Roading

The primary objective for a plantation access network is the extraction, storage and transport of harvested forest product. Other objectives may include recreation activities (where relevant) and the facilitation of fire suppression activities.

Relevant Guiding Principles: Access, Principles of Environmental Care, Safety

For information on road and track design, see Section 4.3 – Road, Track and Firebreak Design

8.1 ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

Mandatory Requirements

Roads are constructed and maintained to a standard that allows vehicles to use the road safely.

  • Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1995

In forests where harvesting operations are taking place, passing bays must be constructed and maintained, and bridges fitted with curb rails.

  • Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1995

The construction of stream or watercourse crossings is considered a water affecting activity and the need for a permit should be investigated with the appropriate government authority.

  • Natural Resources Management Act 2004

During the construction and maintenance of roads or drainage structures, the removal, burning or pruning of any existing native vegetation requires appropriate approval from the Native Vegetation Council.

  • Native Vegetation Act 1991
  • Native Vegetation Regulations 2003

Water resources and native vegetation must be protected from soil erosion events.

  • Environmental Protection Act 1993
  • Natural Resources Management Act 2004

Industry Practices

Construction of a plantation road network will generally not occur until the first harvesting operation. Planned road easements may be left unplanted, or planted with the intention to clear trees and stumps prior to road construction.

Roads should be constructed and maintained for their given purpose and to accepted industry standards.

  • Unsealed Roads Manual: Guidelines to Good Practice. Revised August 2000. ARRB Group

Erosion control measures should be constructed where appropriate, including adequate earth stabilisation and drainage management systems.

Ensure adequate surface drainage to maintain road condition. This may include lateral barring where the road or track runs directly down slope.

Drainage structures need appropriate location and spacing to handle concentrated water flows.

Drainage structures need to feed into filter strips or a buffer to minimise sediment entering a watercourse or wetland.

Cuts, fills and other disturbed surfaces should be stabilised and maintained.

Watercourse crossing

  • The crossing should be appropriate to the size and flow characteristics of the watercourse and the expected traffic usage.
  • Incorporate drainage structures (such as culverts) to minimise ponding.
  • During construction, there should be minimal disturbance of watercourse beds/banks and existing vegetation.
  • Disturbed areas should be stabilised and debris cleared so watercourses are not obstructed.

Processes should be in place to ensure a regular maintenance program for all roads and drainage structures, in particular following significant rainfall events and prior to/following changes in traffic flow. It is important that drainage structures are not blocked or impeded, and are able to maintain water flow.

8.2 QUARRIES AND PITS

Mandatory Requirements

Ensure quarries and pits are planned, established and managed as per permit and licence requirements where applicable. A mining lease is only required if a landowner is moving the material off site or making it available for sale.

Topsoil from quarries and pits must be stockpiled and respread when the quarry is no longer required. The site must then be revegetated using appropriate vegetation as per the permit and licence requirements.

  • Mining Act 1971
  • Mining Regulations 1998

Industry Practices

Quarries and pits should be located away from watercourses, wetlands and native vegetation. For further information refer to Appendix 6 – Buffer and Filter Zones for Forest Operations.

Water run-off must be managed to prevent the pit filling with water and adverse impacts on water flow, environmental and other site values.

Quarries and pits should be located to minimise soil erosion events.

Hygiene practices should be implemented to prevent the spread of pest plants and disease from the material sourced.

The site should be rehabilitated when no longer required or in use.

  • Unsealed Roads Manual: Guidelines to Good Practice. Revised August 2000. ARRB Group

8.3 PLANTATION ROAD CLOSURE

Mandatory Requirements

Protect water resources and native vegetation from pollution caused by soil erosion.

  • Natural Resources Management Act 2004
  • Environment Protection Act 1993

Industry Practices

Roads should be closed in wet conditions when unacceptable damage and/or water run-off that can result in the sedimentation of drainage structures and watercourses will occur.

Plantation road closure should occur if conditions are considered to be unsafe for the traffic flow and road users.