By Derek Schlennstedt
Yarra Ranges Councillors have agreed to reissue a timber harvesting permit for two private residences in Three Bridges.
Yarra Ranges Councillors moved the motion on Tuesday, 11 March for the permit to be renewed and brought up-to-date.
A representative speaking on behalf of the owners said that both the Mannagum and Blacksands properties in Three Bridges had been in ownership since they were sold by the crown and that both properties have been subject to timber production on more than one occasion over that time.
Originally the Mannagum property obtained a planning permit in 1986 to conduct logging and the Blacksands property obtained a permit in 1977.
Recently an application was made to confirm the existing use rights for timber harvesting.
A representative speaking on behalf of the owners at the council meeting said the timber produced would go to local timber mills while some would be exported.
“Some would go to pulp, as in for paper or cardboard or reconstituted paper products.”
“Saw logs would go to local timber mills.”
The application set a precedent for Council who had never before received an application of this type.
“Why I see this as a significant decision for us, it’s a precedent we haven’t had before where council has to take on the responsibility of forestry in terms of being the responsible authority so this is quite a big step for us in this sense,” Councillor Mike Clarke said.
Councillor Jim Child moved the motion to issue certificates updating the existing use rights for timber harvesting.
“We’re not here tonight to unpack or debate the State Government’s 2014 Code of Practice for Timber Production and the management guidelines for private native plantations,” Cr Child said.
“Our task tonight is to recognise two valid planning permits and to bring those permits up to date with the current industry standard. These are valid permits confirmed by strong legal advice by councils own solicitors.”
The motion was supported by all Yarra Ranges Councillors except Tim Heenan.
