21/03/2026
UPDATE ON BLUE GUM HARVESTING, SEPIA ROAD. Received from HVC 21/3/26: i. Notice of Intent to Harvest
i. Notice of Intent
Council can confirm that we have received a Notice of Intent to Harvest from Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) in relation to Coupe No. MV013A. The notice, dated 4 March 2026, advises of STT's intention to commence harvesting and reforesting operations on approximately 42 hectares of Permanent Timber Production Zone land within the Huon Valley municipality, utilising ground-based harvesting methods. STT has advised that harvesting operations are proposed to commence in April 2026.
ii. Road Usage – Traffic Movements, Safety and Road Degradation
Council has engaged directly with STT and its contractor on this matter and has clearly communicated our expectation that STT and its contractor work cooperatively with the local community regarding the timing of loaded truck movements to minimise disruption and reduce risk to other road users, including residents, school buses, and commuters.
In addition, Council has made it clear to STT and its contractor that they are required to maintain these roads to an acceptable, safe standard as and when required during the harvesting and haulage period, ensuring they remain safe and fit for use at all times.
Upon completion of the harvesting operation, Council will undertake a defect inspection of all affected roads in conjunction with the contractor. Council expects that any defects, damage, or deterioration to the road network identified as attributable to this operation will be rectified by STT and its contractor at their cost. This process will ensure that the local road network is returned to a condition consistent with its pre-operation state, and that the financial burden of any remediation does not fall on Council or the Huon Valley ratepayers.
iii. Post-Harvest Rehabilitation
Council understands this is a matter of significant concern for nearby residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions and those whose properties or produce could potentially be affected by post-harvest burning activities.
STT has advised that, upon completion of harvesting operations, the land will be returned to the landowner for rehabilitation. As this land is leased by STT, the rehabilitation methodology, including any decisions regarding controlled burning or alternative treatment, will ultimately be a matter between STT and the landowner in accordance with their lease obligations and the applicable Forest Practices Plan (FPP).
To our understanding, the Forest Practices Plan for this coupe will be made publicly available on STT's website upon certification. Council encourages residents to review this document once it is available.
iv. Road Widening and Strengthening Works – Fundin
We are well aware of the particular challenges posed by these roads, given their narrow gravel surface and the traffic demands placed on them. STT and its contractor have inspected and assessed the vehicle's travel and swept path along the route. This is to ensure they can safely navigate council roads in the proposed vehicles. Council can confirm that the costs associated with any road widening and/or strengthening works required in connection with this harvesting operation are being met by STT. These works are not funded by Council or ratepayers and are part of STT's obligations to facilitate their harvesting and haulage operations in the area.
Council remains committed to ensuring that the interests of our community are appropriately considered throughout this process. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Council.
Note from SBCA: Tasmanian STT blue gum plantations are generally pulped for the production of paper and rayon. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-24/blue-gum-plantations-south-coast-resurgence/10839266
(Photo not of actual plantation).
