What it does
The Forests Act 1958 (the Act) consolidates and regulates the management, protection, and use of Victoria's State forests, defined under s 3(1) to include both reserved forests (s 42) and protected forests (s 58). At its core, s 4(1) declares that all forest produce in State forest is the property of the Crown, with property passing only in accordance with the Act (s 4(2)). This establishes a comprehensive framework for sustainable resource use while prioritising conservation, fire management, and public access.
The Act empowers the Secretary (defined in s 3(1) as the body corporate under the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987) with exclusive control over forest policy, leases, licences, permits, royalties, and general administration (s 5(1)). Specific powers include preparing working plans for sustained yield (s 22), applying fire for land management (s 62A), and entering management agreements with Traditional Owner Land Management Boards (s 28). For land that is Parks Victoria recorded land or managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, the Secretary retains responsibility for fire, timber harvesting, and firewood collection (s 18AA).
Key operational mechanisms include:
- Reservation and dedication: Crown land may be dedicated as reserved forest (s 45), with maps deposited showing alterations (s 73). Excisions require joint ministerial recommendation and parliamentary oversight (ss 42(6)–(7), 49).
- Leases, licences and permits: The Minister may grant leases up to 65 years for substantial developments (s 51) or licences/permits for grazing, timber cutting, or other purposes (s 52). Tour operator licences are mandatory for commercial activities (s 57E), with strict conditions, fees, and cancellation processes (ss 57F–57N). New provisions allow licences for offshore wind energy investigations (s 57DA).