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Mountain Road Meets Exacting Environmental Standards

A mountain road crossing the southern face of Mt Baw Baw, being constructed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, has met the requirements of an international environmental standard and received certification.

By Department of Primary Industries - 3rd July 2003 - Back to News

A mountain road crossing the southern face of Mt Baw Baw, being constructed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, has met the requirements of an international environmental standard and received certification (IS0 14000) by the Joint Australia New Zealand Standards Committee .

This road is being constructed for the cartage of logs from the forest. When completed it will also provide convenient access from Erica/Rawson to the Baw Baw Ski village.

DSE’s project manager, Peter West said that the certification to IS0 14000 means a great deal to the team because the road is being constructed in steep, wet, mountainous and difficult country.

"It passes through mountain ash forest regenerated from the 1939 fires, and the flora, fauna and the water values of these forests are important to protect," he said.

A local Gippsland team of engineers, foresters, work crews and roading contractors worked together to develop the environmental management system. It identifies the potential impacts and risks associated with building a road in this terrain and identifies ways of overcoming them.

"The Joint Australia New Zealand Standards Council have adopted the International Organisation for Standardization Environmental Management System Standard (ISO 14001). This month our environmental management system was audited for compliance to this standard and was successfully accredited," Mr West said.

" Everyone involved in the project is very proud of this achievement and we are committed to using this milestone as a spur to better future improvements."

The certification provides valuable lessons that will help with the development of an environmental management system which will cover all forest operations by June 2005.

"Achieving certification for this road is the first step in a planned journey for the Forests Service which will see every aspect of DSE’s management of Victoria’s native forests independently assessed and certified to this standard," Mr West said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Nominations open for Baw Baw Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards celebrating local community champions
  Nominations are open for Baw Baw Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals, organisations, and events that make the community stronger. Entries close Friday, 24 October 2025.
• Southern Rural Water cracks down on water meter tampering with hefty fines and enforcement
  Southern Rural Water warns customers against meter tampering, imposing fines up to $2,442 for individuals and $12,211 for corporations, reinforcing compliance, protecting water users, and ensuring fair, reliable water management.
• Gippsland Water invites Baw Baw residents to join Sounding Board, influence services and win $1,000
  Gippsland Water invites Baw Baw residents aged 16plus to join its Sounding Board, share feedback on services, shape future projects, and enter a $1,000 gift card draw by June 30, 2026.
• Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
  Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows.
• Youth advocates for Baw Baw ( YABBies ) offer school holidays fun with free creative, active events for Baw Baw Youth on April 2026
  Baw Baw’s YABBies are hosting free April school holiday events, including sushi making, painting, and skatepark activities, offering safe, fun, and engaging opportunities for youth aged 12–17 to connect and learn.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
  World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Gippsland’s Great Southern Rail Trail passes charming villages, rolling hills, murals, waterfalls, and welcoming country hospitality
  The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches 146 km through Gippsland, linking rolling hills, charming villages, art-filled streets, cider tastings, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and unforgettable cycling and walking experiences.
• Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
  Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination.
• Livingstone Park Omeo spillway and bridge works begin, improving flood resilience, access and environment on 20 April 2026
  Construction of a new spillway and bridge at Omeo’s Livingstone Park begins 20 April, improving flood resilience, safety, access, and environmental protection, with completion expected by late June.
• Health Care Australia to deliver immunisation services across Baw Baw, Casey and Cardinia Shires starting 1 July 2026
  Health Care Australia will manage immunisation services across Baw Baw, Casey, and Cardinia, offering National Immunisation Program vaccines, streamlining administration, improving efficiency, and providing access and flexibility for residents.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Melina Bath said CFA volunteers face risks due to aging equipment and $55M funding shortfall since 2020
  The CFA faces a $50 million deficit as volunteers fight fires with aging equipment, with funding lagging inflation despite Allan Labor’s claims, exposing ongoing crisis and growing pressure on brigades.
• East Gippsland community impact grants fund projects strengthening communities and supporting environment
  East Gippsland’s 2025 Community Impact Grants received 36 applications, funding 15 projects focused on community strengthening, environmental sustainability, facilities, and open space, supporting local growth, inclusion and creative initiatives.
• Martin Cameron confirms Labor’s promised Kosciuszko and Bank Street underpass, planned for 2023, will no longer proceed
  Traralgon students remain at risk crossing train tracks and busy roads after Labor abandons promised pedestrian underpass, with Nationals’ MP Martin Cameron urging urgent delivery of a safe solution.
• Melina Bath warns neighbourhood houses face financial strain, risking essential services due to stagnant government funding
  Hundreds rallied at Victoria Parliament urging Allan government to provide funding certainty for neighbourhood houses, protecting essential community services supporting vulnerable residents and preventing closures.
• DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
  Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on the Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan to boost tourism by 8 May 2026
  With the Alberton-Welshpool link complete, Wellington’s Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan will guide improvements, boost tourism, support local businesses, and involve the community in shaping a sustainable, high-quality trail.
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• South Gippsland Jobs Expo 2026 and other council project updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s Summer 2026 update features the Jobs Expo, community events, road closures, Council meetings, sustainability workshops, youth initiatives, tenders, local festivals, and upcoming employment opportunities.