A state forest by-products framework is being rolled out from April 2026. It outlines how debris removed from forests as part of forest and fire management operations will be managed.

DEECA undertakes work in forests to reduce bushfire risk, improve forest health and support a variety of recreational uses. This work includes:

  • treatment of hazardous trees that pose a risk to the public, staff or firefighters on public land
  • storm debris removal (after the emergency response phase has ended)
  • constructing/maintaining fuel breaks or roads
  • weed control, such as the removal of pine wildlings.

These works can generate debris. Where possible, we leave this debris in the forest for environmental purposes, such as wildlife habitat.

Sometimes the debris poses fire or other safety risks, or needs to be removed from the forest for forest health reasons. The debris that needs to be removed is referred to as 'by-product'.

For more detail on governance, distribution principles and revenue management, see the Victoria’s State Forest By‑Products Framework:

By-product and its uses

'By-product' is debris incidentally generated through DEECA’s forest and fire management activities that needs to be removed from public land.

By-products have social and economic value. The framework will distribute them using transparent, fair, and equitable processes that realise this value.

The framework will only apply after works have been decided and does not change or influence whether operations are undertaken, their scope or location.

Preferences will be given to by-product distribution that deliver benefits to communities and businesses. Where appropriate, DEECA will consult to determine community needs.

Depending on the type of by-products, the following options for distribution will be considered:

  • community uses such as timber for chainsaw training or woodchop competitions
  • timber mills, where there is sufficient high-quality by-product available
  • firewood, including through both the free domestic firewood collection program and via local firewood sellers.

Where by-products are sold, it is intended that the revenue will go to Traditional Owners. DEECA is engaging with formally recognised Traditional Owner Corporations to understand if they are interested in receiving revenue.

Because DEECA’s works in forests are driven by forest and fire management outcomes, the volume of by-product generated will be sporadic and variable.

The Framework only applies to by-product generated from state forest. It does not apply to other areas of national park, state park or coastal reserves including those managed by;

  • Parks Victoria
  • Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority

Example

By-products generated from a fuel break

DEECA determines a fuel break is required through an area of state forest to protect natural and built assets by reducing bushfire risk.

1. Site assessment

DEECA undertakes a planning process for the fuel break to identify any environmental or heritage values and minimise risks. Once this process is complete, the fuel break is approved and works can commence.

It is determined that debris will need to be removed from the area to achieve the objectives of the fuel break, triggering the framework.

A proportion of the fuel break is relatively accessible from existing roads and removal of by-products from this area is feasible. The remaining terrain is inaccessible, and the removal of by-products is not feasible. DEECA will determine alternative debris management strategies for the remaining terrain, which may include burning in situ.

2. Distribution process

After considering a range of potential options, the local Deputy Chief Fire Officer approves the following distribution of by-products:

  • A wood-chop event is scheduled in a nearby town as part of their Agricultural Show. A small volume of by-product is made available to support this event.
  • A volume of timber is deemed suitable for milling. Following an Expression of Interest process, a local mill is awarded a volume of by-product, which they will collect from the forest and cut into sawn timber products.
  • Firewood is identified as being important in the area, with many community members reliant on firewood for heating and cooking.
    • An alternate firewood collection area is located closer to the local town than the fuel break in question, but local staff have identified it may run out of wood during the collection period.
    • A portion of the by-product on the fuel break will therefore be made available as a secondary firewood collection area for local communities.
    • A number of locals are elderly and unable to collect their own firewood. Following an Expression of Interest process, a volume of by-product has been awarded to a local firewood cutter, who will collect it from the forest and make it available for purchase.
3. Revenue

Following distribution of the by-product and associated costs, a small amount of revenue remains. This is held in trust by DEECA before being transferred to the formally recognised Traditional Owner organisation/s for the Country on which the fuel break has been created and/or from which the by-product was removed.

What happens during emergencies like fires, floods or storms?

During the emergency response phase of unplanned events like fires, floods and storms, DEECA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) focus on making the road network and other areas safe and accessible for communities and emergency services.

By-product from the ‘make safe’ phase will continue to be distributed in consultation with local governments, emergency management agencies and land managers to support impacted communities and their recovery. This will not need to follow the By-Products Framework, due to the usual cross-tenure nature and urgency of this work.

Should further works be required after the emergency response phase has finished and risk assessments determine that the debris must be removed, the work becomes a planned operation.

The by-products framework will apply to these further planned operations undertaken by DEECA.

Page last updated: 14/05/26