Planning

Planning considerations need to include the objectives of the business, the physical and social environment in which the business will be operating, as well as the intended forest operations. Details on plantation design are covered in Chapter 4 – Plantation Design.

Relevant Guiding Principles: Planning, Monitoring and Review, Good Neighbour Relations

Mandatory Requirements

Change of land use in South Australia requires a development application to be submitted through local council. Generally, new plantation forestry development is considered a change of land use.

  • Development Act 1993
  • Development Regulations 1993

Development applications are assessed against planning guidelines by the relevant planning authority. Development applications may be referred to state government agencies or other stakeholder groups for comment and direction. Planning authorities can impose additional plantation design requirements upon the developer of a site.

Appendix 3 – Region Specific Issues

  • Development Act 1993
  • Development Regulations 1993
  • Local Council Development Plans
  • Natural Resources Management Act 2004
  • Natural Resources Management (General) Regulations 2005
  • River Murray Act 2003
  • Guide for Applicants: Commercial Forestry (Including Farm Forestry/Agroforestry)

The replanting of an existing site does not require development approval as land use for forestry is already approved. However, the specific techniques used to replant and manage a forest must meet the legal requirements and industry practices that prevail at the time.

Restrictions may be in place regulating the impact of plantation forestry on water resources. This can be through regional Water Allocation Plans or Natural Resources Management Plans by declaration of plantation forestry as a water affecting activity that requires a permit for development.

Appendix 3 – Region Specific Issues

  • Natural Resources Management Act 2004
  • Natural Resources Management (General) Regulations 2005

The creation, management and protection of public owned state forests are covered under:

  • Forestry Act 1950
  • Forestry Regulations 2005
  • Local Government (Forestry Reserves) Act 1944

Industry Practices

Refer to state and regional forest industry strategies.

Consider environmental, social and economic impacts of the forest plantation and planned operations. Consult with neighbours and other stakeholders where necessary.

All forest owners and managers are encouraged to plan their operations in consultation with relevant external documents and resources, and internal policies and procedures. Forest owners and managers are encouraged to document plans and maintain records of forestry operations. Forest management plans need to reflect the size and nature of the business.

An appropriate internal monitoring and improvement program should be implemented to assist forest owners and managers to ensure forest operations are being implemented in accordance with management plans, internal policies and procedures, and external mandatory and industry requirements.

Forest owners and investors are encouraged to establish forest plantations that produce timber or non-timber products that optimise commercial viability and long-term social and economic benefits.

An opportunity exists to separate ownership of land, forest vegetation and carbon rights for improved investment security and transferability. Provisions for harvest security through commercial forest plantation licences are also available.

  • Forest Property Act 2000