East Gippsland Shire Council will request the Minister for Planning to determine an application for timber harvesting and regeneration on private land at 959 Murrungowar Road, Cabbage Tree Creek.

Council decided, at Tuesday’s Council Meeting, that in the absence of a clearly stated position on native timber harvesting on private land, aside from guidelines which facilitate such activity, the Minister is better placed to make a determination.

“Given the Victorian Government policy and significant public issues involved, and as we are aware one of the first of its kind following the decision to end timber harvesting on public land, Council believes a Ministerial decision is warranted,” Mayor Cr Tom Crook said.

“The matter of native timber harvesting is a matter where there is a wide range of strongly held views in community. This was demonstrated at Tuesday night’s meeting.

“In the context of likely increasing interest in native timber harvesting on private land it is important and timely to confirm the policy settings for this activity.

“As a Council and community, we need clarity on whether the requirements that predate the Government’s decision to cease native timber harvesting on public land (and the legal matters that preceded that) remain relevant and appropriate.”

Native timber harvesting on public land has been subject to significant legal consideration and a decision by the Victorian Government to cease native timber harvesting on public land. Since that decision, the Government has not updated the relevant provisions of the planning schemes or the Code of Practice for Timber Production.

“We are very conscious of the impact the Government’s decision to cease native timber harvesting on public land is having on local communities, workers, businesses, and families. Clarity on Government policy is critical for the future of the timber industry in East Gippsland.”

Council expects this matter may be subject to a legal challenge by either the applicant or objectors, reflecting the strongly held views in community.

If the Minister does not agree to the request, Council officers will provide a further report to Council for consideration and determination of the application.