, supporting local projects, stormwater planning, and services while encouraging feedback and early hardship assistance. - Tim Bull highlights East Gippsland patients facing excessive dental wait times amid ongoing public system mismanagement concerns
East Gippsland patients face over 18-month waits for public dental care, with private dentists struggling under short voucher timelines and delayed government payments, highlighting systemic mismanagement, says Tim Bull. - Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action. - Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents. - Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office. - Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
Melina Bath encourages regional cricket clubs, schools, and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants supporting facility upgrades and inclusive participation opportunities. Applications close 27 March 2026. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026. - Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community. - Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Strategy guiding growth, investment, workforce and industry diversification through 2031
Latrobe City Council has endorsed an Economic Development Strategy to guide growth, investment, workforce development, and industry diversification, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and nationally significant industrial hub by 2031. - CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently. - Rising dog attacks concerns in East Gippsland highlight the need for responsible ownership and community safety
East Gippsland has seen over 140 dog attacks last year, 31 this year. Council urges responsible ownership, leashing, and secure confinement to keep pets, people, and public spaces safe. - Jodie Ashworth elected mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, committed to strong, transparent, collaborative leadership
Paynesville’s Jodie Ashworth elected Mayor of East Gippsland, bringing leadership, community experience, and commitment to strong governance, transparency, and strategic, future-focused planning for the region. - South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, highlights skatepark opening, Australia Day awards, community programs, seasonal bin changes, and upcoming events. - Gippsland Water urges customers to follow permanent water saving rules during heat waves to maintain reliable supply and stability
Gippsland Water urges customers to use water wisely during heatwaves, follow permanent water saving rules, report leaks, and help maintain stable supply amid high demand and extreme conditions. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland South women to participate in free BreastScreen Victoria program for early breast cancer detection
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges women aged 50-74 to use free BreastScreen Victoria services, improving early detection, reversing post-pandemic screening declines, and saving lives. - Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman honoured as East Gippsland’s 2026 Young Citizens for leadership, inspiring community change
Banjo Jackson and Chelsea Wellman, East Gippsland’s 2026 Young Citizens, are recognised for inspiring youth through leadership, courage, advocacy, community service, and transforming challenges into positive impact locally. - Discover Noojee historic Trestle Bridge, explore lush forests, rail trails, waterfalls, and heritage sites in charming old timber town
Explore Noojee historic trestle bridge, Victoria’s tallest, stroll rail trails, chase waterfalls, fish the Latrobe River, and enjoy cafés, pubs, lush forests, and the majestic Ada Tree nearby. - Jodie Ashworth elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, with Cr Tom Crook as Deputy Mayor
Jodie Ashworth, first elected in 2024, has been elected Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, with Cr Tom Crook as Deputy Mayor, pledging strong, transparent, and future-focused leadership. - Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector. - Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to urgently fix South Gippsland Highway dangerous, deteriorating road conditions statewide
Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently repair the deteriorating South Gippsland Highway, citing potholes, failing patches, and community frustration across key stretches before the busy holiday period. - Darren Chester prioritises national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fisheries, forestry and local industry resilience through strategy
New Shadow Minister Darren Chester will prioritise national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fishers, forestry, and local communities through strategic investments, policy reforms, and protection of prime agricultural land. - Orbost Snowy River cycling thrives with East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program and tailored mentoring
Orbost business Snowy River Cycling leveraged Council’s Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that boosted growth, strategic planning, and access to the Forestry Transition Fund, enabling sustainable business expansion. - Customer Experience Survey shows strong satisfaction as East Gippsland Water uses feedback to improve services and operations
East Gippsland Water’s Customer Experience Survey shows strong satisfaction results, capturing six months of feedback to improve service delivery, responsiveness, and communication across office and field operations. - Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government. - Gippsland farmers gain access to expanded Irrigation Farm Plan Incentives across Lake Wellington catchment
Gippsland farmers can now access expanded Irrigation Efficiency Incentives, covering up to 75% of farm plan costs, improving water efficiency, reducing nutrient losses, and supporting tailored upgrades across Lake Wellington Catchment. - Community invited to join Project Reference Group shaping East Gippsland’s future aquatic strategy and facilities planning
East Gippsland community members are invited to join a Project Reference Group to help shape the new Aquatic Strategy, guiding future facility planning, investment, and service delivery across the shire. - East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project. - Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer. - South Gippsland autumn 2026 update with business breakfast, grants, events, opportunities and jobs expo on 19 March 2026
South Gippsland Jobs Expo on 19 March in Leongatha offers job opportunities, career advice and training pathways, alongside a business breakfast, community events, grants, road safety upgrades, skatepark opening and council updates. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration.
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