Legislative framework and regulations

Public safety zones

The Safety on Public Land Act 2004 (Section 4(1)) creates a provision to declare public safety zones in state forests.

The intent of public safety zones is to:

• Protect flora and fauna to allow rehabilitation of a site in a heavily used area. Allow for forest regeneration following a bushfire or other disturbance.
• Protect water, soil, natural, cultural or historical values by restricting access to water supply infrastructure. minimise soil erosion following heavy rainfalls. Restrict vehicle traffic to a historic mine or other place of significance.
• Manage public recreational activities by restricting access to allow preparation for public events. This may include car rallies, music festivals or orienteering events.
• Protect sites where scientific or research investigations or educational activities are being conducted.
• Allow the orderly and safe management of fuel reduction and fire suppression activities.
• Protect sites where scientific or research investigations or educational activities are being conducted.

For information on current Public Safety Zones or other forest closures (catastrophic fire danger or planned burning), please visit our Forest and road closures page.

MapShareVic is an interactive platform that provides maps and information of current road and track closures on public land, including state forests and parks.

Forest Act 1958

The Forest Act 1958 advises management over plans to protect public land from fire, and maintain and improve state forests. Also advises licensed occupations including grazing, beekeeping and the sale of forest produce.

Forest Act 1958 (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Forest Act 1958 (DOCX, 203.8 KB)

Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004

The Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 advises sustainable management of forests. This implements the Sustainability Charter for Victoria's State Forests. Plus the framework for State of the Forests reporting. The act also advises for the allocation of timber to VicForests through the Allocation Order.

Timber harvesting safety zones

Active timber harvesting coupes are hazardous work sites that must be managed for safety. Public safety risks occur when unauthorised persons enter timber harvesting areas. Everyone has the right to work safely and the government has introduced measures designed to deter unauthorised entry into timber harvesting areas.

On 28 May 2014, amendments to the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 came into effect. The Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act provides for the establishment of timber harvesting safety zones.

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 promotes the conservation of Victoria’s native flora and fauna. It advises  management of potential threatening processes to flora and fauna. This includes a threatened species list. The Act also advises the maintenance and conservation of biodiversity (sustainable forest management).

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (PDF, 533.2 KB)
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (DOC, 361.5 KB)

Regional Forest Agreements

Agreements between the Victorian Government and the Commonwealth establish targets and commitments for the conservation and use of state forests. You can read about Regional Forest Agreements here.

National Parks regulations

National Parks Regulations provide for the preservation and protection of the natural and cultural heritage values of the parks within the meaning of the Act. The current National Parks Regulations 2013 (PDF, 591.3 KB) are made under section 32AA, 37 and 48 of the National Parks Act 1975. These regulations replaced the National Parks (Park) Regulations 2003 and the National Parks (Cape Howe Marine National Park) Regulations 2006. They provide for the preservation and protection of the natural and cultural heritage values of the parks within the meaning of the Act, including national parks, state parks, marine national parks and coastal parks. In summary, the regulations prescribe activities relating to:

• preservation and protection of flora and fauna
• protection of structures and park facilities
• protection of water supply catchment areas
• safety, enjoyment, recreation and education of visitors
• proceedings of the National Parks Advisory Council and other advisory committees
• fees and charges for the use of park services, facilities and goods
• conditions for various approvals under the Act.

The National Parks Act 1975 requires an annual report to be prepared each year on the working of this Act.