1970

VICTORIA

FORESTS COMMISSION -

FIFTY FIRST ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL YEAR 1969-70

··-·--~···-···-··~

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT PURSUANT TO ACT No. 6254, SECTION 35.

Approzimot• Oost of &port-Prepara~lon, not given. Printing (260 eopies), $1,035.00

No. 9--8503/70.-Price 50 cents.

FORESTS COMM ISS 10 N-V I CTO RIA

Treasury Gardens, , 3002.

ANNUAL REPORT 1969-70

In compliance with the provisions of section 35 of the Forests Act 1958 (No. 6254) the Forests Commission has the honour to present to Parliament the following report of its activities and financial statements for the financial year 1969-70.

F. R. MOULDS, Chairman.

C. W. ELSEY, Commissioner.

A. J. THREADER, Commissioner.

F. H. TREYVAUD, Secretary.

CONTENTS

PAGE FEATURES 6

MANAGEMENT- Forest Area, Reserves, Surveys, Mapping, Assessment, Management Plans, Plantation Extension Planning, Forest Land Use Planning 8

0PERATIONS- Silviculture of Native Forests, Seed Collection, Softwood Plantations, Hardwood Plantations, Total Plantings, Extension Services, Utilization, Forest Engineering, Transport, Buildings, Reclamation and Conservation Works, Forest Prisons, Legal, Search and Rescue Operations, Drought Relief Works 12

ECONOMICS AND MARKETING- Features, The Timber Industry, Sawlog Production, Veneer Timber, Pulpwood, Other Forest Products, Industrial Undertakings, Other Activities 27

PROTECTION- Fire, Radio Communications, Fire Research, Biological 30

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH- Education-School of Forestry, University of Melbourne, Overseas and Other Studies ; Research-Silviculture, Management, Hydrology, Pathology, Entomology, Biological Survey, The Phasmatid-Didymuria Violescens ; Public Relations ; Publications 35

CoNFERENCES 41

ADMINISTRATION- Personnel-Staff, Industrial, Number of Employees, Worker's Compensation, Staff Training ; Methods ; Stores ; Finance 42

APPENDICES- I. Statement of Output of Produce 45 IT. Causes of Fires 46 III. Summary of Fires and Areas Burned 46 IV. Type of Area Burned in State Forests and National Parks 47 V. Classification of Fire Acreages in State Forests and National Parks 47 VI. Monthly Outbreaks of Fire 47 VII. Protection Works-Summary 48 VIII. Contracts 49

Financial Statements­ IX. Loan Expenditure 50 x. Statement of Revenue and Appropriated Expenditure 51 XI. Forestry Fund .. 51 XII. Statement of Forestry Fund Expenditure ; Sundry Debtors 30th June, 1970 52 XIII. Forests Stores Suspense Account and Forests Plant and Machinery Fund 53 XIV. Proposed Disbursements and Estimated Receipts, 1970-71 54 FEATURES.

Area cf reserved forest 5,656,67 l acres

Output of logs from State forest (including veneer logs)­ Hardwood .. 406,419,000 super. feet (approx.) Hoppus log volume

Softwood .. 51,598,000 super. feet (approx.) Hoppus log volume

Total .. 458,017,000 super. feet (approx.) Hoppus log volume

Revenue-

Royalties received from sale of forest produce $4,969,105

Total amount paid to Consolidated Revenue $5,962,667

Expenditure authorized by-

Forests Act 1958, No. 6254-

Section 30-Forestry Fund $2,532,494

Section 32-Plant and Machinery Fund $264,579

Appropriation Acts $3,759,034

State Forests Loan Application Acts $3,365,000 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FORESTS COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE, 1970.

MULTIPLE USE OF FORESTS. Sir William Schlich, a famous Professor of Forestry at Oxford University, stated nearly 50 years ago in his Manual of Forestry that the objectives of management of all forests can be brought under one of the two following headings :- " (1) The realization of indirect effects such as landscape beauty, preservation or amelioration of the climate, regulation of moisture, prevention of erosion, landslips and avalanches, preservation of game and hygienic effects. (2) The management of forests on economic principles such as the production of a definite class of produce, or the greatest possible quantity of it, or the best financial results." Schlich wrote that it is "the duty of the forester to see that these objects are realized to the fullest extent and in the most economic manner " and " in the majority of cases they (indirect benefits) can be produced in combination with economic working". Schlich's concept of management, now described by foresters as " multiple use management ", does not necessarily mean that every forest must be managed to achieve several objectives to an equal extent at all times. It simply means that notwithstanding an acknowledged primary aim of management it is the duty of the forester to realize any other benefits obtainable without prejudice to the main objective. This is wise use of natural resources-one of the definitions of conservation, almost a household word these days. The use, with assured continuity, of a natural resource is well described by another expression which originated in forestry-" sustained yield ". The more traditional objectives of forest management such as meeting the public demand for timber and other forest products, preservation of satisfactory water catchment conditions and erosion control are now being rivalled by sharply increasing requirements of the general public for outdoor recreation, preservation of habitats for fauna, unique biological ecotypes, and a variety of historical and scenic attractions. Forest recreation itself can be active such as hiking, ski-ing, camping and touring or the simple enjoyment of the beauty of landscape and forest in healthful environment. Evidence of the increasing attention being given to this type of forest use are the 89 forest parks, including four new parks this year, alpine reserves and scenic reserves totalling 63,716 acres of reserved forests where recreational and similar uses have been made the primary aim of management. These are shown on a map included as an appendix to this report. Achieving the ultimate in forest management is a complex matter, particularly in Victoria with a climate conducive to the spread of fire and unique vegetation susceptible to introduced insect and fungal attack. The pages that follow in this report give some indication of the organization established to care for and manage State forests and, to single out a particularly important aspect, the training of the field foresters and the specialists in such fields as ecology, environmental studies, biometrics, pathology, entomology and hydrology. Multi-purpose management is being applied by the Commission in reserved forests which occupy 10 per cent. of the land area of Victoria-a proportion which will substantially increase if the Commission's proposals for the dedication as reserved forest of portions of the uncommitted Crown lands are accepted. The unoccupied Crown lands mentioned comprise 15 per cent. of the State and are subject to the Commission's management only in respect of the forests contained thereon and only until the ultimate status of the land is determined. The suggestion has been made from time to time that 5 per cent. of the State should be set aside as National Parks and other similar reserves. It is perhaps timely to draw attention to the fact that the reserved forests, at this point in time comprising 10 per cent. of the State, are subject to multiple use management which embraces recreation and conservation.

FORESTRY FINANCE. The Commission is concerned at continuing increases in the costs of supervision and protection of the State's forest assets, due mainly to factors beyond its control, mainly increases in wages. Reduction of the labour force of trained and experienced forestry personnel in many forest districts due to shortage of funds has led to a situation where there is little if any margin of safety should a major fire emergency occur in the summer months. 8

It has been necessary again this year, because of the inadequate provision of finance by means of Vote, for the Commission to supplement general expenses items to the extent of $172,979 from the Forestry Fund, a source of finance originally intended by Parliament for the maintenance and development of the forests. MANAGEMENT. FOREST AREA. The area of reserved forest at 30th June, 1970 was 5,656,671 acres, which is a net decrease of 13,338 acres in the year. Changes in the area of reserved forest were :- Excisions under Forests Act 1958- Acres. Section 42, sub-section (8) 162 Section 49 980 Excisions under National Parks Amendment Act 1969- Section 10 14,600* 15,742

• Compensating addition to reserved for""t still to be effected.

Additions under Forests Act 1958- Section 42, sub-section (8) 137 Section 45 1,170 Section 49 1,097 2,404

In addition, 1,750 acres of alienated land were purchased for extensions to softwood plantations and for miscellaneous purposes. Additional land in the was purchased, comprising 26 individual lots for addition to the fire protection belt, and 4-} acres for other purposes. RESERVES. Forest parks, alpine reserves, scenic reserves and other special purpose reserves set aside under Section 50 of the Forests Act 1958 numbered 89 at 30th June, 1970. These comprised approximately 63,716 acres of reserved forest. Eight reserves were set aside during the year, including four fo rest parks with a total area of 17 ,200 acres. The total area of forest parks is 32,000 acres.

Olinda Golf Links-Olinda Forest Reserve. Background of Mountain Ash (). 9

There has been increasing demands on reserved forest for recreational use. The need to manage specific areas for preservation of unique vegetation types and important wildlife habitats has become even more evident during ~he year. Additional areas set aside are :--

Area Forest District. Name. Parish. (Acres).

Cohuna Leaghur Forest Park Leaghur and Merring .. 4,000 Eastern Otways Angahook Forest Park Angahook, Boonah and 7,200 Wensleydale Lal Lail Bannockburn Fauna and Flora Reserve Murgheboluc and Wab­ 550 dallah Macedon Forest Park Newham, Macedon and 3,200 Kerrie Ny ah Baarrook Reserve Bum bang 82 Orbost Cabbage Tree Palms Reserve Tabbara 620 Rennick Bulley Ranges Forest Park Warrain 2,800 Shepparton Gemmill's Waterfowl Reserve Mooroopna 85

The area of the Lerderderg Gorge Forest Park has been increased by 2,300 acres to 9,930 acres, and the area of the Kalorama Park has been increased by 20 acres to 54 acres.

Lerderderg G<>rge, Part of Lerderderg Forest Park.

SURVEYS. Cadastral surveys were carried out in ten forest districts to locate boundaries of reserved forest and land acquired by exchange, purchase and dedication. Surveys of the topography, subdivisions and engineering projects were made for the purpose of the continued development of the Mt. Buller Alpine Village. A topographic survey was carried out in Daylesford forest district to facilitate the mapping of a new softwood plantation area.

fOREST MAPPING. Topographical maps of new project areas in Yarram, Mansfield, Benalla, and Beechworth forest districts were compiled for the softwood planting programme. The details of planted areas, species and dates of planting of all existing plantations were kept under continuous review by aerial photography and field survey. 10

Revisions of fifteen topographical map sheets were made to include the latest information. Aerial photographs in colour were used for mapping forest information in detail. New equipment was obtained to increase efficiency in transferring data from photographs to maps, and tests are in progress of methods of photographing small areas.

FOREST ASSESSMENT. Major assessment projects undertaken were resource surveys of softwood plantations and of regrowth forests of mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) and alpine ash (E. delegatensis). Parts of the coniferous plantations in Macedon forest district were resurveyed by intensive sampling and assessment of growing stock of the plantations in the Bright, Myrtleford and Beech worth plantations is in progress. Intensive mapping surveys of the regrowth forests of mountain ash and alpine ash in the Central and Southern Field Divisions were completed. The growing stock in these forests was assessed by extensive sampling to provide estimates of sawlog and pulpwood volumes for management planning purposes. Surveys of sawlog resources in mature eucalypt forests were made in Benalla, Myrtleford, Stawell, Cann Valley, Bruthen, Eastern Otways and Gellibrand forest districts. Portions of the eucalypt forests in Beaufort, Ballarat, Creswick and Macedon forest districts, which have been closely managed for many years, were surveyed to determine any changes required in future silvicultural treatment. Growth measurements were made in continuous inventory plots in eucalypt forests. Staff training has continued on air photo interpretation, field mapping and timber assessment, and computer programming.

Summary of Surveys Completed or in Progress.

Forest Acres. Field Division. District. Locality. Type of Survey.

i Central Marysville .. Various Mapping ash-type regrowth . . I 37,000 Dandenong Upper Yarra I

·~----- Eastern .. I Cann Valley Combienbar Mapping and sampling 11,000 merchantable stands Bruthen Barmouth River Mapping and sampling 1,500 merchantable stands

North-Eastern Bright Botham Mapping of alpine ash stands 38,000 Feathertop Bright, Coniferous plan- Intensive mapping and sampling In progress ! Myrtleford tations and Beech worth Benalla Warrenbayne Sawlog resources 11,000 Myrtleford .. Barry Ranges Mapping and sampling 1,000 merchantable alpine ash

Northern Cohuna Gun bower Estimating sleeper resources 26,707

Southern Mirboo Various Mapping ash-type regrowth 30,000 Yarram Heyfield

1 Erica ! I Neerim . . I Tarago . . .. Sampling ash-type regrowth .. 6,000 South-Western Trentham . . I Various . . .. Continuous forest inventory 40,000

i remeasurement I Macedon .. I Mt. Macedon Forest Intensive sampling of coniferous 3,200 i Park plantations, and mapping of vegetation and recreational I use Western 1 Stawell . . Grampians .. Estimating timber volumes 24,000 1 . . Resurvey of timbered areas .. In progress I 1 i i All Divisions i All D1stncts Vanous Preparation of base maps defining land tenure \ 11

Assessment Maps Completed.

I I Locality. I Scale. Resources Information. Base Map. I Coniferous plantations 1 : 7,920 and Species and dates of planting .. . . I Features only 1 : 15,840 I Macedon Forest Park 1 : 7,920 Vegetation types ...... Topographic Recreation facilities Zones of management

State l : 250,000 Forest tenure ...... I Features only 1 : 1,000,000 1 . 63,360 " ,," ------1-·------l·--·------··------·------:·------Acheron, Gembrook, 1 : 31,680 Densities and heights of ash regrowth Features only Heyfield, Jamieson and

MANAGEMENT PLANS. Management plans of older hardwood and softwood forests to provide for the regulation of harvesting were prepared. The objective was to extend the utilization of these resources until the regrowth native forests, and the recently planted softwood plantations, are ready to provide merchantable produce. Yield estimates show that substantially increased supplies of small-sized softwood timber will become available from 1976. Yield prediction and management planning is being assisted by the further development of computer programmes which simulate the growth and harvesting of the forest. An operations research system is currently being developed as an aid for determining the future management of the 250,000 acres of valuable ash regrowth forests in the Central and Southern Field Divisions. The system, when fully developed will consist of a number of computer programmes. These will analyse sample plot data, simulate future growth of the forest, calculate possible yields, and then schedule optimal harvesting programmes by the technique of linear programming. The introduction of a standard system for recording hardwood resources has continued. The system is based on the subdivision of forest districts into units of blocks. Block subdivisions have now been prepared for a total of 20 forest districts. Further economic analyses and site surveys were undertaken in connection with the case made in 1969 for special loan funds from the Commonwealth Government to enable reforestation of 80,000 acres of unstocked mountain ash sites within 100 miles radius of Melbourne.

PLANTATION EXTENSION PLANNING. Proposals for a new Commonwealth-State Softwood Forestry Agreement were discussed during the year by the Standing Committee of the Australian Forestry Council. Planning is in progress for planting in Victoria of 15,000 acres per annum after July, 1971 as follows:-

Approximate Annual Field Division. Main Localities. Planting Target.

Acres Central Acheron Valley-Toolangi 2,600 North-Eastern Benalla-Mansfield 2,700 Ovens Valley 1,800 Upper Murray 1,500 Southern" Latrobe Valley-Strzelecki Ranges 2,000 South-Western Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford, Trentham and 1,500 Beaufort Otways 800 Western" " Portland-Rennick 1,500 Various 600 Total 15,000 12

Surveys to classify sites suitable for development of softwood plantations were continued for this purpose. The following surveys were completed :-

Gross Area Forest District. Parishes. (Acres).

Ballarat Lynchfield, Enfield, Yarrowee, Argyle, Scarsdale 34,000 and Carngham Beaufort Amphitheatre, Langi Kal Kal, Lexton and Yalong 8,000 South Creswick Creswick and Ballarat .. 5,000 Erica .. Bundowra, Tanjil and Telbit West 40,000 Gellibrand Irrewillipe, Natte Murrang, Barongarook and ll,000 Yaugher Heywood Myaring 4,000

FOREST LAND USE PLANNING. Plans which prescribe the most suitable uses of forest land are in course of preparation for the Otway Ranges, the Heywood-Lower Glenelg area, Mount Macedon, the central alpine area and the area adjacent to Lake Tyers. These forest areas were surveyed to obtain information for identifying those which should be managed primarily for timber production and for recreation, preservation, water supply and other uses. A survey of the recreational use of the Grampians is being undertaken. It is expected that tourism will increase by 10 per cent. per annum. Planning is now in progress to ensure that the future demands on the forest will be met in a manner which will preserve the natural environment.

OPERATIO NS. SIL VICULTURE OF NATIVE FORESTS. A total of 33,740 acres of native forest received silvicultural treatment during the year. Utilization operations are planned to achieve silvicultural objectives at minimum cost.

Regeneration Treatments. The scope of the various regeneration treatments applied is illustrated in the following table :-

Regeneration of Native Forests--(Acres)-1969-70.

I I Induced or Forest Type. Regeneration Aerial Sowing. Hand Sowing. Total. Felling. I Natural Seeding.

Ash .. 58 505 1,695 965 3,223 Mixed Species- Height} 130' + .. 150 90 219 459 Class 90'-130' l,164 2,019 180 228 3,591 90'- .. 230 725 955 River Red Gum 170 l,060 50 1,280 Box-Ironbark 682 5 687 Native Pine 20 20 40

Totals 1969-70

Total

The reduction in the acreage seeded this year from the air was partly due to insufficient seed being available. The first large-scale forestation operation involving aerial desiccation of wattle, machine clearing, burning and aerial seeding was carried out on 160 acres in Britannia Range, Upper Yarra forest district. Hand seeding was preferred where areas were too small or awkward for aerial seeding, or where seed bed preparation was not sufficiently consolidated. 13

Mountain Ash Stand-Upper Yarra District.

Autumn 1970 regeneration surveys of the 1968-69 direct-seeded areas showed that adequate establishment of seedlings was achieved. Once again early flooding upset planned regeneration treatment in Barmah Forest, highlighting the problems associated with operations on high quality sites in river red gum forests.

In Kulkyne Forest, Mirdura forest district, further operational trials with direct seeding of Murray pine were carried out. Regeneration of previously eroding areas, by planting in stabilized dunes, was also carried out on 20 acres in co-operation with the Soil Conservation Authority and the Department of Crown Lands and Survey. 14

Other Silvicultural Treatments. Tending of Native Forests-(Acres)-1969-70.

-···- ·------·······-----· - ______...... ~------Liberation Other Silvicultural Forest Type. Coppicing. Thinning. Trealment. Treatment. Total.

Ash ...... 445 . . 60 505 Mixed Species- 130'+ ...... 150 400 50 600 Height} 90' to 130' 100 4,932 3,796 9,278 Class .. 450 90'- ...... 296 30 . . 326 River Red Gum .. . . 55 1,088 220 . . 1,363 Box-Ironbark . . .. 2,920 6,693 386 1,214 11,213 Native Pine ...... 220 . . . . 220 Totals 1969-70 3,075 13,824 4,832 1,774 23,505

Totals 1968-69 2,271 18,621 4,967 2,260 28,119

···------~ The effectiveness of poisoning of stumps after thinning was demonstrated by the reduction in the cost of subsequent coppicing required on treated areas. The bulk of the liberation work was carried out in East Gippsland where regeneration, natural and fire-induced, was released from cull overwood competition using picloram injected by specially modified axes. Thinnings were carried out using both licensed and departmental operations. Material from departmental thinnings in box-ironbark forests generally has a ready market as dry firewood.

P. radiata. SEED COLLECTION. The local collection of P. radiata seed was supplemented by the purchase of 3,000 lb. from South Australian Woods and Forests Department. Other Softwood. Overseas purchases were made of 80 lb. of some 18 species from specific provenances, the largest amount being 50 lb. of Ps. menziesii which was obtained from Northern California and Southern Oregon in U.S.A. Eucalypts. Eucalypt seed is collected mainly for departmental requirements, but a small amount is available for sale. The main feature of seed collection in 1969-70 was the widespread paucity of capsules. For this reason, the cost of collection was higher than usual. The season was also unusually wet and mild which caused drying and extraction problems with the material collected. Portable heating units were supplied to three major seed extracting centres to overcome these difficulties. E. regnans seed (700 lb.) and E. delegatensis seed (200 lb.) were ordered from a private supplier in Tasmania to supplement the Victorian collections. Details and quantities of the seed collected by species compared with previous years are :- Weight of Seed Collected-(lb.) : Species. 1969-70. 1968-69. 1967-68.

P. radiata ...... 200 405 781 P. nigra ...... Nil 30 Nil Ps. menziesii ...... Nil 20 Nil E. regnans ...... 313 144 ~ E. delegatensis ...... 1,566 2,470 E. obliqua ...... 397 561 ,.. 7,111 E. nitens ...... 52 67 E. camaldulensis ...... 22 200 Miscellaneous eucalypts ...... 100 95 Nil Acacias ...... 451 22 Nil Other species ...... 255 353 184

Total . . .. '. . . . . 3,356 4,367 8,076 I 551- pounds of surplus seed was sold for $724. 00. 15

Seasonal Conditions. SOFTWOOD PLANTATIONS. Seasonal conditions have continued to be excellent for plantation establishment. Rainfall, which was suitably distributed gave good growth of both nursery and planted-out stock, also enabled sufficient planting prior to the end of June to comply with acreage requirements under the Commonwealth-States Softwood Forestry Agreement.

Nurseries. Development of regional nurseries at Rennick, Trentham, Benalla, Tallangatta and Marysville continued. Improved results were achieved in grade and uniformity of stock. Seed stratification has become fully operational and extensions were made to enable greater quantities of seed to be treated simultaneously. Mechanization of the nurseries was further developed. The packaging of nursery stock for transport was under constant review and a number of types of boxes were tested. The development of regional nurseries and the phasing out of local nurseries resulted in a significant increase in the number of plants raised per pound of seed.

Spraying of P. radiata seedlings in Kentbruck Nursery.

Production of Nursery Stock. - Stock- One Year Old. Stock- Two Years Old or More

_ - I Totals. Suitable Not Suitable Suitable Not Suitable for for Planting for for Planting Planting Out Out. Planting Out. Out.

P. radiata . . .. 10,119,800 3,842,300 3,062,100 1,181,000 18,205,200 P. pinaster . . .. 340,500 153,200 300 30,000 524,000 P. nigra ...... 84,000 24,650 29,500 138,150 Ps. menziesii ...... 77,000 7,800 28,000 112,800 Other softwood .. . . 300 21,400 20,520 31,770 73,990

10,460,600 4,177,900 3,115,370 1,300,270 I I 19,054,140 The nursery stock consisted of 95 · 5 per cent. P. radiata, but, the proportion of I-year-old to 2-year-old plants was lower due to the number of 2-year-old seedlings carried over as a surp)us from the previous year. These 2-year-olds provide an insurance against seed failure in the succeeding year as well as being usable stock, especially in difficult areas. 16

Clearing. A total of 12,258 acres was cleared for softwood plantation extension. Sixty per cent. was cleared by contractors and 40 per cent. by departmental work. New projects in the Niagaroon and Toolangi forest districts commenced during this year.

Site Preparation. Site preparation as an aid to establishment and growth is necessary in some of the planting areas--4,869 acres were ploughed, 653 acres were line ploughed or ripped and other treatments were given to 145 acres.

Roading. New plantation areas have been roaded to the basic standard. Some roads were extended in previously established plantation areas. A total of 99 miles of road was constructed in plantations during the year of which 83 were in plantation extension areas. Fifty-five miles of roads were surfaced for winter traffic. Further access, mainly for fire protection purposes, was provided by constructing 64 miles of tracks. Roads in plantation areas now total 1,689 miles of which 567 miles are of all-weather construction.

Summary of Areas Planted. New plantings of P. radiata for the financial year totalled 6,060 acres and 71 acres were planted to other softwood species to attain the target of 38,000 acres at the end of the fourth year of the Commonwealth-States Softwood Forestry Agreement.

Softwood Plantation, Delatite Arm, Eildon-Mansfield District.

It should be noted that the financial year embraces portions of two planting seasons. An early weather break in the 1969 planting season resulted in almost 70 per cent. of the season's total being planted prior to 30. 6. 69, but in the 1970 season only t 5 per cent. was planted prior to 30 . 6. 70. Replanting of P. radiata after clear felling matured stands totalled 580 acres, and 113 acres were planted to P. radiata after clear felling of other species which had proved unsatisfactory. Enrichment planting to fill blank spaces in naturally regenerated areas took place over 60 acres using an average of 140 trees per acre. A further four planting machines were purchased. Without the use of such machines the annual targets could not be reached due to lack of sufficient manpower. 17

Species Used in New Plantings (Acres). ----·------Net Areas Planted. Species.

1969-70. i 1968-69. 1967-68. 1966-67. i

P. radiata ...... 6,060 13,488·9 10,956 6,723·1 P. pinaster ...... 153·1 162·4 45·9 Ps. menziesii ...... 19·3 77·0 70·0 52·7 P. nigra ...... 4·5 35·9 . . .. Other softwood species ...... 47·2 46· l 7·7 45·0 Totals ...... 6, 131 * 13,801 t 11,196·1 t 6,866·7t

t Surveyed figures. • Subject to Survey.

Location of New Plantings (Acres).

r Forest District. 1969-70. Forest District. 1969-70.

Rennick ...... 1,985 Beaufort ...... 149 Marysville ...... 577 Myrtleford ...... 109 Tallangatta ...... 500 Mirboo ...... 105 Benalla ...... 467 Ballarat ...... 67 Mansfield ...... 398 Eastern Otways .. . . 60 Daylesford ...... 389 Creswick ...... 53 Casterton ...... 355 Macedon ...... 25 Yarram ...... 336 School of Forestry .. . . 22 Erica ...... 321 Stawell ...... 20 Bright ...... 193 6,

Replanting after Felling (Acres).

: Species. 1969-70. 1968-69. 1967-68. I 1966-67. Previous Crop. New Crop. i .

P. radiata . . . . P. radiata .. 580 407 410} 415 P. ponderosa (poor strain) P. radiata .. 113 185 57

693 i 592 467 415

• !

Location of Replanting after Felling (Acres).

Replanting District. Conversion from Total. P. radiala. P. ponderosa~ i ! Myrtleford 110 53 163 Creswick 161 161 Bright 115 115 Gellibrand 70 15 85 Ballarat 74 74 Beechworth IO 45 55 Stawell 40 40 i I 580 113 693 _ .. ______.. _____ ···I

Tending. Aerial spraying of 670 acres of wattle regrowth at Warrenbayne and Loch Valley plantation with 1 lb. active of technical 2. 4. 5-T Butyl ester in 5 gallons of distillate effectively killed the competing wattle growth.

8503i70.-2 18

Aerial spraying of 1,500 acres with zinc sulphate was carried out in the Rennick and Kentbruck plantations. Pruning operations were reduced due to lack of finance but, in any case, the economic justification for pruning is under review.

Thinning Trials in Lower Glenelg Plantation P. radiata.

The extent of silvicultural treatment of plantations is summarized m the following comparative table:- Tending of Softwood Plantations.

Acreage Treated. Nature of Treatment. 1969- 70. 1968~9. I 1 967~8 . I 1 96~7. 1965-66.

Cleaning and firming . . .. 20,208 14,984 20,202 I 8,633 6,81 1 Pruning- ]st stage ...... 602 1,566 1,641 644 569 2nd stage ...... 369 70 57 88 149 3rd stage ...... - - - - 151 Thinning- Non-commercial (early) .. 21 50 201 239 161 Commercial ' 2,987 ...... 2,358} 2,230 Seed production .. 15 47 3,228 2,413 Zinc spraying ...... 'I 1,500 1,821 2,400 800 620

Weed and Pest Control. The Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board has continued to supply satisfactory rabbit control in planting areas, but lack of finance has limited control of weeds and blackberries on margins of some plantations. Vermin Control (Acres treated).

Type. 1969- 70. 1968- 69. 1967- 68. 1966-67. I

Aerial baiting ...... 29,801 31,246 23,330 23,238

Ground baiting ...... 5,556 5,188 8,835 3,123

Total ...... 35,357 36,434 32,165 26,361 I 19

Utilization. As in previous years most of the utilization occurred in the North-East, Central Highlands and the Otways which were the locations of the earliest plantings. The conversion from unsatisfactory species continued. Samples of these will be retained as demonstration plots. This work was concentrated in the Aire Valley and Stanley plantations in which a large variety of species was planted during the 1930's. Fire damage was limited to approximately 19 acres necessitating salvage but unfortunately a severe snow storm damaged part of the Bright plantations and necessitated salvage on 458 acres. Utilization was regulated by cutting plans drawn up to give the most efficient use of the crop and the following is a summary of areas cut during 1969-70:- Acres Thinnings 3,023 Clear falling (matured stands) 458 Clear falling (conversion of less desirable species) 73·5 Clear falling (roadlines) 127 Clear falling (damage) 477

Farm Forestry Loan Scheme. Under the Farm Forestry Loan Scheme field inspections were carried out of plantations established under agreements, as well as inspections of sites proposed for establishment of new farm forests.

During 1969-70. Total to 30.6. 70.

Loan commitments .. $37,372 $126,317 Acreage agreed 784 2,701 Acreage planted 427 1,363 Advances made $13,996 $76,691

District staff made 76 inspections of properties involved in the loan programme.

Nurseries. HARDWOOD PLANTATIONS. The following is a summary of species raised as tube stock, for district plantings :-

Species. Number of Tubestock Raised. Species. I Number of Tubestock Raised.

E. regnans . . . . 615,000 E. obliqua . . .. 22,830 nit ens .. . . 115,560 viminalis . . . . 13,000 " cladocalyx . . . . 104,000 ,," globulus . . .. 5,400 " delegatensis . . 56,800 Other miscellaneous .. 8,480 " 941,070 I

Summary of Areas Planted. Plantings were in new plantations, filling blanks in regenerated forests and reclamation of denuded areas. The following tables give the purpose of plantings and the major locations. Of the 1,413 acres of new work approximately 1,300 was reforestation on cleared land and 100 acres was filling blanks in regenerated forest. Summary of Hardwood Plantings (Acres)

Type of Planting. 1969-70. 1968-69. 1967-68. 1966-67.

New plantings ...... 1,413 744·5 1,077 1,087 Gravel pits reclamation ...... 55·5} 57 Forest park and amenity ...... 22·5 48 68

1,491 80! ·5 1,125 1,155 I i 20

Details of Hardwood Plantings-1969-10.

Acres of Eucalypt Species. Total Forest District. Acreage. E. E . E. E. E. E. Others. regnans. delt•gatensis. nite ns. l'imina/is. ob/iqua. c/adocalyx. I Mirboo North . . .. 771 771 ...... Eastern Otways .. .. 185 20 73 8 15 56 . . 13 Yarram ...... 154 154 ...... Upper Yarra .. .. 95 9 22 61 ...... 3 Neerim ...... 70 60 4 . . 6 ...... Lal Lal ...... 50 ...... ' .. . . 50 . . I Dimboola .. . . 40 I ...... 40 . . .. .. 30 ...... 2·5 . . 25 2·5 Erica ...... 29 29 ...... Orbost ...... 27 . . .. 27 ...... Dandenongs .. . . 20 .. 12 .. 4 4 . . . . Maryborough . . .. 17 ...... 17 . . Mildura ...... 3 ...... 3

Totals .. .. 1,491 1,043 111 96 27·5 60 132 21·5 I I

Renewals were also carried out over 190 acres at an average of 118 plants per acre.

Aerial View of Spacing Trials 4-year-old E. regnans-Toolangi District.

The area of hardwood planting increased and closer attention is being given to site preparation. Full site clearing took place on 1,059 acres and ripping to kill bracken roots, &c., on a further 366 acres, so that almost all the area planted to hardwood had substantial site preparation. 21

TOTAL PLANTINGS OF SOFTWOOD AND HARDWOOD. Summary.

Acreages 1969-70. Type. New Work. Renewals. Replanting. Trials. Total.

Softwoods ...... 5,598 3,642 693 6 9,939 Hardwoods ...... 1,491 190 .. 2 1,683 Totals . . .. 7,089 3,832 693 8 11,622

•

EXTENSION SERVICES. Sales from the extension nurseries at Macedon, Creswick, Wail and Mildura and regional {pine) nurseries were higher than last year due to increased sales of P. radiata. This increase was largely due to increased farm forestry plantings. Total sales were :­ No. of Plants. P. radiata 571,732 Other softwoods 29,280 Eucalypts 166,296 Acacias 38,760 Deciduous 25,293 Other hardwoods 66,924 Shrubs 38,361 936,646

Also 210 free issues of 134,175 plants were made to school endowment plantations. Field staff were involved in 394 demonstrations and field inspections, 136 conducted tours and 92 miscellaneous activities. Plantations staff at Head Office dealt with the following requests:- Advice to the public on tree planting­ by telephone 2,839 by personal interview 295 by letter 195 field inspection 41 3,370

Also 2,740 price lists for the extension nurseries were despatched on request but without any specific advice on planting. The nurseries distributed 7,400 price lists to the general public.

General. UTILIZATION. The trend to instal more efficient machinery and improved mechanization of log handling in the forests and mill yards continued. This applied particularly in the handling of smaller forest produce such as pulpwood.

Log standards generally were maintained although long log cartage distances in some areas presented problems with defective logs particularly of mixed species. This was offset in other areas by better utilization of small logs from plantation clearing areas. Many sawmillers endeavoured to improve their log preparation at the stump.

There was again an over supply of mature ash pulpwood in remote areas, and of mixed species pulpwood from plantation clearing areas. To the maximum practicable extent, pulpwood was cut as an integrated operation with log production. 22

Sawmilling. A number of mills installed new equipment to improve the economics of converting the larger volumes of small logs becoming available from thinnings and plantation and regeneration clearing operations.

Joint Utilization Committees continued to function to the benefit of both the Commission and the sawmillers drawing logs from the areas concerned.

Grazing. Good regular rains in summer produced abundant forage in forest areas, but many forest grazing areas were understocked due to the good supplies of feed available on private property.

In a number of forest districts efforts are being made to improve the grazing potential of forest areas where this may be done without detriment to the growth of timber. The Barmah Grazing Advisory Committee continued to function throughout the year. Good conditions allowed a total of 3,704 head to be agisted. This is the largest number of cattle agisted since the inception of the Committee. There was no adverse effect on the growing stock of young timber from the large number of cattle agisted.

FOREST ENGINEERING. Survey and Design. Engineering surveys were carried out over a total of 45 · 5 miles including 14 miles of final design in Orbost forest district. Other surveys were for water supply schemes to serve toilet blocks at both and Steavenson's Falls, for 3,200 ft. of water supply pipeline and additional water supplies at Mt. Buller, for drainage at the Creswick nursery, for water reticulation at Rennick camp and for determination of pavement depth on the Aire Valley Road.

Design was undertaken for six regulators to assist flood control and to permit watering of some forest areas in the Cohuna forest district.

A design was prepared for a recoverable pre-cast concrete dugout.

Reserved Forest Adjoining Lerderderg Forest Park-Trentham District. 23

Road Construction.

Miles Constructed. Total Mileage Road Standard. of Commission 1969-70. 1968-69. 1967-68. Roads. Native Forests- I Major extraction roads .. 24 26 8 1,741 Secondary roads .. . . 43 38 44 6,273 Fire protection and access roads .. 406 481 351 11,085 -- 473 -- 545 -- 403 ---19,099 Plantation Extension Areas- Major extraction roads .. 19 14 8 112 Secondary roads . . .. 64 52 64 462 Fire protection and access roads 50 35 21 240 -- 133 -- 101 -- 93 -- 814 Established Plantations- Major extraction roads .. - - 8 107 Secondary roads .. . . 16 13 13 476 Fire protection and access roads 14 8 4 292 -- 30 -- 21 -- 25 -- 875 Totals .. . . 636 667 521 20,788

Construction of major and secondary roads to provide for current and future extraction continued. In native forests, the forest districts principally involved were Orbost, Corryong, Stawell, Trentham and Maffra, whilst in softwood plantations, work was carried out principally in Tallangatta, Myrtleford, Bright, Mirboo, Yarram and Rennick forest districts. Surfacing of roads carrying mill log and pulpwood traffic in high rainfall and plantation areas totalled 88 miles. No sealing of roads was carried out in this financial year. Improvements were made to 143 ·9 miles of roads principally in Cohuna, Orbost, Rennick, Dandenongs, Beaufort and Stawell forest districts.

Road Maintenance. Maintenance work was carried out over 13,156 miles but shortage of funds meant that only the minimum necessary work could be done. Inadequate funds prevent some of the less used roads receiving any maintenance whatsoever and when required for more intensive use, these roads will need to be reconstructed. This lack of maintenance is of major concern to the Commission, particularly in high altitude areas.

Forest Track Maintenanc:e-Powelltown Distric;t. 24

Resurfacing of roads providing winter access totalled 79 miles. The condition of the surfacing on the Commission's roads continued to deteriorate because of lack of funds.

The year was characterized by heavy snow falls in the winter of 1969 causing the blockage of roads by fallen trees and abnormally wet weather during the summer when traffic is at its peak. Coupled with the increasing use of roads by tourists these factors brought about a considerable drain on the meagre funds available for maintenance and repair of roads.

Flood Control and Drainage. All regulators and control structures in the red gum forests along the Murray River were maintained with the exception of one which was washed out by continual flooding and will require reconstruction. Bank scouring caused by the higher than normal river levels was satisfactorily contained. Three new flood control regulators were built in Cohuna forest district.

Water Supply. Water supply schemes were constructed for tourist amenities at Lake Mountain and Steavenson's Falls. Pipelines were laid to new toilet blocks near Big Rock and at the Turntable in the You Yangs Forest Park. A water supply tank of 100,000 gallon capacity was constructed and pipelines laid for additional water supplies at Mt. Buller. Additional " V" notches were constructed on Boggy Creek to facilitate readings used for planning for future increases in water consumption. A pump was purchased and installed to serve the new residence and toilet block at Princess Margaret Rose Caves.

Other Works. Fire towers were erected at Dickies Hill, Mirboo district and at Chetwynd, Casterton forest district. A further half mile of road, including one bridge, was constructed at Wilson's Promontory for the National Parks Authority. An archway and associated fencing were erected at the entrance to You Yangs Forest Park. A further five new fireplaces were constructed in this park. -

Picnic Area-You Yangs Scenic Reserve. 25

Explosive inspection was carried out in all forest districts and new magazines provided for Myrtleford, Mansfield and Mirboo forest districts.

Mechanical Plant. Major plant purchased during the year comprised 9 crawler tractors, 2 wheeled tractors and a dynamometer for testing engines at Newport Central Workshops. Thirty-three items of specified plant reached the end of their economic life and were sold. At the sixteen field repair centres, 176 major repairs and 2, 755 minor repairs were carried out. As well as these, repairs were carried out at the Newport Central Workshops as follows :-

Type. Major Overhauls. Repairs and Parts Renewals.

Tractors 4 125 Graders 26 Compressors 1 Miscellaneous 34

Productive man hours involved in the operation of the Newport Central Workshops totalled 26,140 and 44,140 for personnel operating from field repair centres.

TRANSPORT. The purchase of 12 additional vehicles, including 2 fire-tankers, brought the Commission's fleet to 564 vehicles-including 89 fire-tankers. This total does not include 30 vehicles operated by the Commission on behalf of the National Sirex Fund Committee. The introduction to the Commission's fleet of new makes of vehicles for the purpose of evaluation continued and 3 new makes of sedan and 3 new makes of commercial vehicle are currently being tested. Of 199 vehicles replaced during the year, 98 were administrative, 64 light commercial, 18 heavy commercial, 6 fire-tankers and 13 were vehicles of the National Sirex Fund Committee. For the purpose of transporting small first attack fire-fighting bulldozers, six four-wheel drive fire-tankers were converted to tray-body trucks. Regular field inspections and the recording of adequate repair and maintenance statistics assisted in controlling maintenance costs and in eliminating unsuitable and uneconomical units. All head office vehicles have been placed in one general pool, under the control of the Transport Officer. This is providing efficient use of the fleet and improved statistics of vehicle movement. BUILDINGS. Projects completed during the year include residences at Rennick, Bright and Cann River, an accommodation complex for employees at Cann River, office and store buildings at Trentham, Scarsdale and Edenhope, and a depot complex at Bendigo. Extensions were made to the kiosk at Grant's Picnic Reserve, Kallista, and to offices at Powelltown, Trentham and Rennick. Amenities buildings included two toilet blocks in the You Yangs, a combined toilet and changing block at Ski Run II, Lake Mountain, and a toilet block and shelter at Steavenson's Falls, Marysville. Maintenance and repair was carried out on 150 residences, 15 offices and 41 other buildings with improvements to others by connection of reticulated water or electricity or sewerage.

RECLAMATION AND CONSERVATION WORKS. Rehabilitation was continued on sites from which extractive materials had been removed. There is now a greater awareness amongst purchasers of roadmaking materials of the need for rehabilitation of these sites. In the Geelong forest district 50 acres were planted with sugar gum and 30 acres line ripped in preparation for planting. Some gravel pits were closed in this forest district due to the occurrence of root rotting fungi in the gravel and soil layers. Fills and cuts on roadworks in a number of forest districts were sown with grass seed as a soil stabilizing measure. Concrete drop structures were constructed in conjunction with the Soil Conservation Authority on streams in the Northern Division. Cross barring of snig tracks and logging roads after use as an anti-erosion measure is now the normal practice in the higher rainfall areas. 26

FOREST PRISONS. Approximately ten men from Won Wron Reforestation Prison were made available on four days each week for forest work. Their principal activities were site preparation (85 acres) and planting of mountain ash and P. radiata. A total area of 64 acres was planted. Other works included road maintenance, noxious weed control and telephone line construction. A total of 594 acres was planted by men from the Morwell River Reforestation Prison. Of this total, 427 acres were E. regnans and 167 acres P. radiata. Site preparation of 485 acres was performed by ringbarking (410 acres) and hand-clearing (75 acres). Prison labour was also used for general tending and maintenance work in the nursery, application of fertilizer to the 1969 E. regnans planting, pruning approximately 20 acres of P. radiata and to search for and destroy sirex suspect material in 500 acres of plantation. Prisoners from Ararat Gaol carried out a varied programme of work. Forest work at Mt. Cole included the non-commercial thinning of 94 acres of sapling regeneration, and collection of 385 lb. of E. obliqua seed. In scenic reserves prisoners built a log hut, two toilets and 35 chains of walking track and maintained the picnic areas and walking tracks. Within the prison, 1,600 signs of various kinds and 1,000 wire pegs were made and three items of old forest equipment of historical interest were restored for preservation.

LEGAL. Law Enforcement. Offences, other than fire offences, against the Forests Act 1958 :­ Prosecutions 7 Convictions 6 Lost 1 An order nisi to review was granted to decide as a matter of law whether the magistrate was wrong in dismissing the information in the case lost. Four prosecutions were for illegal possession of forest produce and three for illegally cutting mill logs on water frontages. $ Fines imposed .. 190.00 Costs awarded Nil Compensation ordered 567.65 One prosecution for an offence against the Litter Act 1964 was successful and the defendant was convicted and fined $30. 00.

SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS. Commission field staff and employees were prominently involved in 21 searches for lost and overdue persons in forest areas. In most instances assistance was provided at the request of the Victoria Police. The Commission's radio network and four-wheel drive vehicles were very helpful in the operations. Summary of Searches for Lost and Overdue Persons-1969-70.

Persons Persons Miles Travelled by Man-hours of Searches for or Rescues of-- Reported Reported I Cmnmission Commission Lost. Overdue. Vehicles. Personnel.

Children 6 165 62 Scouts and hikers 4 I 107 34 Tourists 8 21 1,137 241 Persons operating in forests 1 3 168 22 Aircraft 4 19 29

Totals 48 3,035 894

··-··-·· 27

ECONOMICS AND MARKETING.

FEATURES. Output of logs (including veneer logs) from State forest :- Hardwood 406,419,000 s. ft. H.L.V. Softwood 51,598,000 s. ft. H.L.V. Total 458,017,000 s. ft. H.L.V.

New Log Checking Station-Heyfield District.

The Timber Industry. The output of sawn timber from Victorian sawmills was the highest for many years despite the strongly competitive market which existed throughout the year. The April announcement of credit restrictions, however, caused a noticeable slackening of activity at the close of the year. The number of operating sawmills continued to decrease. The main reason was that a number of sawmilling businesses were purchased by other sawmillers. Such purchases provide longer tenure or improved economies from an increased throughput. Several sawmillers installed specialized machinery to deal with the increased volume of small logs which became available from the conversion of poor quality hardwood forests to softwood plantations. A number of millers are now producing stabilized, dressed and dimensioned hardwood timbers for framing. The extension of production of this materia ~ to timber sawn from species other than " ash " is an interesting development. Finger jointing of short lengths of seasoned timber in both select and scantling grades has increased recovery at mills undertaking this operation. The release of a small volume of logs from " buffer " areas under the control of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works provided some relief for sawmills which have been operating for many years on reduced allocations from forests close to Melbourne. A new hardwood mill to cut an allocation of logs from Cann Valley forest district in the far eastern part of the State was opened during the year. Two new mills are cutting recent allocations of pine logs from State plantations. The year saw the establishment of the Timber Promotion Committee which was made possible by a recent amendment to the Forests Act. The Committee receives funds from an increase of 2 cents per 100 super-feet in sawlog royalty rates estimated to yield $90,000 annually, and also a direct grant of $25,000 by the Government. 28

Sawlog Production. The high output of sawn timber was not reflected in a correspondingly high intake of logs from Commission sources. In fact the production of hardwood logs fell by about 3 per cent. from the level of the previous year. The wet season in many logging areas contributed to this decrease. The high level of sawn production was achieved by use of sawmillers' stocks of logs and unJess there is a severe downturn in activity, the replenishment of these stocks should ensure satisfactory demand on the Commission's resources for the coming year. Demand for softwood logs recovered from the decline of the past two years and production reached the highest recorded level. In seeking a better appreciation of the factors contributing to value in sawlogs, the Commission has increased the number of studies of mill production. Veneer Timber. Some of the difficulties in supplying hardwood veneer timber were overcome during the year and output rose considerably. One purchaser of P. radiata veneer transferred operations to another State. Another purchaser of softwood peeler logs wished to increase intake, but it is unlikely that this demand can be met for some years. Pulpwood. The main local purchasers of hardwood pulpwood maintained intake at the high levels of last year and a small pulp mill more than doubled its intake. More than half of the supply to this latter mill was in the form of chips recovered from sawmill waste. Total production from State forests increased by 5 per cent. over the previous year. Various local and overseas groups continued investigating the possibilities of supplying export markets with surplus hardwood pulpwood from various areas in Victoria. There were some major developments in the utilization of softwood pulpwood. Sales to the existing manufacturer of particle board increased by more than 25 per cent. An agreement was concluded for supply to another manufacturer at Ballarat and production is scheduled to commence in the first half of the 1970-71 financial year. The Commission was able to announce the availability of a major resource of softwood pulpwood in the north-eastern part of the State and to call for proposals for its utilization.

Extraction of P. radiata Thinnings-Myrtleford Plantation. 29

The ability to dispose of small material removed in thinning will be a major factor in the management of stands developing under the current programme of expanded planting of softwoods.

Poles and Piles. OTHER FOREST PRODUCTS. Total output of hardwood piles and transmission poles declined during the year. The greater part of the decline was in the number of poles supplied to the State Electricity Commission. Poles for this purpose are comparatively longer and of heavier dimensions and these have been becoming more difficult to supply for a number of years. Recent supplies have been coming from growing stock on land now being cleared for the establishment of softwood plantations. Any shortfall from such areas has to be made up from more distant localities where procurement costs are much higher. Supply has been made easier by the acceptance of poles from ash species, since satisfactory methods of treatment of poles of these species were developed. The demand for transmission poles for telephone and telegraph lines has declined by nearly 80 per cent. in the past five years. One of the reasons for this decline has been the replacement of pole lines by underground cables. The output of miscellaneous poles rose by over 50 per cent. Many of these were used in providing temporary storage facilities for over-quota wheat.

Sleepers. A further decline occurred in the output of sleepers. The Victorian Railways Department reduced its requirements considerably and maintained strict control over contract quotas held by sleeper cutters. The South Australian Government Railways increased purchases of red gum and yellow gum sleepers from districts in the west of the State. The State Electricity Commission reduced requirements for sleepers for use in brown coal mining in the Latrobe Valley.

Fencing Timber. There was a substantial recovery in sales of fencing materials but not to the level which prevailed before the drought of 1967-68. A greatly increased demand occurred for preservative-impregnated pine material which constituted almost one-third of the total number of pieces of fencing material sold. Supply of pine material for preservation is beginning to tax the resources presently available. A higher proportion of hardwood posts was supplied " in the round " in a form suitable for preservation treatment.

Minor Forest Products. The demand at about the normal level for minor forest products was met without difficulty. An interesting feature was a small revival in the production of charcoal, which is used both for industrial purposes and as a barbecue fuel.

INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS. Shortage of rural finance continued to limit sales of fencing materials from departmental utilization works. The small increase in activity recorded below was mainly due to an increased demand for pine pulpwood following a rise in the price of imported long-fibre pulp. $ Total expenditure 648,185 Total revenue 1,115,407 Royalty component of revenue 406,956 Excess of net revenue over expenditure 60,266

OTHER ACTIVITIES.

The Timber lnspe~tion and Advisory Service has continued to give advice to members of the trade and the public on matters connected with the use of timber. About 1,500 inquiries were given attention and 200 field inspections carried out. Commission officers maintained representation on Timber Committees of the Standards Association and on several other industry groups. To counter the spread of the Sirex wasp, Commission employees continued inspection of sawmills cutting softwood timber. During the year the supervision of timber fumigation against Sirex at these sawmills was taken over from the Commonwealth Quarantine Service. 30

PROTECTION.

Seasonal Conditions. FIRE. Introduction of the prohibited period was delayed until December in most parts of the State following heavy spring rains. Late rains in January and periodic rain throughout the rest of the summer together with the absence of sustained periods of hot dry winds resulted in a very mild fire season. However in early April hot strong winds on several consecutive days caused numerous fires to burn out of control in the Stawell, Heywood, Rennick and Gellibrand forest districts. The prohibited period in respect of private property was lifted in all forest districts by the end of the first week in April.

Origins and Incidence of Fires. Commission personnel attended 304 fire outbreaks compared with 391 in 1968-69. Of the 304 outbreaks, 53 were outside the fire protected area and 251 within the fire protected area. Of the latter, 71 originated in and were confined to private property, 10 originated in private property and extended into either State forest or National Park, 167 originated in State forest and 3 originated in National Parks.

Fire Patrol Launch, Eildon Weir- Taggerty District.

The area of State forest burnt over was 12,323 acres and of National Parks 255 acres. Of this total 72 · 96 per cent. was classified as non-commercial forest. The burnt area included 37 acres of P. pinaster and 7 acres of P. radiata. Only four fires exceeded 1,000 acres. Of the 304 fires attended, 250 (82 · 24 per cent.) were controlled within 10 acres. Close co-operation continued between the Commission and the Country Fire Authority in suppressing fires within or adjacent to the fire protected area.

Statistics of Fire Offences. Prosecutions 4 Convictions 4 $ Fines 110 Suppression costs awarded 25 Warning letters were issued in 13 cases which did not warrant prosecution. 31

Expenditure. The recorded cost of fire suppression was $71,197 excluding the cost of maintaining the fleet of fire-tankers which was $46,316.

Air Operations. Forest officers made 18 reconnaissance flights in chartered aircraft for a total of 50 hours flying time. Aerial ignition of forest areas using both fixed and rotary winged aircraft was carried out over 40,500 acres of forest, which was 23 per cent. of the forest area on which fuel reduction burning was carried out. A helicopter was chartered to be available as required for fire control purposes from January to April.

Equipment. Purchases included:- Three first attack dozers. One mobile fire headquarters. Eight replacement 4 x 4 tankers. Two new 4 x 4 tanker chassis. Three light 175-gallon trailer tankers. One 250-gallon rubber laminated tank. Fire pumps-27 low-pressure units.

Fire Attack Dozer with Trailer, Tanker and Pump. Detection. Old structures were replaced or additional facilities provided as under :-

Forest District. Location. Structure.

Mirboo North Dickies Hill 60-ft. steel tower (replacement) Casterton .. Chetwynd 60-ft. steel tower (replacement) Maffra Pinnacles Accommodation hut (new) Maffra Mt. Moornapa Accommodation hut (new) Heyfield Mt. Skene Accommodation hut (new) 32 Training. Pre-seasonal conferences of district and divisional staff were held in all field divisions to discuss fire protection planning and organization. Pump schools and fire suppression schools were conducted in forest districts to familiarize employees with the latest suppression techniques available. Co-ordination. Commission personnel participated in the work of Regional Co-ordination Committees where their spheres of responsibility included forested areas.

Interior of Mobile Kitchen for fire fighting crews. 33

Cloudseeding, Cloudseeding of selected forest areas was carried out during the summer by the Department of Agriculture at the request of the Commission.

Support Crews. Two crews, each of eighteen University students, were located at Heyfield and Myrtleford forest districts during the University vacation period. After being given basic training the students were used as mobile fire-fighting crews.

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS. Remotely controlled radio facilities were installed at Heywood, Rennick, Powelltown, Ballarat, Nowa Nowa, Mirboo North, Swifts Creek and Marysville to overcome high noise levels. New base aerial systems were installed in four forest districts and inverted " V " aerials were installed at thirteen towers. An additional three radio trailers were constructed for use at major fires. Sixteen FP 5 units were built up and issued, and five FP I units were purchased. Aerial systems for sixteen aircraft were manufactured and aerials for 138 mobile and 30 portable units were issued. Field tests of VHF units and concurrent development and testing of matching aerials has commenced. FIRE RESEARCH. The effect of fire on species, and the role that it plays in determining the composition of plant and animal communities was further investigated. This aspect of the Commission's research was supplemented by a number of co-operative projects conducted by Melbourne and Monash Universities. The work has identified a number of native plant and animal associations which are stimulated by particular fire frequencies, and this knowledge is being used as guidelines for the use of fire in forest management.

.·

Firebombing Trials, Snowy Plains, using Phoschek fire retardent.

Firebombing experiments were continued to further define the types of fire situation against which firebombing may be successful. The work included firebombing in grassland fuels, and trials with a Canadian aircraft fitted with a special type of firebombing tank designed to improve the efficiency with which the fire retardant is released from the aircraft. Research continued into the effects of fire on pine species and the role that fire under prescribed conditions plays in the establishment and protection of pine plantations. A study project designed in conjunction with the Bureau of Meteorology and the Defence Standards Laboratories on the behaviour of high intensity :fires is continuing. 8503/70.- 3 34

F.A.0. Fire Study Tour. 'Jhe Commission, in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Commonwealth Forestry and Timber Bureau, conducted 30 defogates from 24 countries on a Forest Fire Study Tour of Victoria between 21st January and 7th February, 1970. Delegates were formally welcomed to Victoria by the Minister for Forests (Hon. E. R. Meagher) at a dinner held in their honour.

fl•£ IOS\

___..__I -- .:_--L-, • ECTO~.' eon .-~-----,.-i----::,.-iCri- !Ollll'"ll'H. IHJELL1GE~CE >(CT

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1970 International Forest Fire Study Tour-District Forester Explains Fire Organization.

Participants were shown types of fire equipment in use when they visited Daylesfotd, Kallista, Heyfield and Maffra forest districts where they also saw a range of field operations. These involved the use of fire or special techniques developed for suppression of fire.

Insects. BIOLOGICAL. As part of the National Sirex Campaign, destruction of sirex-infested trees on private property continued. Disposal of dead pine trees on both private property and in Forest Commission plantations was carried out. A reinfestation of tube moth Lichenaula sp. occurred in Yarrowee plantation where larvae of the moth caused partial defoliation in some areas. To control the outbreak infested trees were utilized and the slash was burnt. To control pbasmatid infestations in the Upper Yarra forest district 4,900 acres of young mountain ash (E. regnans) stands were aerially sprayed. Both low and ultra-low volume spraying techniques were used. A significant additional population of phasmatids was located in the headwaters of the Acheron River in Marysville forest district. Leaf skeletonizer Roselia lugens has caused considerable defoliation of eucalypts in some areas of the State, but most infestations are at a lower level than in recent years. In the Central Division wattle fire blight caused widespread defoliation of acacias in the spring along road reserves, water frontages, in farmlands and to a lesser extent within the mountain ash forests in the Upper Yarra forest district. Ambrosia beetle is causing concern in the E. delegatensis forests of the Nunniong Plateau, and the E. nitens stands of Errinundra in East Gippsfand. Phytophthora cinnamoni has been reported in the Brisbane Ranges where grass trees and some native shrubs have been affected. Removal of lateritic gravel from infested areas has been stopped in an attempt to halt the spread of the fungus. 35

Weeds. Blackberries continue to be a major problem in old established plantations in the North- Eastern Division. Test aerial spraying with 2 .4. 5. T has been carried out in Loch Valley Plantation in the Southern Division.

South African bone seed (Chrysanthemoides monolifera) is still present in the You Yangs Reserve. Control measures are being investigated, and some success on limited areas has been achieved by the manual removal of young plants.

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.

EDUCATION. School of Forestry, Creswick. Thirty students were in residence during the 1969 academic year and the Diploma of the School of Forestry, Creswick, was awarded to all ten senior students. Mr. F. H. Brooks, Director-General of Education in Victoria and Professor J. F. Lovering, Professor of Geology in the University of Melbourne, were appointed to the Board of Forestry Education to replace Major-General Sir Alan Ramsay and Professor C. M. Tattam respectively who resigned after long and valued service to the Board. New subjects of Forest Ecology and Plant Propagation replaced studies in Forest Botany and Silvics. Computer programming has been introduced into the forest management subject. Two forestry refresher courses for field foresters were held at the School in August, 1969 and May, 1970. Each course was for ten days, during which participants received lectures in basic and applied aspects of forestry. A total of 69 field foresters attended these courses.

University of Melbourne. Messrs. H. W. Bond, R. J. McHugh, I. D. Sebire, I. S. Hemphill, R. J. McKimm, I. W. Wild, I. F. Leversha, T. K. Rouse, and R. M. Youl qualified for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Messrs. L. J. Bren, P. C. Fagg, R. M. Fyfe, J. E. Harris, R. A. Jones, C. Muller, and I. S. Thompson are in their final year. Messrs. E. A. Chesterfield, J. M. Cunningham, R. F. Hateley, R. P. Rawson, G. C. Suckling, and G. Waugh commenced the course in 1970. Mr. J. E. Opie was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the subject of his thesis being "The Individual Tree as a Sampling Unit". The degree of Master of Science in Forestry was awarded to Mr. I. C. A. Weir, his thesis being" Regrowth Studies in a Selection Forest", and to Mr. J. B. Jack for his thesis "The Weed Problem in Victorian Plantations of Pinus radiata D. Don". Messrs. D. W. Flinn and P. J. Greig commenced study for the degree of Master of Science in Forestry. Mr. R. G. Campbell continued study towards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy under an A.P.M. lectureship award, and Mr. W. J. Gittins continued study for the degree of Master of Science in Forestry. Mr. R. A. Sebire continued studies towards the degree of Master of Business Administration.

Overseas and Other Studies. Dr. G. C. Marks took up a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Wisconsin. The subject of his research is the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamoni which has been found in various localities in Victoria. Mr. P. R. Lawson returned to duty in October after successfully completing the degree of Master of Science at Berkeley University, California. Mr. L. B. Williams of this department, and Mr. R. K. Rowe from the Soil Conservation Authority were seconded to visit the Republic of Korea during August and September. The aims of the visit were to assess and report on aid possibilities for planning and development of forest resources under the Colombo Plan. Mr. R. Cowley received a Victorian State Foresters Association travel Award, and spent three weeks in Queensland during November studying the administration of national parks by the Forestry Department. Mr. J. B. Johnson, the first recipient of the Leon Lederman travel prize, investigated re-establishment practices with hardwoods in northern N.S.W. 36

Aboriginal Canoe Tree in Black Box Forest, Leaghur Forest Park-Cohuna District. 37

RESEARCH. Silviculture. Studies at the regional research station at Creswick have indicated that poor growth of sapling eucalypts growing under severe competition in the Wombat forest is caused by moisture stress and that these stems will respond to thinning. A full-scale thinning trial was established to measure responses over a range of stem sizes. Log quality studies in P. radiata have shown that stem defects are relatively infrequent and therefore do not have an important influence on log quality. On the other hand crown defects were identified as an important source of degrade, and these were found to increase considerably on the better sites. In field experiments at Koetong where early growth of P. radiata has been a problem, the two most successful treatments were grass control and fertilization. One of the primary causes of the problem appears to be boron deficiency, and amelioration treatments which improve growth also improve foliar boron levels. Ripping treatments also stimulated early growth, but this is thought to be due to a decrease in grass competition. Intensive studies of the root systems of P. radiata at Koetong have shown close correlations between tree growth and fine root development, including the development of mycorrhizas. The growth of out-planted P. radiata seedlings with bends, forks and ramicorns was studied. Findings to date indicate these defects in the field are related to site, rather than inheritance factors. Root slurry trials with P. radiata were continued and extended. High concentrations of superphosphate, superphosphate and lime, rockphosphate and the NPK fertilizer " Osmocote " were tried. The most successful of these appears to be a slurry of one part superphosphate and lime and two parts of clay. Foliar sampling of P. radiata plantations to determine their nutrient status continued. Phosphorus is the most widespread deficiency, particularly on a range of soils in plantations at Scarsdale, Creswick, Loch Valley, Erica and Heywood. Soil tests have indicated that the Heywood soils will " fix " fertilizer phosphate strongly and special fertilizing procedures to overcome this problem are being tested in this area. Aerial seeding and herbicide spraying techniques were further developed. These techniques are now inexpensive but effective. In tree breeding research, progeny trials were established to test the breeding value of P. radiata selections. One hundred families of trees were planted in each of two locations. There has been a measurable increase in conelet production in the seed orchard as a result of top pruning. Further increases in yields are expected from this type of cultural treatment. Current yields of seed from the 15-acre orchard, planted nine years ago, are 5! pounds of seeds per acre.

Management. Computer programmes for scheduling the management of the 1939 mountain ash regrowth were developed. The simulation model REGSIM predicts the growth and yield of mountain ash stands over long periods. It was tested with data from permanent sample plots and the test had a mean error of only 6 per cent. in standing volume for a growth period of nineteen years. The growth output from REGSIM is used with other resource and economic data in a further computer programme developed to schedule the cut from a mountain ash forest composed of various even-aged stands. This model uses linear programming to evaluate the economic consequences of various cutting regimes. It therefore enables cutting to be carried out in an optimal manner for any given output rate of sawlogs and pulpwood desired from the resource. These simulation models, although developed for the mountain ash forests, can be applied to other species. Versions to predict the development of E. delegatensis, E. sieberi, and P. radiata, are in preparation.

Hydrology. Water quality measurements at Long Corner and Armstrongs Creek continued. Water quality data from the two Stewart's Creek catchments treated in 1969 showed an increase in turbidity and suspended sediment where stream channels have been disturbed, but there is no appreciable affect where eucalypt cover was removed without disturbing the stream channels. 38

Picnic Area-Sherbrooke Forest Park.

Pathology. Extensive studies were made of the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamoni. In Victoria, the most widespread occurrence of the fungus appears to be in East Gippsland where patches ranging from a few acres to several thousand acres of affected eucalypts were found. The fungus was also found in areas of lesser extent at Macedon, Anakie and Ballarat. Laboratory techniques for detection of the fungus were improved, and a quantitative procedure was developed to estimate the disease potential in affected soil. Glasshouse studies have confirmed that E. sieberi, the most important species in the infected areas in Gippsland, is very susceptible to attack. However another Gippsland species, E. botryoides, is fairly resistant.

Entomology. Life history studies of the pine tube moth Lichenaula nov. sp. were completed. Optimal control can be achieved by aerial spraying from mid-October to mid-November in alternate years. The moth's distribution is still very limited and it continues to be of no immediate threat to pine plantations. Studies of the biology, ecology and control of the plague stick insect Didymuria violescens (Leach) in mountain ash forest continued. Whilst egg parasitism appeared insignificant, losses of eggs due to predation within 9 months in low altitude forest approached 27 per cent. and increased to 66 per cent. at high altitudes. The incidence of diseased eggs after 12 months was only 3-5 per cent. The hatching period lasts 3 months, but at high elevations it is 3-4 weeks behind that at low elevations. Hatching rates are maximal about 4 weeks after commencement, irrespective of elevation. Spraying periods for optimal control were revised and now January spraying is recommended for sites at low elevations, and mid-January to mid-February spraying for sites at high elevations. Improved techniques are being developed and tested for the aerial application of insecticides. The effectiveness of low-volume aerial spraying is being compared with ultra low-volume spraying, which is less expensive, and with the use of invert emulsions which can be sprayed successfully in a wider range of weather conditions.

BIOLOGICAL SURVEY. The Sirex Wood Wasp. The search and control activities continued. An extension of the known infested areas westerly to Dreeite (north of Colac) and an intensification of the infestation in the Gembrook, Pakenham, Warragul and Noojee area occurred. A minor extension north of Kerrisdale and a continued low level of infestation east of Traralgon was found. 39

Summary of Properties on which Live Stages, Old Emergence and Current Emergence Were Detected for period 1st July to 30th June, 1969-70. (With comparative figures for 1968-69)

I Number of Properties Involved.• Class. Season ! Central and Gippsland. Total. Western. i . Old emergence (no live stages) . . .. 1968-69 32 2 34 1969-70 43 I 44 Live stages (no current emergence) . . .. 1968-69 66 2 68 1969-70 148 7 155 Current emergence ...... 1968-69 76 5 81 1969-70 75 7 82 I I • This summary does not include properties marked on suspicion and oviposition. The recommendation of the National Sirex Fund Committee that the campaign continue for a further year was accepted by the Commonwealth and State Ministers concerned. The Committee has also recommended that there be a reduction of search and control activities east of a line from Healesville to Melbourne. This is currently under examination. A marked increase in the release of parasites of nematode-infected sirex and field inoculation with nematodes of the known sirex-infected trees is planned. Several strains of the nematode Deladenus siricidicola are being made available from the C.S.I.R.O. research station at Hobart. These strains effectively sterilize both male and female Sirex noctilio, and infected female sirex" lay" eggs filled with juvenile nematodes and so spread the infestation. Four insect parasites of sirex are well distributed over an area about 200 miles from east to west and 40 miles from north to south. Work in breeding and releasing these and additional species is continuing. The Phasmatid-Didymuria Violescens. It was again necessary to apply maldison to a substantial area of E. regnans forest for control purposes. Initially St oz. of maldison in 3 gallons of No. 2 fuel oil per acre was used but following a further successful test of the ultra low volume (U.L.V.) technique on about 500 acres when 8 oz. per acre of technical maldison was used, the low volume spraying was stopped. The remainder of the area was treated successfully using the U.L.V. technique. An even larger area may have to be sprayed in 1970-71. Phasmatid populations requiring control may also be present in some of the alpine ash (E. delegatensis) forests of north-east Victoria. A population prediction survey is in progress. Further work on the ambrosia beetle-Platypus incompertus was restricted because staff were involved in phasmatid control operations and population predictions. Public Relations. The demand for project material to be used in school assignments has increased greatly. More than 20,000 sets of such material were issued. Twenty-six sets of timber samples were also issued to schools for wood technology instruction. More than 200 Commission officers addressed over 8,000 adults and children on various Commission activities including career information and advice for tree planting on farms. Fourteen radio talks and press releases were also made. Photographs and technical information were provided for conservation bodies, publishers, advertising agencies and other groups. A 16 mm. movie film was made available on several occasions for television news services. During summer a State-wide fire prevention campaign was conducted. Press, radio and film media were used. The local foreign language press received a proportion of material used. Items of public interest, particularly on forest management and public use of forests, were placed in a number of selected publications. A display on the multiple use of forests was exhibited in the Commission pavilion at the 1969 Royal Melbourne Show. It was seen by an estimated 140,000 visitors. Displays were also prepared for eight agricultural shows in country areas, and for four exhibitions and conventions. Special photographic coverage was made during the year of new forest parks, forest research work and the International Forest Fire Study Tour. 40

Open Air Lecture Area-Upper Yarra District.

1969 Royal Show Display. 41

TECHNICAL PuBLICATIONS. The following publications were prepared by Commission staff : 1. Scientific papers- ( a) "Mycorrhiza Development in Relation to Growth and Fertilizer Response in Pinus radiata" by R. 0. Squire, G. C. Marks, and F. G. Craig. Paper presented to 41st ANZAAS Conference, Adelaide, 1969. (b) " Handbook of Aerial Spraying, No. I. Copper-base Fungicides " by B. D. Dexter. Forests Commission Handbook, 1969. (c) "Variation and Inheritance of Stem Form and Branch Thickness in Young Loblolly Pine" by L.A. Pederick. North Carolina State University School of Natural Resources. Technical Report No. 41, 1970. (d) " The Potential of Cytogenetic Research in Conifer Species as Indicated by Some Studies with Pinus radiata ", by L. A. Pederick. Proceedings of World Consultation on Forest Tree Breeding, Washington, D.C., 1969. (e) "The Orientation of Silvicultural Research to Meet Management Requirements" by B. F. Gibson. Paper presented to a meeting of the Australian Research Working Group on Hardwood Silviculture, May 1970. ( f) "Forests and Wildflowers" by F. G. Craig. In "Man, the Earth and Tomorrow". Cassell Australia Ltd., Melbourne 1969. (g) "Aerial Ignition for Backburning" by A. Hodgson and N. P. Cheney­ Australian Forestry Vol. 33 No. 4 1970. 2. Forestry Technical Paper No. 20. 3. Miscellaneous Publications. (a) "Trees on the Farm". (b) "Tree Planting Hints". (c) " Questions and Answers on Fire Regulations ". (d) " Tall Trees ". (e) "The Forester's Role in Conservation". (/) "Principal Commercial Timbers of Victoria". (g) " Principal Forest Types ". (h) "Victorian Timbers and Their Uses ". (i) "Nursery Price Lists-Macedon and Creswick ". (i) " The William Ricketts Sanctuary ". (k) "Coastal Planting". (l) "The Design of Windbreaks". (m) "Farm Forestry Loans". (n) "Protecting Our Forests with Fire". (o) "The 'Hausbock' or European House Borer". CONFERENCES. Dr. F. R. Moulds attended meetings of the Standing Committee of the Australian Forestry Council in Canberra and Brisbane and of the National Sirex Fund Committee in Canberra and Melbourne. Dr. Moulds, Mr. A. J. Threader and Mr. J. H. Cosstick, Chief, Division of Economics and Marketing, attended a Plywood Symposium conducted in Canberra by the Plywood Association of Australia. Mr. C. W. Elsey and Mr. J. P. Wright, Research Officer, attended a Symposium on Pruning and Thinning at Rotorua, New Zealand, and Mr. Elsey subsequently inspected forest activities in other parts of New Zealand. Dr. Moulds, Mr. Threader, Mr. C. R. G. Venville, Chief, Division of Forest Management, and Mr. R. Ritchie, Assistant Divisional Forester, attended the 7th All Australian Timber Congress in Perth in October, 1969. Mr. Elsey and Mr. Threader attended meetings of the Timber Development Council of Australia in Sydney and Canberra. Whilst in the United States on post-graduate studies, Dr. L. A. Pederick attended the Second World Consultation on Forest Tree Breeding at Washington, D.C. in August, 1969. Mr. A. Hodgson, Fire Research Officer, visited Canada for three weeks as a member of a Trade Mission studying fire-bombing. He also visited fire research centres on the west coast of U.S.A. Mr. S. Duncan, Sales and Marketing Officer, attended a conference of the Case Manufacturers Association of Australia in March, 1970. Mr. L. Simpfendorfer, Utilization Officer, attended a Safety Convention at Monash University and Mr. Simpfendorfer and Mr. G. Griffin, Officer in Charge, General Operations Branch, attended conferences on safety regulations in June, 1970. 42

ADMINISTRATION.

PERSONNEL. Statement of Personnel as at 30th June, 1970.

Division~ Administrative . Professional I Technical and I Temporary. Casual. Total. · • General. I ' Central Administration- Administration . . . . 48 .. 21 27 7 103 Forest Management .. .. 9 47 3 7 2 68 Forest Operations . . .. 7 15 43 13 9 87 Economics and Marketing .. 6 6 2 2 . . 16 Forest Protection .. . . 2 6 11 2 5 26 Forestry Education and Research 3 31 6 10 31 81 Field Administration- Central ...... 2 20 35 5 109 171 Eastern ...... 22 28 6 74 130 North-Eastern . . .. I 27 36 10 253 327 Northern ...... 2 10 32 5 65 114 Southern ...... 2 22 17 7 89 137 South-Western . . .. 1 23 51 6 159 240 Western ...... 1 17 27 5 94 144 ' Totals ...... 84t 246* 312 105 897 1,644

t Includes two officers at University (Education and Research I ; Economics and Marketing 1). • Includes seventeen officers at University, three on National Service Training and one seconded to the Department of Territories.

Staff. The following graduates from the School of Forestry, Creswick, were appointed to the Professional Division of the Public Service :- Messrs. G. W. Beach, P. G. Ford, I. Hastings, J. D. Kellas, P. B. Lavery, R. D. Macauley, J. R. Macpherson, J. A. Slorach, B. K. Ward and D. F. Williams. The Commission records its appreciation of the outstanding services of Mr. C. R. G. Venville, Chief of Division of Forest Management, who retired after 49 years' service ; Mr. R. T. Seaton, Forest Resources Officer, after 45 years' service; Mr. G. E. K. Cole, Assistant Secretary, after 44 years' service ; and the loyal and valued services rendered by the following officers who retired during the year-Messrs. J. K. Longmuir, J. Rawady, K. F. McRae, F. G. Geisler, D. C. McKenzie, W Millier, G. Dallos, J. G. Flanagan, C. Mabbott, W. A. Watt, F. A. Stevens, A. M. Rogers, M. J. Monette, Miss I. V. Dodd, Mrs. C. Watts and Mrs. I. E. Healey. The following appointments were made during the year :- Dr. R. J. Grose, Chief of Division of Forestry Education and Research-to Chief of Division of Forest Management (replacing Mr. Venville). Mr. J. H. Cosstick, Officer in Charge, General Operations-to Chief of Division of Economics and Marketing (replacing Mr. Threader). Mr. R. A. Saunders-to Accountant (replacing Mr. Turner). It is with regret that the Commission records the deaths of Mr. K. M. Gibson, Assistant Divisional Forester, and Mr. D. J. Tatham.

Industrial. No industrial disputes have occurred during the past year. Several minor complaints received from unions were settled by negotiation. The spiralling cost of wages is continuing to increase the cost of the Commission's operations. The National Wage case judgement resulted in a 3 per cent. increase in wages to all adult males and females. Further substantial increases resulted from the variation to the State Incremental Payments Scheme and the introduction of a system of make-up pay for employees absent on workers' compensation. A log of claims submitted by the Australian Workers' Union is currently under consideration by the Arbitration and Conciliation Commission. Inspections which have been carried out have included the Commission's establishments at Benalla and Creswick.

Number of Employees. The number of employees on strength has ranged from a minimum of 821 to a maximum of 1,075 varying with seasonal requirements. 43

Workers' Compensation. The number of workers' compensation claims decreased from 601in1968-69 to 435 in 1969-70. Two fatal accidents occurred during the year.

Staff Training. l. Attendance at Public Service Board courses was as follows :-

i I Administrative Professional Total. Course. Officers. Officers. Other. I

Induction ...... 7 . . .. 7 Basic Administration . . . . 1 12 .. 13 Supervision (City-based Officers) .. . . 1 1 2 Supervision (Follow-up) . . . . 1 1 .. 2 Conference Leading ...... 1 .. I Interviewing ...... 1 .. 1 Regional Officers ...... 4 .. 4 Management Conference ...... 1 . . 1 Management Conference (Follow-up) .. 2 . . 2 Totals ...... 9 23 1 33

2. Attendance at departmental training courses was as follows :-

Administrative Professional Course. Officers. Officers. I Other. Total

Methods of Instruction . . .. 4 11 . . 15 Technical Report Writing . . . . I 7 .. 8 Induction of Creswick Graduates . . . . 10 .. 10 Forestry Refresher Course (2) . . . . 69 .. 69 Totals ...... 5 97 . . 102

The aim of the forestry refresher courses was to update and refresh the participants' knowledge of selected basic elements of forest science, and also of forest management procedures and techniques. Sixty-nine officers attended these courses. Course membership consisted of Divisional Foresters, Assistant Divisional Foresters, District Foresters and Assistant District Foresters. The courses were fully residential at the School of Forestry, Creswick, as on both occasions the forestry students were absent on term holidays. The format of the training was presentation of lectures by both departmental officers and outside specialists, and extensive discussion and assignment work by course members. All lecturers were carefully chosen because of their particular knowledge of an area of study and in some cases the Commission sought interstate for the appropriate person. 3. Other departmental training included attendance by field officers at Regional Study Groups sponsored by the Public Service Board, a lecture series arranged by the Australian Society of Accountants, whilst nine officers were granted part-time study by the Public Service Board to pursue tertiary qualifications.

Methods. The Methods Review Committee met on ten occasions during the year. A continuous survey of forms and methods associated with their use is being maintained. The Machines Replacement Programme continued to operate, and a number of items of mechanical office equipment, both at head office and in the field, were replaced. Also mechanization was extended to areas where it was determined that it would be more efficient to replace manual procedures by office machines. In December, 1969, the second stage of new head office accommodation was occupied by the Division of Forest Operations, Research Laboratory staff, Biological Survey and the Display and Photography sections. In planning and layout of the areas full consideration was given to adequate and congenial accommodation with a view to greater efficiency. 44

STORES.

The value at cost of stores on hand at 30th June was $351,292. The credit balance of the Stores Section of the Suspense Account was $17,437.

FINANCE.

There was an increase in expenditure from Consolidated Revenue Votes, Forestry Fund and Loan Fund in financial year 1969-70 compared with 1968-69. Details are shown in the following table:-

1968/69. 1969 /70. Increase. $ $ $ Votes 3,345,403 3,759,034 413,631 Forestry Fund 2,364,651 2,532,494 167,843

Loan Fund- Indigenous Forests and pre-1961 Softwoods .. 1,594,641 1,762,489 167,848 Softwood expansion including Commonwealth 1,425,342 1,602,511 177,169 Softwood Forestry Agreement

8,730,037 9,656,528 926,491

The increase in expenditure from Votes was due mainly to salary rises granted by the Public Service Board. Expenditure from Forestry Fund and Loan Fund on indigenous forests and pre-1961 softwoods increased by $335,691 or 8. 5 per cent. However, the value of this increase in terms of forestry works was negligible owing to substantial rises in wages and other costs experienced during 1969-70, and an analysis of longer term trends has shown that the real value of works in these forests has declined by about 10 per cent. since 1966-67.

Expenditure on softwood plantations for the first four years of the Commonwealth Agreement, i.e., from 1st July, 1966 to 30th June, 1970, amounted to $4,333,558 of which $1,280,000 has been advanced by the Commonwealth.

Insufficient funds were available for softwood forestry in 1969-70. Application was made in the Loan programme for an amount of $1,802,000 for works under the Commonwealth Agreement, but only $1,491,331 was provided. As a result some works, e.g., roading, are in arrears, and forward works e.g., land acquisition and clearing are not sufficiently advanced for the planting programme which is expected to increase from 12,000 acres in 1970-71 to 15,000 acres in 1971-72 and future years. Finance for the proposed second Commonwealth Agreement is under discussion with State Treasury.

The main components of revenue in 1969-70 were as follows :-

1969 /70. $ Rents 153,613 Royalties 4,969,105 Sale of Forest Produce 708,451 Other 131,498

5,962,667 45

APPENDIX I.

STATEMENT OF OUTPUT OF PRODUCE FROM STATE FORESTS-1969-70. (With comparative :figures for 1968-69.)

1968-69. 1969-70. 421,290,318 Sawlogs, hardwood 405,650,025 super. feet H.L.V. 41,934,782 Sawlogs, softwood 47,823,293 super. feet H.L. V. 493,621 Veneer logs, hardwood 769,234 super. feet H.L.V. 4,451,017 Veneer logs, softwood 3,774,310 super. feet H.L.V.

Fencing Timbers- 775,618 Posts, strainers and stays, hardwood 872,628 number 262,095 Posts, strainers and stays, softwood 443,874 number 14,436 Droppers 16,700 number 10,899 Rails •• 17,278 number 204,930 Beams and bridge timber 193,226 super. feet 433,070 Sleepers 373,080 number 61,522 Piles 48,168 lineal feet

Poles and Spars- 1,270,086 Transmission poles, hardwood 998,916 lineal feet 325,858 Miscellaneous, hardwood 495,632 lineal feet 82,826 MiscelJaneous, softwood 61,012 lineal feet

Mining Timbers­ 29,173 Round 38,424 lineal feet 79,707 Split •• 27 ,380 super. feet

Pulpwood- *8,752,807 Hardwood, for paper 9,169,351 cubic feet 1,327,167 Softwood, for paper 1,738,005 cubic feet 262,200 Softwood, for particle board 338,800 cubic feet 74.972 Hardwood, for hardboard 74,096 tons

Firewood- 9,584,950 Stacked and longwood 8,864,850 cubic feet 1,224 Milled blocks .. 1,152 tons

Miscellaneous Timbers­ 192,439 Stakes and props 280,149 number 8,726 Chopping blocks 8,167 number 620 House stumps 489 number 16,601 Sleeper offcuts 23,800 number 26,097 Bed logs 11,049 number Billets 656 super. feet

Minor Produce­ 14,076 Christmas trees 11,680 number 64,067 Eucalyptus oil 90,764 lb. 8 Tan bark - tons 233 Charcoal 779 tons 493,173 Sand, gravel, loam, soil, &c. 698,237 cubic yards 25 Pine cones . 17 bags 531 Moss 819 bags • Corrected figure. 46 APPENDIX II.

CAUS~ OF FIRE.

Percentage Area of State Cause-Known or Suspected. I Number of Outbreaks. of Total Forests or National Outbreaks. Parks Burned.

Acres Grazing interests ...... 1 0·33 . . Landowners or householders .. . . 49 16· 12 891 Deliberate lighting ...... 43 14· 14 3,167 Sportsmen, campers, tourists . . .. 37 12· 17 584 Licencees and forest workers .. .. 14 4·60 5,242 Smokers ...... 27 8·89 679 Lightning ...... 37 12· 17 33 Tractors, cars, trucks, stationary engines, &c. .. 15 4·93 4 Children ...... 13 4·28 26 Sawmills ...... 6 l ·97 1 Miscellaneous known causes .. . . 22 7·24 10 Unknown origin ...... 40 13· 16 1,939 Totals ...... 304 100·00 12,576

APPENDIX III.

SUMMARY OF Fm~ AND AREAS BURNED.

Area Burned. Number of Fires within Fire Protected Area.

Affecting State Forest Number and National Parks, of Fires Total Originated Attended Number Division5 Outside National in and of Fires State Total. Confined Total. Fire Attended. Forest, Parks. Originated in- to Private Protected Property. Arca. Private I Stare , National Property. Forest. Parks. ·- --- Acres. Acres. Acres. Central .. 29 Nil 29 1 9 Nil 23 33 4 37 Eastern .. 159 Nil 159 Nil 11 Nil 6 17 Nil 17 Northern .. 284 Nil 284 Nil 47 Nil 1 48 22 70 North- 309 8 317 1 28 2 21 52 8 60 Eastern Southern .. 610 Nil 610 1 9 Nil 4 14 1 15 South- 1,644 so 1,694 3 23 Nil IO 36 6 42 Western Western .. 9,288 195 9,483 4 40 1 6 51 12 63 Totals .. 12,323 253 12,576 10 167 3 71 251 53 304 47

APPENDIX IV.

TYPE OF AREA BURNED IN STATE FOREST AND NATIONAL PARKS.

Division. I Merchantable. Re-growth. Non-Commercial. Total.

Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Central ...... 21 .. 8 29 Eastern ...... 152 .. 7 159 Northern ...... 178 48 58 284 North-Eastern ...... 112 3 202 317 Southern ...... 610 610 South-Western ...... 1,050 .. 644 1,694 Western ...... 1,758 79 7,646 9,483 Totals ...... 3,271 130 9,175 12,576 Percentage of Total Area .. 26·01 l ·03 72·96 100·00

APPENDIX V.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE ACREAGES IN STATE FOREST AND NATIONAL PARKS.

Number of Fires. Division. 0-10 11-100 101-500 501-1,000 1,001-10,000 10,000+ Total Number Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. of Fires.

Central . . . . 33 2 2 ...... 37 Eastern . . . . 16 . . 1 ...... 17 Northern . . . . 60 8 1 1 . . .. 70 North-Eastern . . 51 7 2 ...... 60 Southern . . . . 14 .. . . 1 . . . . 15 South-Western . . 38 1 2 1 .. . . 42 Western . . . . 38 11 7 3 4 .. 63 Totals .. 250 29 15 6 4 . . 304 Percentage of Total Fires .. 82·24 9·54 4·93 1·97 l ·32 .. 100

APPENDIX VI.

MONTHLY OUTBREAKS OF FIRE.

Number of Fires. Total Division. Number July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March. April. May. June. of Fires. ------Central .. .. 1 .. 1 1 8 7 12 7 ...... 37 Eastern ...... 2 1 6 4 4 ...... 17 Northern ...... 3 14 17 8 17 9 2 .. .. 70 North- ...... 3 .. 19 13 15 8 2 .. .. 60 Eastern

Southern ...... 4 2 1 6 1 .. 1 15 South- .. .. 1 2 5 5 7 I 10 7 5 .. .. 42 Western Western .. .. 2 .. 4 5 7 10 12 2 21 .. .. 63 ------1---- Totals .. . . 3 1 15 26 66 51 71 39 31 1-.-.---1- 304 Percentage -.-.---o.991~~S:SSU-Til16·78 123·35 ~ 10·20 1-.-.-.~1100.00 48 APPENDIX VII.

PROTECTION WORKS-SUMMARY. Firebreaks, &c.- Length of firebreaks constructed 49·6 miles Length of firebreaks maintained 725·6 miles Length of firelines constructed 110·9 miles Length of firelines maintained 467 miles Area of fuel reduction burning 174,645 acres

Helipads­ Constructed 31 Maintained 113 Total in use 211

Water Conservation­ Dams- More than 400 cubic yards capacity­ Constructed 22 Maintained .. 629

Less than 400 cubic yards capacity­ Constructed 17 Maintained 734 Weirs and tanks constructed IO Weirs and tanks maintained 80 Deep bores constructed Nil Deep bores maintained Nil Springs cleaned .. 39

Towers and look-out cabins­ Demolished - not replaced 3 Constructed - additional .. Nil Constructed - replacement 2 Towers in use .. 95

Dugouts- Constructed by Commission Nil Maintained by Commission 49 Constructed by other interests 2 Maintained by other interests 70 49

APPENDIX VIII.

CONTRACTS. Statement of contracts under seal entered into during the year ended 30th June, 1970.

Name of Contractor. Work or Service. Forest District. Amount.

$

R. & R. Crisp .. Erection of residence Bright 11,200.00 W. E. & B. A. Fowles .. Extensions to residence Neerim 1,750.00 R. Cheyne Pty. Ltd. . . Clearing 4,000 acres .. Rennick 69,250.00 G. J. Page Pty. Ltd. . . Clearing 800 acres .. Tallangatta 16,000.00 James McCabe .. Clearing 500 acres .. Beaufort 9,500.00 M. G. Morrissey .. Clearing 800 acres and ploughing 500 Daylesford 25,200.00 acres R. Cheyne Pty. Ltd. . . Clearing 1, 100 acres .. Macedon 36,300.00 R. Cheyne Pty. Ltd. . . Clearing 850 acres .. Toolangi 28,050.00 T. & M. Callahan Con- Clearing 1,000 acres .. Niagaroon 27,000.00 struction Co. Pty. Ltd. I. R. &L. G. Nadenbousch Clearing 850 acres and heaping timber Eastern Otways 40,850.00 on 700 acres A. E. Bricknell .. Extensions to office . . . . Upper Yarra .. 1,777 .00 W. E. Stevens .. Extensions to office . . . . Trentham .. 1,742.00 R. F. Greenwood .. Erection of residence and quarters Cann Valley .. 27,220.00 R. H. Barclay. . . . Erection of toilet block .. Shepparton .. 1,022.00 A. & A. Scungio .. Extensions to office . . . . Rennick .. 3,320.00 J. H. Kensen & R. Klick Erection of residence, etc. . . Rennick .. 12,890.00 M. C. Kool Constructions Extensions to kiosk, Kallista .. Dandenongs .. 6,854.00 Pty. Ltd. Noel Brussen . . . . Erection of store, Shelley .. Tallangatta 1,160.10 M. C. Kool Constructions Erection of pavilion and toilet block, Marysville 12,270.00 Pty. Ltd. Steavenson's Falls Knight & Rendell Pty. Supply of 5,900 cubic yards of crushed Gellibrand 12,078.00 Ltd. rock W. G. Hallam & P. N. Clearing and ploughing 350 acres Erica 14,525.00 Foley Desma Engineering Co. Supply of 2 fuetowers Casterton .. Pty. Ltd. Upper Yarra .. } 4,900.00 R. Cheyne Pty. Ltd. . . Heaping of timber on 140 acres Gellibrand .. 4,496.80 J. W. & H. D. Appleby .. Erection of garage and store .. St. Arnaud .. 2,864.50 M. C. Kool Constructions Erection of comfort station, Lake Marysville .. 22,420.00 Pty. Ltd. Mountain E. Goldsmith and Sons .. Clearing 120 acres . . . . Creswick 1,800.00 V. E. McMartin •• Ploughing 920 acres . . . . Rennick 2,530.00 C. E. & L. B. Martin .. Clearing 100 acres . . . . Niagaroon 3,300.00 Aurel Forras Pty. Ltd ... Construction of 100,000-gallon water Mansfield 22,500.00 tank, Mt. Buller Webster & Hickmott .. Erection of store and ramp . . . . Niagaroon .. 1,045.00 E. A. Dickinson and Bros. Ploughing 100 acres ...... Niagaroon .. 500.00 E. M. Daniel . . . . Ploughing 250 acres ...... Eastern Otways 1,125 .00 A. & A. Scungio .. Construction of checking station .. Rennick .. 2,240.00 L. H. & D. M. Roberts .. Construction of garage, stores and toilet Bendigo .. 10,571.00 block N. E. Rural Construction Erection of residence...... Mansfield 12,600.00 Rickey Bros. . . . . Heaping timber on 179 acres . . . . Ballarat 1,754. 80 A. G. Airwork Pty. Ltd. Aerial Spraying on 1,500 acres .. Rennick 1,350.00 G. L. Jarvis . . . . Extensions to garage ...... Daylesford 1,031.00 E. A. Dickinson & Bros. Ploughing 1,300 acres . . . . Marysville 4,550.00 John B. Manning .. Erection of office and store . . . . Trentham 3,228.00 G. Carter . . . . Supply of 8,000 cubic yards of crushed Toolangi 12,000.00 rock W. G. Feary & Sons Erection of garage, office and stores .. Ballarat 10,080.00 Kevin Ayre-C. A. Erection of toilet-woodshed .. Yarram 1,180.00 Concretors

8503/70.-4 50

APPENDIX IX.

LOAN EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1969-70. (Showing Comparative figures for 1968-69.)

1969-70.

Expenditure Authorized Under- 1968-69. Item. Total. Act No. 7720. Act No. 7892. Total. $ $ $ $ Fire Protection 233,486 225,774 459,260 452,884 General Forest Operations 125,151 221,097 346,248 253,310 Timber Extraction Roads 60,687 254,251 314,938 349,371 Plantations 865,426 1,144,978 2,010,404 1,746,313 Fixed Assets 56,581 93,348 149,929 136,188 Purchase of Land .. 14,662 35,325 49,987 53,473 Purchase of Plant and Machinery 11,433 8,470 19,903 9,571 Advances for Farm Forestry 3,885 10,446 14,331 18,873

3,019,983

NOTE :-The above figures include expenditure on the following special works :-

1969-70. 1968~9.

$ $ Softwood Plantations-(Commonwealth-State Agreement) 1,491,331 1,323,776 Softwood Plantations-(Planted from 1.1.1961 to 30.6.1966) 111,180 101,566 APPENDIX X.

STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATED EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1969-70. (Showing comparative figures for 1968-69.)

AMOUNl' PAID INTO CONSOUDATED REVENUE, APPROPRIATED EXPENDITURE. 1968-69. 1969-70. 1968-69. 1969-70. $ $ $ $ $ $ Treasury Account. 2,306,057 Salaries and Payments in lieu of Long Service Leave 2,612,395 Business Undertakings- 237,501 Overtime, Travelling and Other General Expenses 210,595 133,06/ Rents, &c. 153,613 4,710,735 Royalties 4,969,105 2,543,558 2.822,990 4,843,796 5,122,718 40 ,300 School of Forestry 51,000 7,100 Foresters' Quarters ...... 7,100 627,708 Sale of Forest Produce 708,451 10,000 Grant to Natural Resources Conservation League 10,000 I 24,497 Other 131,498 62,328 Payroll Tax . . . . 69,458 12,500 Mountain Gallery-Kalorama .. 12,500 5,596,001 5,962,667 41,700 Contribution to National Sirex Fund 37,530 I 14,053 Balance-Excess of Appropriated Expenditure over Revenue 328,861 25.000 Grant to Timber Promotion Committee 25,000 I,811 Survey Cadetships ...... 2.615 . . Timber Promotion Committee-Contributions. 36,422 200,739 251,625 567,806 Utilization of Forest Produce 648,185 3,312,103 Total Votes 3.722,800 Special Appropriations- 2,364,651 Forestry Fund* (See Appendix XI) 2,532,494 33 ,300 Salaries-Commissioners 36,234 2,568,728 2,397,951 ...... VI 5,710,054 Total Votes and Special Appropriations .. 6,291,528 5.710,054 6,291,528 5,710,054 6,291,528

APPENDIX XI.

*FORESTRY FUND.

1968-69. 1969-70. s $ $ 22,325 Brought forward 1st July 79,620 Add Intake for Year­ Authorized by Act 6254 2,421,898 Section 30 (2) .. 2,561,359 48 Section 63 (8) 1,444,271 Available Funds 2,640,979 Less Expenditure for Year- 2,015,093 Forests . . . . 2,049,419 48,647 Plantations 56,076 72,328 Nurseries 94,869 ]28,583 General 332,130 1,364,651 2.532,494 79,620 Balance carried forward 30th June 108.485 52

APPENDIX XII.

STATEMENT OF FORESTRY FUND EXPENDITURE 1969-70.

Item. Amount.

$ Forest Protection Works 400,064 Silvicultural Works 29,872 Maintenance of Roads 368,712 Plantations and Nurseries 117,232 Maintenance of Residences and Other Buildings 100,759 Purchase, Operation and Maintenance of Motor Vehicles and Equipment 545,689 Utilization Works 124,968 Supervision (Salaries) 357,840 Operating and Other Expenses 487,358 Total $2,532,494

SUNDRY DEBTORS 30TH JUNE, 1970. $ $ Royalties-- Licensed Hardwood Sawlogs 151,865 Arrears of Instalments on Deferred Royalty Operations 151,865

Licensed Softwood and Hardwood Departmental Sawlogs 85,147 Rents, Fees, Miscellaneous Forest Produce, &c. 39,848 Total Debtors .. $276,860

Balance of Deferred Royalties at 30th June, 1970 which by Agreement are Due and Payable in 1970-71 .. $293,240 APPENDIX XIII.

ACT No. 6254-FoRESTS STORES SUSPENSE ACCOUNT 1969-70. (Showing comparative figures for 1968-69.)

Fire Protection Plant Total. Drums. Repairs to Plant. Manufactured Articles. and Equipment. Item.

68-{)9. 69-70. 68-69. 68-69. 69-70. 68--09. 69-70. 68--09. 69-70. 68-69. 69-70.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Balance brought forward 1st July 99,195 175,295 82,699 25,589 84,300 627 292 1,849 2,318 Dr. Add Credits- 1,128,587 905,512 498,866 558,066 500,241 20,442 16,899 46,147 55,158 Amount Available .. 1,227,782 1,080,807 581,565 583,655 584,541 19,815 17,191 44,298 52,840 VI Less Debits- 1,052,487 1,018,905 482,673 499,355 533,633 19,523 16,200 46,616 53,699 w 13alance carried forward 30th June .. 175,295 61,902 98,892 84,300 50,908 292 991 2,318 859 Dr•

FORESTS PLANT AND MACHINERY FUND 1969-70. 1968-69 1969-70 $ $ Balance brought forward 1st July 435,887 240,438 Add plant hire charges 64,874 279,448 Add proceeds of disposal 9,284 38,749 Amount available- .. 510,045 558,635 Less expenditure 269,607 264,579 Balance carried forward 30th June 240,438 294,056 54

APPENDIX XIV.

PROPOSED DISBURSEMENTS 1970-71.

Appropriations. Forestry Fund. Loan Fund. Total.

Items. i I Estimated Amount Estimated Amount Estimated Amount Estimated I Amount Require- Provided. Require- Provided. Require- Provided. Requite- Provided. ments~ ments. ments. i ments. i $'000 $'000 ! $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Forest Protection Works ...... 463 463 931 418 1,394 881 Silvicultural Works ...... 31 31 732 404 763 435 Construction and Maintenance of Roads ...... 297 297 435 308 732 605 Establishment and Main- tenance of Plantations and Nurseries ...... 94 94 2,753 1,929 2,847 2,023 Construction, Purchase and Maintenance of Residences and other Buildings .. 7 7 52 52 209 161 268 220 Purchase of Land ...... 85 50 85 50 Purchase of Plant and Machinery ...... 272 17 272 17 Purchase, Operation and I Maintenance of Motor Vehicles and Equipment . . . . 545 545 . . .. 545 545 Advances for Farm Forestry ...... 40 20 40 20 Utilization Works:- Departmental . . . . 730 700 ...... 730 700 Other ...... 125 125 .. . . 125 125 Salaries ...... 2,669 2,591 401 401 213 213 3,283 3,205 Operating and Other Expenses 548 537 508 508 80 80 1,136 1,125 Totals .. . . 3,954 3,835 2,516 2,516 5,750 3,600 12,220 9,951

ESTIMATED RECEIPTS 1970-71. $'000. Grazing, Occupation, Royalties, &c. 5,350 Sale of Departmentally Produced Sawlogs, Firewood, Pulpwood, Poles, &c. 780 Miscellaneous Collections 135 Sales of Assets &c., Repayable to Loan Fund Credit Account 15 Totals .. 6,280

By Authority: C. H. R1xoN, Government Printer, Melbourne. -... VICTORIA - SCALE OF MILES

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SCALE OF MILES

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FOREST DIVI S IONAL HEADQUARTERS 0 FOREST DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS •

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YOU YANGS BIRO SA NCTUARY S.P.R. SCE NI C RESERVE S.R. MOUNT MISERY GARDEN AHO BERRINGA FL ORA AND FAUNA RESERVE S.P.R. SPECIAL PURP OS ES RE SERVE S.P.R. CRESWICK KOALA PARK S.P.R. YARRAM WILDFLOWER RESERVE S.P.R. ALPINE RESER VE A.R . ST. GEORGES LAKE S.R. MOUNT BECKWORTH SUMH IT RESERVE S.R. LABERTOUCHE WILDFL OWER RESERVE S.P.R . FOREST PARK F. P. F RA MLINGHA M RE SERV E S.P.R. POWELLTOWN PICNIC AREA S.P.R. ROADSIDE RESERVE R.R. MUSICAL GULLY PICNIC GROUND S.P.R. CEMENT CREEK TURNTABLE S.R. FE RN TREE WATERFALLS S.R. VICTORIA MILL S. R. MOUNT MACEDON MEMOR IAL CROSS RESERVE S.P. R. MOUNT DONNA BUANG ~.R. McDONA L D PARK S.P.R. LEROEROERG GORGE F. P MOUNT DONNA BUANG T OWER RESER VE S.P. R. Prepared b)' Drafting Section, Forests Commission STEWART CREEK EXPERIMENTAL CA TCHMENT S.P. R . KORWEINGUBOORA RECREATION RESER.VE S.P.R.