VICTORIA, 1971

FORESTS COMMISSION VICTORIA-AUSTRALIA

FIFTY SECOND ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL YEAR 1970-71

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

.Approximate Cosl of llrport.-Preparation, not given. Printing (250 copies), $1,725.00.

No. 14-9238/71.-Price 80 cents

FORESTS COMMISSION, VICTORIA

TREASURY GARDENS, MELBOURNE, 3002

ANNUAL REPORT 1970-71

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 1970-71.

F. R. MOULDS, Chainnan.

C. W. ELSEY, Commissioner.

A. J. THREADER, Commissioner.

F. H. TREYV AUD, Secretary.

CONTENTS

PAGE 6 FEATURES.

8 fvlANAGEMENT- Forest Area, Surveys, fvlapping, Assessment, Recreation, fvlanagement Plans, Plantation Extension Planning, Forest Land Use Planning, Public Relations.

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

24 ECONOMICS AND fvlARKETING- Features, The Timber Industry, Sawlog Production, Veneer Timber, Pulpwood, Other Forest Products, Industrial Undertakings, Other Activities.

28 PROTBCTION- Fire, Radio Communications, Biological, Fire Research.

32 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH- Education-School of Forestry, University of fvlelbourne, Overseas and Other Studies ; Research-Silviculture, Hydrology, Pathology, Entomology, Biological Survey, The Sirex Wood Wasp; Publications.

38 CONFERENCES.

39 ADMINISTRATJON- Personnel-Staff, Industrial, Number of Employees, Worker's Compensation, Staff Training ; fvlethods ; Stores ; Finance.

APPENDICES- 43 I. Statement of Output of Produce. 44 II. Causes of Fires. 44 III. Summary of Fires and Areas Burned. 45 IV. Type of Area Burned in State Forests and National Parks. 45 V. Classification of Fire Acreages in State Forests and National Parks. 45 VI. fvlonthly Outbreaks of Fire. 46 VII. Protection Works-Summary. 4 7 VII I. Contracts. Financial Statements- 48 IX. Works and Services Expenditure. 49 x. Statement of Revenue and Appropriated Expenditure. 49 XL Forestry Fund. 50 XII. Statement of Forestry Fund Expenditure. 50 XIII. Sundry Debtors. 51 XIV. Forests Stores Suspense Account and Forests Plant and fvlachinery Fund. 52 XV. Proposed Disbursements and Estimated Receipts, I971-72. FEATURES

Area of reserved forest 5,656,629 acres Output of logs from State forest (including veneer logs)- Hardwood 425, 127,000 super. feet (approx.) Hoppus log volume Softwood 53,796,000 super. feet (approx.) Hoppus log volume

Total 478,923,000 super. feet (approx.) Hoppus log volume

Revenue- Royalties received from sale of forest produce $5,390,954 Total amount paid to Consolidated Revenue $6,454,313

Expenditure authorized by­ Forests Act 1958, No. 6254- Section 30-Forestry Fund $2,777,767 Section 32-Plant and Machinery Fund $81,489 Appropriation Acts $4,320,443 State Forests Loan Application Acts $3,515,996

6 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FORESTS COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE, 1971

Forests and the Quality of the Environment The extent to which forests, as one of the community's most valuable Forests and the resources, can contribute towards improving the quality of the Quality of the environment, is becoming ever more widely recognised. While obvious Environment values such as the provision of raw material for industry can be measured in terms of economics, the indirect values of soil conservation, aesthetics, protection of water catchments, provision of habitat for native fauna and ideal conditions for public recreation and relief from modern-day tensions are becoming more and more appreciated. Forests have an age-old appeal for man and today he is turning to them in ever-increasing numbers in his search for leisure enjoyment. Management, protection and utilisation of the State forests so as to preserve and develop all of these values is multiple purpose management, the Commission's general policy for the State's forest resources. Anticipating a rapid increase in the public demand for the use of forests for recreational purposes, the Commission has established a Recreational Forestry Branch, and a new research programme for the identification of visitor use, desires and needs in the most popular multiple use forest areas. It is essential for planning and development to have realistic estimates of the extent and nature of future usage of Victorian forests. Experience of the United States Forest Service indicates that increase in visitor use could be of the order of twenty times within the next 20 vears. This increased demand will come from a population which is becoming increasingly urbanised and which travels by car, using the forest for a brief time on each visit. In addition to recognising such ever-increasing use of State forests, the Commission has made provision for special features in some parts of reserved forest to be preserved for all time by setting them aside as alpine reserves, forest parks, scenic reserves and reserves for a number of other special purposes. There are now 91 of these areas totalling some 64,000 acres, within which particular attention is given to specialised management to meet community needs, and in many cases with the assistance of highly qualified committees of management and advisory committees. The Timber Industry The total output of sawlogs from State forests of 478,923,000 super The Timber Industry feet HLV was the highest ever recorded. Although the production of hardwood logs at 425,127,000 super feet HLV was some 35 million super fef?t lower than in the previous peak year of 1956-57, the yield of plantation grown softwood logs has trebled since that date and at 53,796,090 super feet HLV now accounts for more than 11 % of total productic~n, and wi11 continue to increase as the accelerated planting programme which commenced in 1962 and was extended by the Commonwealth/States Softwood Agreement of 1966 begins to make its contribution. Forestry Finance The Commission again expresses concern at continuing increases in the Forestry Finance costs of supervision and protection of the State's forest assets due to factors beyond its control, principally increases in wages. This had reduced the number of trained and experienced forestry workers and restricted recruitment of young, active men able to give the maximum contribution should a major fire emergency occur in the summer months. The Commission has been obliged again this year, because of the inadequate funds provided through vote, to supplement general expense items to the extent of $202,493 from the Forestry Fund. This source of finance was originally intended by Parliament for the maintenance and development of the forests. 7 Management Forest Area Management The area of reserved forest as at 30th June, 1971, was 5,656,629 acres, Forest Area which is a net decrease of 42 acres in the year. Changes in reserved forest were:- Acres Excisions under Forests Act 1958, Section 42, sub-section ( 8) 320 Additions under Forests Act 1958, Section 42, sub-section ( 8) 278 In addition, 3,167 acres of alienated land were purchased for extension to softwood plantations and for miscellaneous forest purposes. Additional land in the Dandenong Ranges was purchased comprising 12 individual lots for addition to the fire protection belt, and 3 acres for other purposes. A compensating addition of 14,600 acres of reserved forest is still to be effected in accordance with the National Parks (Amendment) Act 1969.

Surveys Surveys Cadastral surveys were conducted in nine forest districts to demareate new reserved forest boundaries resulting from land dealings involving exchange, purchase and dedication as well as alignment of forest access roads. At the Mt. Buller Alpine Village horizontal and vertical control surveys were provided to facilitate developments in that area. Topographic control surveys were undertaken to facilitate the mapping required for extensions of softwood plantations.

Forest Mapping Forest Mapping New maps were prepared for softwood plantations in the Daylesford, Macedon, Myrtleford and Bright forest districts, and work continued on maps of plantations in Beechworth, Mansfield and Yarram forest districts. All existing plantations maps were revised with new infor­ mation on planted areas, species and dates of planting obtained by aerial photography and field survey. Aerial photographs taken with 70 mm and 35 mm cameras have proved efficient and economical for this purpose when small areas were to be mapped. Revisions of six topographical map sheets were made to include the latest information, and three new colour maps were prepared and are available for sale to the public. Aerial photographs in colour were obtained for mapping forest infor­ mation in detail in selected locations in Eastern Otways, Neerim, Tallangatta and Bruthen forest districts.

Forest Assessment Forest Assessment The major projects undertaken were surveys of the timber resources of coniferous plantations and mixed species forests, and studies of log quality from mountain ash forests. The growing stock of coniferous plantations at Bright and Myrtleford was assessed by intensive sampling methods. The results of these assessments are being incorporated into a computer system for predicting growth rates and future growing stock. Growth measurements were taken in both plantations, and also at Ballarat and Beech forest. Plantation area statistics were under continuous review, and the data revised, stored and analysed by computer. Regrowth forests of mountain ash in Gellibrand and Erica Forest Districts were intensively sampled for both qualilty and volume of sawlog material. Extensive sampling and mapping of sawlog resources in mature mixed species forests continued in most forest districts, and especially in East Gippsland.

8 Bushwalking and group studies­ Grampians State forest

Forest Recreation The strong public demand to use the forests for recreation is increasing, Forest Recreation and the Commission is managing the forests to achieve an appropriate balance between the various uses, particularly to ensure that the aesthetic, scenic and ecological values of the forest are not impaired. Foremost in importance is the recognition of the contribution made by the forest to the human environment. General administration of the maintenance and development of State forests for recreational, scenic, historical and scientific purposes, and for the protection of native flora and fauna, is the responsibility of the new Forest Recreation Branch established in August 1970. Additional areas of special interest are under consideration for setting aside and reservation under Section 50 of the Forests Act 1958 and they are being examined to determine their suitability for this purpose.

Management Plans A number of management plans for both hardwood and softwood Management Plans forests were prepared, and existing plans were revised and updated. Plans were prepared for control of the supply of softwood for manu­ facture of particle board at a factory which commenced operation at Ballarat in October, 1970, and for the commencement of the first thinning of the Delatite plantation in Mansfield forest district. The growth of plantations established in the Commission's expanded softwood forestry program was analysed, and detailed predictions were made of the substantial volumes of sawlogs, pulpwood and fencing timbers which will soon become available. An intensive study was made of the future management of the ash regrowth forests in the mountains of the Central and Southern Divisions, by means of a system of computer analyses of the existing resource, growth, future yields, costs of utilisation ·and alternative harvesting programs. AJI softwood plantations were referenced to the standard system of subdivision of forest districts into management blocks. Locations within the plantations are now identified by block and compartment for general management purposes, and also for records of sales and computer processing of royalties. Mountain forest areas in Neerim, Toolangi, and Upper Yarra forest districts which are suitable for growing eucalypts were investigated, and plans were prepared for reforestation in accordance with a proposal which is before the Commonwealth Government for special loan funds.

9 . I

Rolling vistas of forest scenery­ Grampians State forest

Plantation Extension Planning Plantation Extension Planting of an additional 50,000 acres of softwood by the Commission Planning during the period July 1966 to June 1971 was completed as scheduled in the Commonwealth-States Softwood Forestry Agreements Act 1967. Arrangements for the next 5 years are effected by uncertainty with respect to the terms of the new Agreement. A reduced program of about 11,000 acres per annum for Victoria is likely to be the target for the period from July 1971 to June 1976, and planning is proceeding on this basis in eight plantation development zones as follows:-

Field Division Main Loca lities Approxim

Plans for the plantations in these zones will ensure that large areas representative of the native forests of the localities are retained to provide adequate hardwood timber for the future, to provide scenic contrast, and to cater for the diversity of recreational and other forest uses. A significant portion of the planting program is located on purchased land. Some 14,000 acres were purchased for this purpose during the past five years, and surveys are in progress to determine what further freehold areas within the established plantation development zones are p~ysically and economically suitable for purchase.

Forest Land Use Planning l<'orest Land Use Detailed surveys to classify land suitable for native timber production, Planning plantation development, protection, recreation and combinations of these and other uses have been completed over 564,000 acres. The surveys were mainly in State forest, but some freehold land of interest for forestry purposes was included. In addition reconnaissance surveys have been completed in alpine areas and in East Gippsland between the Princes Highway and the coast.

10 Plantation Planning with ecological refuges preserved along streams­ loolangi Public Relations The heavy demand for forestry literature continued. Requests for Public Relations school project material reflected the interest of young people in all aspects of the environment as well as in trees and forests. Adults also requested the more comprehensive types of technical and informative literature, and requests for displays at local exhibitions and meetings expressed the same requirements. There was a steady demand for Commission officers to speak at meet­ ings and functions on environmental subjects and to give careers guidance. A fire prevention campaign conducted during the summer gave in­ creased attention to the migrant groups by means of material published in local foreign language newspapers. An exhibit in the Commission pavilion at the 1970 Royal Melbourne Show emphasised the importance of the forests to the community. The role of timber production in multiple-use forestry was presented in displays at functions organised by the Timber Promotion Com­ mittee.

Forest management provides healthy wildlife environment­ Kulkyne State Fore5! 11 Operations Silviculture of Native Forests Operations A total of 3 8,481 acres of indigenous forest received silvicultural Silviculture of Native treatment during the year. Forests Regeneration Treatments Regeneration treatments of native forests (acres) 1970-71-

Jnduced or Regeneration Aerial Hand Forest T ype Felling N atural T otal Seeding Sowiog Sowing

Ash .. . . 31 J 87 2,672 933 4,003 Mixed Species- Height { 130' + . . 810 551 230 330 1,92 1 Class 90-1 30' .. 2,085 3,644 .. 229 5,958 90'- .. 20 129 .. . . 149 River Red Gum . . 806 . . .. 88 894 Box Ironbark . . 72 . . . . 5 I 77 Totals 1970- 71 .. 4,104 4,411 2,902 J ,585 I 13,002 Totals J 969-70 .. 2,454 4,419 l,875 1,487 10,235 Totals 1968-69 . . 4,022 6,002 2,056 1, 106 J 3,1 86 I The difficulty of slash burning, to prepare receptive seedbed at mmr­ mum cost, continues to be a major factor limiting the area of ash and high quality mixed species forest types which can be adequately pre­ pared for regeneration by seeding techniques. Other Silvicultural Treatments Tending of native forests (acres) 1970- 71-

L ibe ration Other Forest T ype Coppicing Thinning Silvicultural Treatment Total Treatment Ash ...... 662 115 . . 777 Mixed Species- Height {130' + .. . . 375 286 .. 661 Class 90:-130' .. 5,527 5,031 . . J0,558 90 - . . 72 218 JOO . . 390 River Red Gum .. 40 693 535 . . 1,268 Box Ironbark . . 2,656 6,929 1,180 J,000 11 ,765 Native Pine . . . . 60 .. . . 60

Totals 1970-71 . . 2,768 14,464 7,247 l ,000 25,479

Totals 1969-70 . . 3,075 ]3,824 4,832 J,774 23 ,505 Totals 1968-69 .. 2,271 18,621 4,967 2,260 28, 119

These figures represent the extent of silvicultural treatments achieved using both departmental and licensee operations. For reasons of economy licensee utilization operations are used to the maximum extent possible, but, where no potential for the use of licensees exist, departmental operations are used.

Ty pical 1939 origin mountain ash regrowth- Upper Yarra Forest d istrict

12 Seed Collection Pinus radiata Local seed collection was short of requirements and was supplemented Seed Collection by the purchase of 2,500 lbs. from the Woods and Forests Department of South Australia. Seed stock on hand is sufficient for two years aver­ age requirement, thus providing insurance against a poor seed collec­ tion year. About 100 lbs. of this stock came from the Commission's seed orchards and the increasing availability of seed from this source will progressively reduce the need for purchases as well as providing higher quality seed. Other Softwood Overseas purchases were made of 200 lbs. of seed of special prove­ nances not available in Australia. This seed is held in quarantine until required for planting. Eucalypts Eucalypt seed collection is mainly of commercial species for use in regeneration and reforestation programmes but small amounts of non-commercial species are collected to raise stock in the extension nurseries for sale to the public. Summer 1970-71 was wet and generally mild causing difficult open air extraction of seed. Portable space heaters for drying capsules assisted with seed extraction and two additional heaters were purchased during the seed collection season. A prototype extraction kiln installed at Mansfield has given encouraging results and a rotary drying tumbler is being investigated. The capsule crop of the major commercial eucalypts was significantly better than in 1969-70, permitting more extensive collections at a lower unit cost. Details and quantities of the seed collected by species compared with previous years are:- Weight of seed collected (lb.)-

I . Species 1970-71 1969-70 1968-69 P. radiata ...... 693 200 405 Other Conifers ...... 37 50 E. regnans ...... 637 313 144 E. delegatensis ...... 4,618 1,566 2,470 E.obliqua ...... 1,310 397 561 E. fastigata ...... 120 E. nitens ...... 25 52 67 E. bicostata ...... 20 E. camaldulensis ...... 25 22 200 E. pauciflora ...... 35 Miscellaneous Eucalypts ...... 76 100 95 Acacias ...... 277 451 22 Other species ...... 352 255 353 Totals ...... 8,225 3,35 4,367

Softwood Plantations Seasonal Conditions For the second year in succession summer rainfall has been above Softwood Plantations average in most areas which has assured satisfactory establishment of newly planted stock and excellent nursery results. The fine dry weather in spring and autumn allowed completion of the clearing programme although some ploughing contracts had to be cancelled or restricted due to wet conditions. Nurseries The regional nurseries are now operating efficiently. To further improve techniques discussions have been held with manufacturers on a pro­ posal to construct a mechanical seedling lifter. Packaging of P. radiata seedlings is now standardised using polye­ theylene-lined fibre board boxes and trees are weighed instead of counted to determine the number despatched. This has significantly reduced packing costs with no significant loss in control of numbers.

13 Softwood Plantations The yield of P. radiata seedlings per pound of seed has increased steadily with the improvement in nursery techniques. An average of 7,850 seedlings was raised from each pound of seed sown, of which about 82 % was suitable for planting out. About 1,900,000 seedlings of Douglas Fir were produced from 85 lbs. of seed sown, whilst some 400,000 seedlings of other softwood species were also raised. Most of these seedlings will require lining out for a further twelve months before being suitable to plant out in the field. The first P. radiata seedlings grown from seed collected at seed orchards followed the planting of 34 lbs. of seed from this source, which is ex­ pected to produce trees of better form and faster growth.

Production of nursery stock-

I one year old 2 years old or more Totals

P. radiata . . .. 13,793,200 2,830,000 16,623,200 P. pinaster . . .. 82,600 122,000 204,600 P. nigra ...... 46,000 46,000 Ps. menziesii .. . . 60,000 234,600 294,600 Other softwood . . ' . 2,400 80,960 83,360 13,938,200 3,313,560 17,251,760

Clearing A total of 13,386 acres was cleared for softwood plantation extension in the proportion of 54% contract and 46% departmental. No new projects were started this year.

Site Preparation Site preparation is essential in many planting areas as an aid to initial establishment and later control of weed species ; and some 4,660 acres were ploughed before heavy and continuing autumn rains caused a cessation of this work. In addition, 472 acres were ripped and 80 acres given other treatments.

Roading During the year a total of 161 miles of road was constructed of which 131 miles were in plantation extension areas. Twenty-nine miles of roads were surfaced to facilitate wet weather access, whilst 63 miles of tracks were built, mainly for fire protection purposes. The total mileage of roads in plantations is now 1,895. The mainten­ ance of these roads imposes a considerable drain on funds available, and various methods including revegetation followed by slashing are being investigated to reduce costs.

Drier and rumbling unit for eucalyptus seed extraction­ Swifrs Creek

14 Softwood Nursery--Rennick

Summary of Areas Planted Softwood Plantations New plantings of P. radiata for the financial year totalled 11,934 acres and 99 acres were planted to other softwood species to attain the target of 50,000 acres at the end of the five-year Commonwealth-State Softwood Forestry Agreement which terminated on 30/6/71. Planting of P. radiata followed clearfelling of 392 acres of mature stands of this species and 89 acres of other species which had proven unsatisfactory. With the increased cost of labour the use of planting machines is becoming more widespread and 14 such machines are now in use. Renewals were carried out over 2,617 acres, representing about 22 % of the area planted. Species used in new plantings (acres)-

Net Area Planted Species 1970- 71 1969-70 1968-69 1967-68

P. radiata ...... J 1,934 5,964·2 13,488 ·9 J0,956 P. pinaster ...... 153·5 153 · I 162 ·4 Ps. menziesii ...... 31 19·3 77 ·0 70 ·0 P. nigra ...... 21 6· l 35·9 . . Other Softwood Species .. 47 22·2 46· I 7 ·7 I J 2,033* 6, 165. 3t 13,801 t 11,196 · lt • Subject to survey t Surveyed figures

Location of new plantings (acres)-

Forest District 1970-7 1 Forest District 1970-71

Tallangatta .. . . 1,798·4 Beechworth . . . . 389·4 Bena Ila ...... 1,284 ·4 Casterton . . . . 255·0 Marysville . . .. 1,185·0 Erica ...... 222 · 3 Myrtleford . . . . 1,032 ·9 Beaufort ...... 178·0 Yarram ...... J,030·4 Niagaroon .. . . 175 ·4 Rennick . ' .. . . 985·9 Macedon . . .. 165 ·2 Eastern Otways .. . ' 663 ·8 Creswick .. . ' 104 · I Bright ...... 603·6 Sta well ...... 90 ·0 Mansfield . . . . 585-4 Toolangi . . .. 77 ·0 Daylesford . . . . 554 ·8 Nee rim . . . . ' . 75 ·2 Mirboo .. . ' . . 517·2 Ballarat ...... 59 ·6 12;033 ·O I I 15 Softwood Plantations Replanting after felling (acres)-

Species 1970-71 1969-70 1968-69 1967-68 Previous Crop New Crop

P. radiata . . .. P. radiata . . 392 580 407 410 P. ponderosa (poor strain) . . P. radiata .. .. 55 113 185 57 P. nigra (poor strain) . . P. radiata .. .. 34 ...... 481 693 592 467

Location of replanting after felling (acres) -

Conversion Conversion Forest District Replanting from from Total P. ponderosa P. nigra Ballarat . . .. 182 . . 182 Myrtleford . . .. 80 20 . . 100 Bright . . .. 34 . . 34 68 Beechworth . . .. 15 35 . . 50 Gellibrand . . . . 59 . . .. 59 Creswick . . . . 22 .. . . 22 - 392 55 34 481

Tending With the total acreage of young plantations increasing at the rate of about 12,000 acres per year the task of tending these plantations to remove weed species presents a problem. During the year, 15,306 acres were cleaned of competing vegetation using hand methods, a very time-consuming and expensive operation. The aerial spraying program to combat wattle regrowth increased from 670 acres in 1969 to 3,549 acres in 1970 at an average cost of under $5 per acre. Although only wattle regrowth is controlled by this technique and other weed species still have to be removed by hand substantial savings are being made both in money and in time. Firming following planting was necessary over 900 acres, located mainly in Daylesford, Benalla, Marysville and Rennick districts ; while fertiliser in the form of superphosphate was added to the Erica and Scarsdale plantings to correct phosphate deficiencies as determined by foliar analyses. The area pruned, 300 acres of first stage pruning and 2 acres of second stage pruning, again represented a decline in this activity, and was carried out only where justified as a fire protection measure. An area of 2 ,050 acres in the R ennick and Kentbruck plantations was aerially sp rayed with zinc sulphate to correct zinc deficiencies.

Trees and shrubs for low rai nfall areas-Mildura nursery

16 The extent of silvicultural treatment of plantations is summarised 10 Softwood Plantations the following comparative table:- Tending of softwood plantations

Acreage Treated Nature of Trea1ment 197(}-71 1969-70 1968- 69 1967- 68

Cleaning and firming ...... 19,757 20,208 14,984 20,202 Pruning-1st stage ...... 300 602 1,566 1,641 2nd stage . . .. 2 369 70 57 Thinning-non-commercial . . .. 146 21 50 201 commercial . . . . 2,338 2,987 2,358 2,230 seed production .. . . 92 15 47 Zinc spraying ...... 2,050 1,500 1,821 2,400

Weed and Pest Control Excellent liaison with the Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board resulted in satisfactory control of rabbits being achieved in planting areas; but lack of finance limited control of weeds and black­ berries on the margins of some plantations. Utilization Complete utilization of plantations was confined to the older plantings. Thinning is now occuring in some of the plantations planted immediately after the war, e.g., Rennick where 381 acres were thinned and Mirboo where 229 acres were thinned. First thinning of plantations established since 1960 was commenced on a small scale at Tallangatta and Mans­ field. In all cases, utilization is regulated by cutting plans which are reviewed regularly. The following is a summary of areas cut during 1970-71 :­ Acres Th innings 2,576 Clear felling (mature stands) 630 (conversion of less desirable sp.) 71 (roadlines) 79 (damage) 71 Farm Fores try Loan Scheme Interest in the Farm Forestry Loan Scheme continued to grow as shown by the fact that, during the year, 49 applications were received, 20 new agreements were signed, $22, 163 was advanced by way of loan and 57 5 acres were planted. The total area planted since the inception of the scheme to 30/ 6/ 71 is now 1,721 acres.

Development of range management trials in ironbark forest- Heathcote Forest district 17 9238/71.- 2. The following comparative table indicates the steady increase in participation in the scheme :-

1970-71 1969-70 Total to 30/6/71 Net Loan Commitments .. . . $43,582 $37,372 $163,209 Net Acreage Agreed ...... 872 784 3,373 Net Acreage Planted .. . . 575 427 1,721 Net Advances Made ...... $22,163 $13,996 $99,188

.-~

Hardwood Plantations Nurseries Hardwood Plantations Seven nurseries produce plants for departmental planting with the Olsen's Bridge Nursery in South Gippsland producing approximately 70% of the total production.

The following is a summary of the tubestock raised:-

Number of Number of Species Tubestock Species Tubes tock Raised I Raised E. regnans . . . . 502,900 E. obliqua . . .. 31,000 E. nitens ...... 72,210 E. viminalis . . . . 27,000 E. cladocalyx .. . . 43,500 Assorted Eucalypts . . 8,160 E. delegatensis . . . . 37,194 Other hardwoods .. .. 7,800 729,764

Trials using new materials for tubing have been carried out during the year with the object of eliminating the cost of rolling of veneers without increasing disproportionately the initial cost of the material. The tubed plants are used for new plantations, filling of blanks in regenerated forest and reclamation of denuded areas. The following tables give the purpose for which planted and the location of planting by species.

Summary of hardwood p1antings (acres

: Type of Planting 1970-7! 1969-70 1968-69 1967-68 New Plantings ...... 1,001 1,413 744·5 1,077 Gravel Pits Reclamation .. 32 55·5} Forest Park and Amenity .. 34 22·5 57 48 Totals ...... 1,067 1,491 801 ·5 1,125

Location of hardwood plantings 1970--71-

Acres of Eucalypt Species

';(' Total ~ E:;- !'.l Forest District <~ ';;" s ·u Acreage cc "" b] Cl. ·~ ~ "' ~.3""" Oa " i§.§ s:c ....c:.;:: ~ "'... ,,c" k ~o ·a~ 0 ' ">". ". :E~ -9" ::ES ::Ee:!, ::ES "'~ 0 Mirboo .. 473 473 Orbost .. 153 153 Yarram .. 88 88 Upper Yarra 88 17 2 69 Neerim . ' 40 40 East Otways 40 20 20 Erica .. 32 32 Broadford .. 29 1 25 3 Dandenongs .. 20 12 4 4 Geelong .. 24 Dimboola .. 2 Creswick .. 5 5 Heyfield .. l 1 Mildura .. 72 72 Totals .. l,067 683 27 24 4 225 26 78

18 Total planting of softwood and hardwood­ Summary

Acres 1970-71 Type New Work Renewals Replanting Exp. Trials To tal Softwood .. 12,033 2,617 481 3 15,134 Hardwood .. 1,067 164 32 14 1,277 Totals .. )3,100 2,781 513 17 16,411

Extension Services

Little reduction has occurred 10 sales from the extension nurseries Extension Services despite the current depression in rural areas. A decline in sales of purely ornamental varieties has occurred but this has been counter­ balanced by an increase in the sales of P. radiata and other species including Melaleucas, which are becoming increasingly sought after for windbreaks.

Sales from the extension nurseries at Macedon, Creswick, Wail and Mildura and the regional nurseries at Benalla, Trentham, Rennick and Koetong were as follows :- Species No. of plants sold P. radiata .. 585,477 Other softwoods 23,923 Eucalypts 143, 115 Acacias 39,168 Deciduous species 22,108 Other hardwoods 85,932 Shrubs 17,000

Total 916,723

In addition free issues to School Endowment Plantations amounted to 177 orders totaUing 121, 104 P . radiata seedlings and 3,610 hardwood seedlings, whilst 11,298 young P. radiata trees were sold as Christmas trees.

Dune stabilization using native trees and g rasses- Kul kyne State forest

19 Extension Services Field staff were involved in. 402 field inspections and demonstrations, 147 conducted tours, 21 radio or T.V. broadcasts and 46 miscellaneous extension activities. Plantations staff at Head Office dealt with the following requests:- Advice to the public on tree planting­ by telephone .. 2,677 by personal interview 410 by letter 190

3,277

Some 12,000 price lists were distributed. Utilization Utilization The use of modern machinery for log handling continues to expand. Trials of new equipment, particularly skidders, have been held in several areas. Most improvement continues to be seen in the equipment used for pulpwood extraction. Interest in integrated log and pulpwood operations and in joint logging is slowly growing and a number of successful operations are in progress. Log standards generally were maintained though in a few areas, where log resources are limited, logs giving a lower recovery were accepted. Small logs produced in greater volume, because of clearing for planta­ tion areas, represent a handling problem since some loggers are equipped for a generally larger sized log and have not been able as yet to re­ equip for smaller logs. An oversupply of mature ash pulpwood in remote Jogging areas and of mixed species pulpwood from plantation clearing areas still exists. The commencement of a large particleboard plant at Ballarat has provided a market for small size softwood material in that locality. The increased demand for hardwood pulpwood in the Otways has permitted integrated logging and eased the problem of regenerating these forests. Joint Utilization Committees comprising representatives of local saw­ millers and the Commission continued to function to the benefit of both the Commission and the sawmillers in the areas concerned.

Grazing Grazing Good summer rains produced excellent forage in forest areas although in some localities demand for grazing decreased due to abundant feed available on private property. Generally however demand for forest grazing has increased slightly. Some of the demand arises from the shelter afforded by the forest. The trial grazing of sheep in young softwood plantations has proven successful and will be extended where possible, particularly for its value as a fire protection measure. Several trials are in hand to improve the value of forest grazing in association with timber production in box-ironbark ,and red gum forests. The Barmah Grazing Advisory Committee continued to function. A quota of 3,600 head of cattle was again set for the Barmah forest though actual stocking levels were slightly below the record levels reached the previous year. No adverse effects on the forest due to this level of grazing was observed. A measure of success was achieved in reducing the number of wild horses roaming the Barmah Forest by the capture of 44 horses.

Forest Engineering Survey and Design Forest Engineering The survey and design of roads continued through the year. Main projects were the Caves Road in Rennick district and in the Hensleigh's Creek and Combienbar areas of East Gippsland.

20 Wm. Ricketts Sa nctuary- ­ Dand enong s Forest district Seu Ip ture in clay

Following reconnaissance, the design for a 1 t mile road into the Forest Engineering Lerderderg Gorge Forest Park is almost complete. Others projects included investigations into the most suitable site for a car park at William Ricketts Sanctuary in the Dandenongs; a 300 ga11on per minute pumping scheme for Mt. Buller Alpine Reserve water supply; a 940,000 gallon earth dam at Trentham nursery; improvements to the water supply at Rennick; a three span timber bridge over the Broken Creek at Rice's Weir in Barmah district, and concrete regulators for flood control in the red gum forests of the Cohuna district.

Road Construction

M iles Consrructed Total Milea1te Road Standard of Commission 1970-71 1969-70 1968-69 Roads Native Forests Primary roads . . . . 8 24 26 1,7 11 Secondary roads 30 43 38 6,320 F ire protection and access roads .. 223 406 481 11,228 - 261 - 473 - 545 -- 19,259 Plan tat ion Extension Areas I Primary roads .. . . 15 19 14 130 Secondary roads . . 59 64 52 521 Fire protection and access roads . . 57 50 35 295 - 131 - 133 - IOI - - 946 Established Plantati ons Primary roads ...... 108 Secondary roads .. .. 22 16 13 562 F ire protection and access roads . . 8 14 8 279 - 30 - 30 - 21 - - 949 To1als ...... 422 636 667 21,154

Construction of primary and secondary roads to provide for current and future timber extraction continued in native forests as well as in soft­ wood plantations.

21 Forest Engineering The surfacing ~f 63. 9 mil~s of. roa?s carrying mill log and pulpwood traffic was earned out mamly m high rainfall areas. A further 2. 6 miles of the Tamboritha Road was sealed. The plann~ng of a system of all weather roads into the principal stands of mountam ash regeneration is now proceeding. Road Maintenance Maintenance work was carried out over 14,155 miles. The increase of nearly 1,000 miles maintained compared to last year is nearly all due to greater lengths of fire protection tracks being maintained. It is of concern that one third of the roading system in State forests received no maintenance work of any description during the year due to lack of funds. Resurfacing of roads providing winter access totalled 83. 7 miles. An enlarged resurfacing program beyond the scope of present resources is necessary to safeguard the Commission's roading system. The increasingly heavy use of forest roads by tourist and other traffic, frequently under conditions when roads are closed to timber traffic, imposes a heavy drain on the funds available for maintenance. Flood Control and Drainage Heavy rain and '>ubsequent flooding caused much damage to Conunis­ sion installations during the year. Maintenance of roads and bridges was particularly affected in many areas. The worst hit area was East Gippsland where flood damage was estimated at $81,000 and involves the replacement of 18 bridges and major repairs to a further 34. Bank erosion on the Ovens River in Bright and Yarrawonga districts is causing concern and discussions have been held with the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission to determine appropriate remedial measures. All regulators and control structures in the red gum forests along the Murray River were maintained. One which was washed out last year was reconstructed and temporary repairs effected to another at the Gulf, in Barmah district, pending plans for its reconstruction. Construction began on the first of another three concrete regulators to be erected on Gunbower Island in the Cohuna district to control the spread of floodwaters and to achieve some degree of irrigation of the high quality red gum forests on Gunbower Island. A temporary stop was installed on an irrigation drainage water channel at Vinifera in Mildura district to test the practicability of controlling drainage waters in order to irrigate portions of the red gum forests. Wat er Supply Construction of a 300 ga11ons per minute water supply through 2,000 ft. of rising main for Mt. Buller Alpine Reserve was commenced. Two 20,000 gallon concrete tanks were constructed at Macedon nursery and one each at Toolangi and Beech Forest. A 940,000 gallon earth dam was constructed at Trentham nursery. Other Works A new 60 ft. fire tower was erected at Mt. Beenak in the Upper Y arra district and additions and improvements made to fire towers at Mt. Hickey in Broadford district, Warby Tower in Yarrawonga district, Mt. Stanley in Beechworth district and Dickie's Hill in Mirboo district. A further two miles of road was constructed at Wilson's Promontory for the National Parks Service. A precast concrete fire protection dugout to accommodate 30 men was constructed at Powelltown. Mechanical Plant Major plant purchased during the year comprised 7 crawler tractors, 4 wheeled tractors and 1 power grader. Eleven items of specified plant which had reached the end of their economic life were sold.

22 Transport Of 182 vehicles replaced during the year, 108 were administrative, 49 Transport light commercial, 18 heavy commercial and 7 were vehicles financed from the National Sirex Fund. The purchase of an additional 8 vehicles brought the strength of the fleet to 567 vehicles. In addition 23 vehicles were operated by the Commission on behalf of the National Sirex Fund Committee. New types of vehicles were introduced for the purpose of evaluating their suitability to Commission working conditions, and certain makes and types found not suited to these conditions after extended use were withdrawn from service. In order to minimise the ever increasing costs of fleet maintenance, a policy of general reduction in the numbers of 4 wheel drive units has been followed, whenever it has been found that conventional type vehicles can now perform satisfactorily as replacements.

Buildings Projects completed during the year include an office, store, lunch room Buildings complex and toilet block and oil store at Narbethong nursery; garages, store and lunch room at Now a Nowa; a residence at Mansfield, and a packing shed at the Benalla Nursery. In addition two checking log offices, a machinery shed and a number of extensions at existing establishments were completed at various locations. Building works in progress include residences at Powelltown, Rennick, Yarram and Erica; a single foresters' quarters at Nowa Nowa; a district office at Stawell and restoration of a residence transferred from Laver's Hill to Gellibrand.

Reclamation and Conservation Works Rehabilitation of sites from which extractive materials have been removed Reclamation and has continued. Licensees are co-operating in the rehabilitation of sites Conservation Works currently being worked. Further progress is being made in the rehabilitation of older sites. Thirty acres of Sugar Gum were planted on rehabilitated areas in Geelong forest district. Elsewhere if the site quality is too low for the production of commercial timber, planting of species valued for honey production or for aesthetic effect is in progress. Four tons of super­ phosphate was spread on areas previously sown with grass seed in Terricks Reserve. Sowing of grass seed on fills and cuts to prevent erosion was carried out in several districts. Three concrete drop structures were constructed in conjunction with the Soil Conservation Authority in districts in the Northern Division.

Forest Prisons Penal labour from Won Wron Reforestation Prison is now providing 'Forest Prisons valuable assistance on both hardwood and softwood reforestation in the Eastern Strzeleckis, and there was an increase in the amount of labour made ·available from the previous year. Planting by men from the Won Wron prison camp amounted to 185 acres of P. radiata and 88 acres of E. regnans. The men also assisted in plantation maintenance, road construction and drainage works. The Morwell River Reforestation Prison at Olsen's Bridge continued to provide valuable assistance throughout the year, and men from this institution planted 4 73 acres of eucalypt species, principally E. regnans, and 296 acres of P. radiata. In addition 10 tons of urea fertiliser was applied to 450 acres of plantation and hand clearing of 163 acres and ring barking over 632 acres was performed in site preparation. Prisoners also collected 52 lbs. of E. regnans seed, and in the Olsen's Bridge nursery, raised 570,000 hardwood seedlings.

23 Forest Prisons The Ararat Gaol provided prison labour for work in the Mt. Cole and Stawell forests which included the non-commercial thinning of 26 acres of regrowth forest and a liberation treatment over a further 60 acres. In addition 700 lbs. of E. obliqua seed was collected.

Legal Law Enforcment Legal Offences, other than fire offences, against the Forests Act 1958 Prosecutions 9 Convictions 9 Fines imposed . . $245 . 00 Costs awarded $16 . 40 Compensation awarded $210. 72 Six of the prosecutions were associated with the unauthorized cutting of forest produce, two with the unauthorized clearing of merchantable timber on water frontages, and one with the dumping of rubbish in reserved forest. In addition, an order nisi to review the dismissal of an information relating to an earlier case of unauthorized felling of merchantable timber on a water frontage was made absolute in the Supreme Court. On return of the information to the Magistrates' Court, a conviction and a $25 fine were imposed, together with an order against the defen­ dant to pay compensation of $263. 20.

Search and Rescue Operations Search and Rescue Field staff and employees of the Commission were prominently involved Operations in 19 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 was used extensively. Summary of searches for lost and overdue persons 1970-71-

! Persons Persons Miles Travelled Man-hours of Searches for or Rescues of- Reported Reported by Commission Commission Lost Overdue Vehicles Personnel Children . . .. I 15 4 Scouts, Hikers and 9 29 1,747 729 Skiers Tourists .. 9 3 476 64 Aircraft---one . . .. 4 530 71 19 36 55 2,768 868

Economics and Marketing FEATURES Economics and Marketing Output of logs from State forest (including veneer logs). Hardwood 425,127,000 super feet Hoppus Log Volume Softwood 53,796,000 super feet Hoppus Log Volume Total 478,923,000 super feet Hoppus Log Volume The Timber Industry The year under review saw further progress by the industry in moves designed to improve its production efficiency. ~he trend tow~rds amalgamation of interests continued, making possible more efficient use of expensive machinery and a reduction ii: labour c~sts. ~t least two mills in the State are now regularly operatmg two sh1fts daily, one cutting total annual allocations of twenty mil~ion super feet of ?a.rd­ wood logs. These amalgamations were ass1s~ed by a Comm1ss~on decision to permit log cartage over .greater distances to C?~v_ers10n centres. The four major pine sawmills m the Nort? E~st~rn Div~s1on of the State were acquired by Bowater-Scott Australia Limited wh1ch had been granted rights to pulpwood produced in State plantations in the

24 same area. It is understood that the four mills will be replaced by a Economics and Marketing single plant capable of converting their combined annual allocation of sawlogs, currently twenty-seven million super feet. The residues will be utilized together with plantation thinnings in a pulpmill to be established by the company. This project will be the first fully integrated softwood processing industry to be established in Victoria. A number of hardwood sawrnillers now dispose of residues to plants producing paper or building boards. In some cases this involves merely the supply of edgings and dockings without further processing, in others the residue is supplied in chip form. A chipper is expensive to install and requires a larger than average log allocation for continuous operation. Rising costs which included an increase of approximately 11 per cent in royalty, the first since 1966, caused sawmillers to increase the price of timber during the year. However, the Commonwealth Statistician's Wholesale Price Index for timber in Melbourne has risen less since the base year 1966/ 67 than in any other State capital and also Jess than for most competing materials. The output of sawn timber during the year under review fell a little below the very high level recorded in the previous year, but nevertheless compared favourably with the average output for the past five years. Most was sold within the State, but some sawmillers in eastern and north­ eastern areas have increased their sales in markets in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Markets in rural areas were generally depressed. Sawlog Production The total output of sawlogs from State forest was the highest ever recorded. The production of hardwood logs was thirty-five million super feet lower than in the previous peak year of 1956/ 57, but the volume of plantation grown softwood logs produced has trebled since that date and now accounts for more than eleven per cent of total production. Despite heavy summer rains in some of the main logging areas of East Gippsland most sawmillers seem likely to cut the full allocations of logs available to them, and some have requested logs additional to allocation. These requests have mostly been met by intensive utilization of timber remaining on areas scheduled for conversion to pine plantations or for regeneration treatment of native hardwoods. Statistics of production will be found in Appendix No. J to this report. Veneer Timber The demand for hardwood logs of ash species for manufacture of sliced veneer was maintained but difficulties are experienced in supplying the large size flawless grade of log required for this purpose. Research is continuing on the suitability of ash regrowth logs for face grade rotary-cut veneer.

Investigations inro milling qualifies of young 1939 mountain ash regrowlh- Heyfleld

25 Mountain ash thinnings for pulpwood-Toolangi Forest district

Economics and Marketing A reduction in the average size of logs produced in the Bright plantation contributed to a decline in the total production of radiata pine veneer logs this year. Pulpwood Early in the year applications for the rights to obtain softwood timber suitable for pulping from plantations in north-eastern Victoria were invited by public advertisement. Subsequently, the Commission con­ cluded ain agreement, which parliament ratified in the Forests (Bowater­ Scott Agreement) Act, for the supply of pine pulpwood to a mill to be established to manufacture ground-wood pulp. This will replace im­ ported pulp being used at present to make tissue type products at a Mel­ bourne suburban factory. The pulpmill is expected to come into opera­ tion in 1973 and the following year pulpwood intake is scheduled to reach an annual rate of 15,000,000 super feet, increasing during the twenty-year term of the agreement to 27,000,000 super feet per annum. The Company's proposed integration of pulping, sawmilling and pos­ sibly timber preservation and veneer manufacture in one industrial com­ plex should lead to the most effective utilization yet achieved in softwood plantations in Victoria. In August, 1970, A. V. Wehl Industries Limited commenced intake of softwood timber for the manufacture of particle board at its Ballarat plant and intake since then has been at ,the maximum level that can be sustained from plantations in the area of supply. Industrial troubles at the Maryvale plant of Australian Paper Manufacturers Limited adversely affected the volume of sales of soft­ wood timber for paper making, but total sales of pulpwood type softwood timber have increased substantially. Two manufacturers of hardwood paper pulp increased their purchases of pulpwood during the year. In the case of Australian Paper Manufacturers Limited the increase was in accordance with the provisions of the Forests (Woodpulp Agreement) Act. That Act also provides for periodic review of the rates of royalty to be charged for pulpwood and negotiations to that end have commenced during the year. Nearly two thirds of the intake of the other manufacturer, Smorgons Consolidated Industries Pty. Ltd., was in the form of sawmilling residues. Sale of this previously wasted material should assist the economics of sawmilling in areas within economic range of the pulpmill. There was a small increase in the intake of pulpwood to the hardboard factory at Bacchus Marsh. Supply to this plant has been facilitated by its acceptance of a high proportion of raw material both as billets ,and sawmill slabs, in the " bark on " condition.

26 Softwood plantation thinning­ Rennick

Other Forest Produce Poles and Piles A further substantial decline in the demand for transmission type poles Other Forest Produce occurred during the year, mainly due to the virtual completion of rural electrification by the State Electricity Commission. Output of miscellaneous poles, largely used for shed construction on farms, remained substantially at the high level reported last year. An increased demand for piles was easily met.

Sleepers The permissible annual cut of railway sleepers has been determined for each forest district. New procedures have been instituted in consultation with the Timber Workers Union and the Victorian Railways Department which provide for the Railways Department to allocate quotas of sleepers to cutters in each district. Cutting rates have been maintained in the box-ironbark forests; but in the interests of stability in the industry production in red gum has been reduced. Any short-fall in requirements could be made up from stringybarks and re­ lated species from East Gippsland. High pressure preservative treat­ ment of a batch of stringybark sleepers has been arranged for a sub­ stantial " in-service " test by the Victorian Railways Department. Output of sleepers from State forest declined by ten per cent during the year.

Fencing Timber Difficulties in supplying a major producer of round softwood timbers for preservation brought about a decline in output for the year. However, there is a strong demand for this type of produce and commencement of production at Delatite and Koetong plantations will enable output to be increased. There was some recovery in the demand for hardwood fencing timbers.

Minor Forest Products Normal quantities of the usual variety of minor forest products were supplied to various purchasers.

27 Industrial Undertakings Industrial Undertakings The costs of the departmental utilization program were inflated by the unexpectedly high rise in wages and associated Workers Compensation premiums following the National Wage Case, so that the rate of return from these operations declined. Their financial results may be summarised:- Total expenditure . . $718,440 Total revenue $1,215,544 Royalty component of revenue $452,342 Excess of net revenue over expenditure $44,762 Se1ling prices for the material are being revised and it is expected that the rate of return will improve. These operations are important in certain districts in providing employ­ ment for skilled workers who must be retained to form the nucleus of the fire protection organisation.

Other Activities Other Activities The Mountain Ash forests which regenerated after the widespread forest fires of 1939 are at a stage where utilization for sawlogs can be con­ sidered. The utilization characteristics of small logs from regrowth forests will be very different from those of old growth forests and a Harvesting and Conversion Study Group comprising a number of specialist officers is investigating logging and conversion techniques for this resource. The Timber Inspection Service has continued its program of sawmill inspections and fumigation against Sirex wasp and advice to the trade and the general public on matters connected with the utilization of timber. More than two thousand field inspections were made during the year. Assistance was also given to the work of the Timber Pro­ motion Committee. The Commission's representation on Timber Committees of the Stan­ dards Association of Australia, the Timber Promotion Committee, the Victorian Government Inter-departmental " Metric Conversion " Com­ mittee and various trade committees was maintained.

Protection FIRE Seasonal Conditions Protection Following a wet spring throughout the State, the introduction of the prohibited period was delayed until December. Unusual rainfall coupled with the general absence of hot dry weather resulted in mild summer conditions. Floods were experienced in East Gippsland in January, but drier conditions in the autumn produced ideal weather for cool burning including aerial ignition from a heli­ copter and a fixed wing aircraft. The fire season concluded with an abnormally dry period followed by an autumn break in mid-April. The prohibited period with respect to private property was lifted in March in the eastern and south-east parts of the State and in late April over the remaining portions. Origins and Incidence of Fires Commission personnel attended 358 fires, of which 321 wer~ i:iside and 3 7 outside the fire protected area. Of the former 102 ongmated on and were confined to private property, 28 originated in private prop­ erty and burnt into State forest, whilst 184 fires originated in State forest and 7 in National Parks. The total area of State forest burnt over during the year was 11,884 acres, of which 87 per cent was non-merchantable forest. . A total of 1,012 acres of National Park were burnt, 830 acres in a smgle fire at Wilson's Promontory. 28 Only 9 fires, j.e. 2. 5 per cent, exceeded 500 acres ·and 266 or 74. 3 Protection per cent were kept below 10 acres.

Close co-operation continued with the Country Fire Authority 10 sup­ pressing fires within or adjacent to the fire protected area. Statistics of Fire Offences Prosecutions 2 Convictions 2 Fines $100 Suppression costs awarded $31 Warning letters were issued in 24 cases which did not warrant prosecution.

Expenditure The cost of fire suppression was $107,586, excluding $46,726 which was required to maintain the fire tanker fleet.

Air Operations One new fire bombing base was established at St. Clair near Matlock, which strengthened the capacity to provide aerial fire bombing in the mountain forest country along the Great Dividing Range. On four occasions fire retardants delivered by fire-bombing aircraft helped to contain fires in rough terrain until effective ground suppression was possible. Fuel reduction burning using aerial ignition by both fixed and rotary winged aircraft was canied out over 408,000 acres of forest areas, the most effective work being in East Gippsland where weather conditions in the autumn months were ideal for these operations. To facilitate this programme, an incendiary dispensing machine has been purchased for use in fixed wing aircraft. A helicopter was chartered to be available as required for fire control purposes during the fire season. Equipment Purchases included:- Two first attack dozers Two canvas water tanks ( 150 gallon capacity) 196,000 feet of 1 t" canvas fire hose In addition four tanker bodies were constructed at Brookwood workshop and 441 pumps were serviced and maintained in the field .

V -Bl ade constructing fr re control line in m ixed species forest 29 Mopping up after fire-Orbost Forest District

Protection Detection One 60 foot look-out tower was erected as a replacement on Mt. Beenak in the Upper Yarra District. Cabins were replaced on the Warby Range and Mt. Hickey Jook-out towers. Fire Control Training A programme of three fire Control Instructor Training Courses, two courses of training in Basic Fire Control, and one orientation course for Administrative Officers likely to be involved in fire fighting was approved for 1971-72 pre-summer training. Commission personnel participated in the work of Regional Co­ ordination Committees where their spheres of responsibility included forest areas. Mobile support crews, each comprising eighteen University students were located at Heyfield and Broadford forest districts. These crews were employed during the University summer vacation to supplement normal district suppression crews in a fire emergency. The high hazard created by grass fuels in the early years of pine establislunent has been successfully reduced by sheep grazing in the Keotong and Rennick plantations. Another method of reducing the fire risk in this type of area has been to reduce public access to plantations during the early years before canopy closure has taken place. The Commission is becoming increasingly involved in the reduction of hazards of unoccupied Crown land blocks within urban areas. These operations are both expensive 1and time consuming. Radio Communications To improve the quality of radio communications, the installation of remote receiving sites was carried out in the districts of Tallangatt:a, Bruthen, Bendigo, Maffra, Broadford and Beechworth bringing the total of remote sites to 26. Eighteen VHF transmitter receiver units were purchased and tests of VHF radio have been completed in the North Eastern, Eastern and Central Divisions. Results have been good or better than anticipated and it is now evident that the present HF system must eventually be replaced by one using VHF / FM. For this purpose the Commission has already been allotted four frequencies, and a fifth frequency has been requested for use as an exclusive fire operations channel.

30 Biological Protection Destruction of siirex infested trees on private property as a part of the National Sirex Campaign continued on a reduced scale throughout the year. In addition control measures were carried out in Commission plantations. Following the successful establishment of parasites in certain areas, it became possible to make a further reduction in the area in which destruction of sirex infested trees is carried out. The mandatory disposal of dead pine trees by landholders ceased during the year with the revocation of that portion of the Forests (Diseases of Trees) Regulations. Some 21,000 acres of mountain ash forest in the Bright, Tallangatta, Broadford, Powelltown and Neerim forest districts were sprayed with maldison insecticide in January and February to control plague popula­ tions of defoliating stick insects ( phasmatids). This area included approximately 1, 100 acres sprayed at cost and on behalf of the Mel­ bourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, Australian Paper Manu­ facturers Ltd. and a private sawmi1ling company with land adjacent to State forest. Both low volume and ultra low volume techniques were used to apply the insecticide, using three aircraft. A co-operative arrangement with the State Electricity Commission, which was implementing an aerial spraying programme against phasmatids in the SEC Kiewa area, facilitated control measures in nearby State forest. Fire Research The effects of fuel moisture content and weather on fire behaviour were further investigated. Work will continue in co-operation with the Bureau of Meteorology in attempts to improve predictions of fire danger. A control burning meter, which integrates the influence of fuel state, topography and weather on fire behaviour, has been developed to assist in the conduct of fuel reduction burning operations. A gun type incendiary launcher has been developed in co-operation with industry for use in forest fire operations. The launcher will propel incendiaries up to 100 yards and will facilitate the rapid and safe ignition of fuels in control burning operations. Research continued into the effects of fire on the environment to provide further information on which to base guidelines for the multiple-use management of the forests. This work, undertaken in close co-operation with Melbourne ,and Monash Universities, has shown

District Forester receiving radio report on fires 31 Protection that fire plays an important role in the maintenance of flora and fauna in . a varie~y of for:st co!llmunities. Of the small man;imals currently bemg studied, low mtens1ty fires do not endanger breedmg populations and some species are adapted to surviving high intensity fires.

Education and Research EDUCATION School of Forestry, Creswick Education and Research Twenty-nine students were in residence during the 1970 academic year. The Diploma of the School of Forestry, Creswick was awarded to all ten senior students. Mr. R. H. Wilkinson was appointed to the Board of Forestry Education to replace Dr. J. S. Rogers whose resignation was received with regret. For many years Dr. Rogers has been Chairman of the Selection Committee which interviews applicants for Forestry scholarships, and in this way contributed to the progress of Forestry education in Victoria. University of Melbourne Messrs. L. J. Bren, P. C. Fagg, R. M. Fyfe, J. E. Harris, R. A. Jones, C. Muller and I. S. Thompson qualified for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1970. Messrs. E. A. Chesterfield, J. M. Cunningham, R. F. Hateley, R. P. Rawson, G. C. Suckling and G Waugh are in their final year during 1971. Messrs. P. L. Bray, F. R. Borschmann, J. Bywater, P. G. Ford, I. Hastings, P. B. Lavery, R. D. Macaulay, B. K. Ward, A. M. Willett and D. Williams commenced the course in 1971. The degree of Master of Science in Forestry was awarded to Mr. B. D. Dexter, his thesis being entitled " Regeneration of river red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn ". Mr. R. A. Sebire continued studies at the University of Melbourne towards the degree of Master of Business Administration. Messrs. R. C. Campbell and D. W. Flinn continued studies towards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and Mr. P. J. Greig for the degree of Master of Science in Forestry. Overseas and Other Studies Messrs. K. J. Wareing and H. W. Bond commenced post-graduate studies at Yale University towards a Master of Forestry degree. Dr. G. C. Marks returned to duty in September after completing post-doctoral research at the University of Wisconsin into the biology of the root rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. Head Office Library During 1971 the library joined the group of State Government Libraries which are staffed and advised by the Library Council of Victoria. In February, 1971, the library catalogue was photographed by the National Library of Australia Microfilming Project. All library books are now recorded in the National Union Catalogue of Monographs in the National Library, Canberra. Texts and reports totalling 71 7 were added to the library during the year; of particular value and interest was "Forestry in Victoria, 1838- 1919 " compiled by Mr. M. W. Carver, a former Assistant Secretary to the Commission.

32 RESEARCH Silviculture Education and Investigation of poor growth of Pinus radiata at Koetong has indicated Research that moisture stress arising from grass competition is the primary factor controlling growth. Secondary associated factors are high soil bulk densities, and boron deficiency. The problem is only serious during the first four to five years of growth. Site preparation methods, such as ploughing, which reduce competition from grass appear to be the most promising operational solutions to the problem. Studies of Pinus radiata seedling growth in the Benalla regional nursery have identified soil moisture as a major factor limiting growth. This work is being continued to develop the most desirable irrigation regimes for the nursery. Nutritional studies of Pin us radiata have been extended to plantations at Mansfield, Casterton, Rennick, Yarram, Dandenong and Neerim South, and studies have also been made of the nutrient status of the Benalla, Koetong and Rennick Pinus radiata nurseries. Phosphorus continues to be the most widespread deficiency, though in nurseries it appears that nitrogen fertilizers can be used with advantage. New phosphorous fertilizer trials have been established at Rennick and Heywood to identify the most suitable phosphate fertilizers for these difficult soils. Other trials have been established in plantations ,at Scarsdale, Creswick, Erica and Neerim South, for cost-benefit analysis of operational fertilizing. In the tree breeding programme genetic differences in growth rate have been obtained from measurements of Pifms radiata progeny trials aged four to eight years. Further trials comprising the progeny of twenty clones used in the seed orchard, were planted at each of four locations in order to determine the adaptability of each genotype to a :mnge of environments. Provenance testing of other conifer species was continued to determine the best seed sources. Seedlings, comprising sixty lots of Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and nineteen lots of two strains of Pinus contorta, were raised in the nursery, and a trial of thirty-five lots of loblolly pine, Pinus taeda, was established in the field. A detailed study of aerial fertilization techniques at Scarsdale has re­ sulted in the development of an operational procedure for obtaining satisfactory distribution of granular fertilizer. A marking system using a water column from high pressure pumps contributed to this success. Testing of herbicides to provide pre-emergence control of grassy and woody weeds in Pinus radiata plantations is continuing. The most successful to date is a mixture of 3 pounds of Vorox AA and 1! pounds of Weedazol TL per acre applied at or soon after planting. This mixture gives good control of fiat weeds, most grasses and woody weeds such as Cassinia spp., Dodonea spp. and some Acacia spp. Considerable success is being obtained in the control of eucalypts and resistant woody weeds in Pinus radiata plantations. Trials to date indicate comparable results from 0.2 % active ingredient iso-octyl ester of picloram and 4% active ingredient butyl ester of 2,4,5-T. Stems are sprayed to one foot above ground level with dieselene mixtures of the chemical. Control is slower for winter application than other seasons but otherwise satisfactory. Stems up to 8 inches diameter can be controlled but stems of more than 3 inches diameter require the cambium to be exposed on at least two sides before the chemical is applied. Stringy and gum bark eucalypts are equally well controlled. Costs of about $14 per acre for labour and materials are indicated for control of 200 stems per acre in gently undulating country. Paired catchments to study the movement of picloram in runoff water have been established at Scarsdale. A period of calibr:ation is planned before the herbicide is applied.

33 9238/71.-3 Alpine ash regenerafion-Neerim Fores! disfricf

Education and A trial at Narbethong has indicated that Eucalyptus regnans can be Research established successfu11y on sites formerly carrying Pinus radiata, ·the main limitations to E. regnans establishment being inadequate site preparation and low temperature conditions at or soon after planting or seed germination. The effect of site and stand density on tree characteristics influencing log quality have been studied in recent years and these studies are continuing. Currently emphasis is on the effect of wider spacing on branch size, and consequently log quality. Studies at the Creswick research station have been directed towards the development of models for predicting the growth of uneven-aged mixed species forests. A computer program SELSIM has been written to simulate the growth of these forests. Preliminary studies have been commenced to enable prediction of the growth and yield of £. sieberi (silvertop ash). Sixty-"1.ine temporary sample plots have been established at Upper Yarra, Neerim, Erica, Bruthen, Nowa Nowa and Orbost to establish the variation in stand parameters, and nine permanent plots are being used to measure mortalities. The growth model STANDISM has been developed to the stage where it can be adapted for use with any species. Growth functions for E. delegatensis and P. radiata have been gathered for this model. Models to describe taper in £ . regnans have been developed, and these were used to develop functions for the estima·tion of total and section volumes of trees of this species. Combinations of initial densities, establishment methods, and rotation lengths in E. regnans have been ex·amined using ST AND ISM to define the optimum economic regimes for the production of pulpwood on various sites. The simulation model MASH has been developed for planning and scheduling the cut from E. regnans regrowth forests in Victoria. This system aims to maximize the present net worth of wood flows from a region containing many even-aged stands. MASH defines the optimum schedule for thinning, clear felling and roading for the region, subject to any constraints imposed by other management requirements. A spacing, thinning, pruning and prediction study group has commenced work on the economic evaluation of silvicultural and management alternatives for P. radiata.

34 Hydrology Education and Water quality studies at Long Corner Creek and Armstrongs Creek Research continued. Treatments have not yet been given to any of the catchments in these two series. The two catchments at Stewarts Creek treated in 1969 by conversion to pasture and to pine plantation have continued to show a number of changes, the most notable of these being a considerable increase in the turbidity and concentration of suspended solids in catchment 2 which was converted to pasture, and an increase in dissolved salts in the streams of both treated catchments. Pathology Studies of the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi continued. Die-back in the mixed species forests of East Gippsland and in the Brisbane Ranges in autum 1961 is attributed to this fungus. Surveys of the areas ,affected have been undertaken and the research effort has been increased. It is probable that the moist summers of the last two years have contributed to the spread of this disease. Glasshouse studies have shown renantherous eucalypts to be highly susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, whereas the macrantherous species tested were fairly resistant. Low soil temperatures are found to restrict development of the disease. Entomology Studies of the phasmatid Didymuria violescens (Leach) were continued in the E. regnans forests of the Central Highlands. Embryos were found to develop faster at low elevations than at altitudes above 2,000 ft. Evidence suggests that temporary arrest in embryo development, which is responsible for two-year life cycles, appears to be more dependent on climate than on genetic factors, so that warm dry autumns and mild winters are likely to result in a one-year life cycle.

Phytophthara cinnamomi 1. Growth of different strains of fungus after seven days at 22°C. 2. Clamydo spores 3. Bladder Cells Fungal hyphae and reproductive organs 4. E-oblique LHS healthy seedlings RHS infected seedling

35 Education and Egg laying commences early in February, reaches a peak in early Research March, and then declines to zero in mid-June. Thus population surveys commencing before May can be unreliable. Further trials were carried out on the aerial appiication of maldison to control phasmatids where they have reached plague proportions. Adverse weather, particularly high winds and atmospheric turbulence, frequently disrupts field operations. Trials with a fixed wing aircraft fitted with solid stream nozzles have shown that spraying can be safely and effectively carried out at wind speeds up to 8 m.p.h. This has resulted in a marked improvement in operational efficiency.

Biological Survey The Sirex Wood Wasp Biological Survey Activities authorized by the National Sirex Campaign Committee and financed by the National Sirex Fund have continued and are to continue in 1971-72, with an increasing emphasis on biological control. In the area east of the Maroondah Highway and south of the Dividing Range no deliberate destruction of sirex-infested material is being carried out, but four strains of the nematode Deladenus siricidicola and six other parasites have been released. An intensive sampling to determine the sirex population will be correlated with the degree of parasitism in the 197 1 spring and the 1971-72 summer. Eleven species or sub-species of jnsect parasites are being cultured in Melbourne and it is anticipated that further species will be made available by the Division of Entomology, C.S.I.R.O. During the year 22,320 insects were released on 120 properties; 15,080 insects were bred in Melbourne whilst the balance was supplied by C.S.I.R.O. from Hobart. The Division of Entomology, C.S.I.R.O. also supplied billets of P. radiata containing nematode-infested sirex for distribution and cultures of four strains of nematodes for the inoculation of sirex­ infested trees. In all 1,062 billets were distributed and 554 trees inoculated on 332 properties. Insect parasites have been released throughout the known infested area but nematodes have been limited to east of the Maroondah Highway and south of the Dividing Ranges. The known sirex-infested area has expanded slightly westerly and northerly with the boundary being Camperdown, Cape Clear, Castle­ maine, Kerrisdale, A venel and Cathkin.

Harvesting and debarking of mature timber-Orbost Forest district 36 Technical Publications The following publications were prepared during the year:- Technical Publications 1. Scientific papers- " The Role of Forests in Wildlife Conservation" by Dr. F. R. Moulds. Evidence presented to Enquiry on Wildlife Conservation conducted by House of Representatives Select Committee, Melbourne, March, 1971. "Multiple Use of Forests-Fact or Fiction" by Dr. F. R. Moulds. Paper presented to 6th Conference, Institute of Foresters of Australia, Thredbo, N.S.W., May, 1971. "Recreational Use of Forests" by Dr. F. R. Moulds. Paper presented to 21st AUSTIS Conference, Port Moresby, March, 1971. "Forecasts for Future Use of Softwoods Plantations in Victoria" by J. H. Cosstick. Presented to 21st AUSTIS Conference, Port Moresby, March, 1971. "Forestry in Alpine Regions" by Dr. R. J. Grose. Paper presented to Alpine Forum, Melbourne, February, 1971. "Fire as a Forest Management Tool" by A. Hodgson. Paper presented to Fire Ecology Seminar, Monash University, November, 1970. " Safety Precautions in the use of Chemicals and Pesticides " compiled by F. G. Neumann, Forests Commission Handbook, 1971. " Abnormal Sirex noctilio F (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) by F. G. Neumann, J. Aust. Ent. Soc. 9: 168-9, 1970. " Detection Isolation and Pathogenicity of Phytophthora megasperma from Soils and Estimation of Inoculum levels" by G. C. Marks and J.E. Mitchell. Phytopathology 60: 1687-1690, 1970. " Penetration of Infection of Alfalfa roots by Phytophthora megasperma and the pathological anatomy of infected roots" by G. C. Marks and J.E. Mitchell, Can. J. Bot. 49: 63-68. " The resistance of Pinus radiata to infection by Macrophoma pinea " by G. C. Marks and G. Minko, Aust. J. Bot. 18: 55-65, 1970. " Factors involved in the reaction of alfalfa to root rot caused by Phytophthora megasperma " by G. C. Marks and J. E. Mitchell. Phytopathology 61: 510-514, 1971. "Plantation Management for the Seventies: Objectives and Methods". Paper presented to the Radiata Pine Symposium, Canberra, September, 1970, by B. F. Gibson. "Computer systems and Resource Management". Paper presented to the Australian Marine Sciences Association Conference, Melbourne, August, 1970, by B. F. Gibson. "Linear programming in multiple-use forestry ". Paper presented to the 6th LP.A Conference, Thredbo, May, 1971, by B. F. Gibson. " Standism "-a general model for simulating the growth of even aged stands. Proc. 3rd Conference, Advisory Group of Forest Statis­ ticians Section 25, IUFRO, France, 1970, by J.E. Opie. " Forests in relation to water catchments ". Victorian Resources 13 (1): 10-13, 1971, by F. G. Craig. "Fire and its effect on soil properties influencing erosion." Paper presented to the Australian Soil Conservation Conference, May, 1971, by F. G. Craig. "The improvement of Pinus radiata through Tree Breeding." Paper presented to Radiata Pine Symposium, Australian National University, Canberra. August, 1970, by L. A. Pederick. "Inheritance of spiral grain ·in young radiata pine." Paper presented to meeting of Committee on Spiral Grain, Section 41, I.U.F.R.O., Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A., March, 1970, by L. A. Pederick. "Chromosome relationships between Pinus species." Silvae Genetica 19: 171-180, 1970, by L. A Federick.

37 Technical Publications " A review of Pinhole Borers with special reference to Victoria " by F. G. Neumann and J. A. Harris. Paper presented to conference on wood boring beetles, C.S.I.R.O., Melbourne, 1971. " Loss of merchantable wood in Radiata Pine associated with infection by diplodea pinea" by J. P. Wright and G. C. Marks. Australian Forestry Vol. 34 No. 2, 1970. "Wood degrade due to fire" by J. P. Wright and R. J. Grose. Aust­ ralian Forestry VoL 34 No. 3, 1970. " Site and silvicultural influence on log quality in Radiata Pine " by J. P. Wright. Paper presented to Radiata Pine Symposium, A.N.U., Canberra, August, 1970. "Weed control." Paper presented to Radiata Pine Symposium, A.N.U., Canberra, August, 1970, by E. P. Bachelard and B. D. Dexter. " Economic appraisal of losses due to herbaceous and woody weeds." Paper presented to Radiata Pine Symposium, A.N.U., Canberra, August, 1970, by J. B. Jack. " Control of logging waste and non-desirable vegetation in Australian forests", Proc. Section 23, XV I.U.F.R.O. Congress, Florida, March, 1971, by J.B. Jack. "What price recreation?" Paper presented to 6th I.F.A. Conference, Thredbo, May, 1971, by I. S. Ferguson and P. J. Greig. "Opportunity cost of weed control in Pinus radiata plantations." Paper presented to Australian Weeds Conference, Hobart, November, 1970, by J.B. Jack. 2. Miscellaneous publications- The following publications have been prepared for general purposes applications in addition to the 15 similar publications available from the Commission: " Forsim "-A computer program for planning management of even aged forests by B. F. Gibson, R. G. Orr, and D. W. M. Paine. "Research Activity '69." A summary of research findings for 1969 edited by J. E. Opie and published in 1970. Thinning and pruning practice in New Zealand-A report of a visit to New Zealand by J. P. Wright. "Air operations for Forest Fire Control", compiled by A. Hodgson, Forests Commission Handbook, 1970. Pamphlet-" Borers in New Homes " Pamphlet--" Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve"

Conferences Conferences Dr. F. R. Moulds attended meetings of the Standing Committee of the Australian Forestry Council in Perth, Canberra and Sydney, and also accompanied the Minister of Forests (Hon. E. R. Meagher) on the Australian Forestry Council Study Tour in New Zealand. Dr. Moulds, Mr. J. B. Jack, Chief of Division of Education and Research, Dr. J. E. Opie, Research Scientist, Mr. B. F. Gibson, Research Scientist, Mr. l. C. A. Weir, Working Plans Officer and Mr. P. J. Greig, Forester, attended the Conference of Institute of Foresters of Australia at Thredbo, N.S.W., in May, 1971. Mr. C. W. Elsey and Mr. J. H. Cosstick, Chief of Division of Economics and Marketing attended the AUSTIS Conference in New Guinea during March, 1971. Mr. A. J. Threader, Mr. D. Gill, Chief of Division of Forest Operations, Mr. L. B. Simpfendorfer, Utilization Officer, Mr. S. C. Butler, Divisional Forester, and Mr. R. G. Niggl, District Forester attended the Forest Industries Machine Exposition at Jenolan State Forest, Oberon, N.S.W. in October, 1970.

38 Mr. Cosstick, Mr. S. F. Duncan (Sales & Marketing Officer), Mr. J. P. Conferences Newey (Statistical Officer), Mr. W. A. Clifford (Forest Products Officer) and Mr. D. J. McKittrick (Allocations Officer) attended the Forest Products Research Conference in Melbourne during May and June, 1971. Mr. Duncan attended a conference of the Case Manufacturers' Association in Canberra in March, 1971. Messrs. V. P. Cleary, Chief of Division of Forest Protection, R. J. Ritchie, Fire Protection Officer, and B. D. Dexter, Fire Research Officer, attended a Fire Control Officers Conference in Canberra, May, 1971. Mr. B. D. Dexter attended the Australian Weeds Conference held at Hobart, Tasmania, November, 1970. Mr. F. Y. Kassaby attended a conference on Phytophthora cinnamomi in Western Australia. Dr. F. G. Craig visited New Zealand under the Research Officer Exchange Scheme, to study forest tree nutrition research in Pinus radiata. Dr. L. A. Pederick, Messrs J. B. Jack, S. F. Duncan, K. J. Simp­ fendorfer, B. F. Gibson, J. P. Wright and A. R. Eddy attended the Radiata Pine Symposium, Australian National University, Canberra, August, 1970.

Administration PERSONNEL Statement of personnel as at 30th June, 1971- Administration I Admlnis.. Technical DIVISION Professional I and Temporary Casual Total trative General

Central Administration Administration .. 44 31 20 95 Forest Management 12 52 6 9 10 89 Forest Operations .. 6 16 39 8 10 79 Economics and 3 7 2 6 .. 18 Marketing Forest Protection 2 10 II 3 2 28 Forestry Education 3 33 6 4 29 75 and Research Field Administration Central . . .. 1 21 36 4 109 171 Eastern .. 22 30 4 85 141 North-Eastern .. 3 23 39 5 201 271 Northern .. 2 10 32 3 54 101 Southern .. .. 2 22 21 2 109 156 South-Western .. 1 23 52 6 147 229 Western . . .. 1 17 25 5 98 146 i Totals .. . . 80t 256* 330 79 854 1,599 t Includes one officer at university (Forest Management). * Includes 21 officers at university.

Staff The following graduates from the School of Forestry, Creswick were appointed to the Professional Division of the Public Service:- Messrs. G. S. Barnes, P. G. Baulch, S. P. Dwyer, J. D. Morris, D. J. O'Bryan, R. Penny, C. H. Reynolds, T. W. Ritchie, R. D. Safstrom and M. Stewart. The Commission records its appreciation of the outstanding services of Mr. L. A. Newman, Divisional Forester, Northern Division, who retfred after 45 years' service and Mr. H. G. Irvine, Divisional Forester, North­ Eastern Division, after 48 years' service; and the loyal and valued ser­ vices rendered by the following officers who retired during the year­ Messrs. D. M. Kelty, J. Hennessy, S. F. Bloxidge, M. Hartnett, T. Gallaway, L. Braybrook, H. K. Cole, L. H. Kennedy, C. W. Saunders, J. Besley, J. R. Hocking, R. R. Harrison, E. W. Rust, R. S. Eames, W. A. Douglas, Miss M. Struss, Miss A. M. Deane, and Miss M. E. O'Brien. 39 Administration It is with regret that the Commission records the deaths of Messrs. P. J. Garvey, J. J. Devlin, G. deClerck and A. W. Trevithick. The following senior appointments were made by the Public Service Board during the year:- Mr. J. B. Jack, Chief Forest Research Officer-to Chief of Division of Forestry Education and Research (replacing Dr. Grose). Mr. F. B. Howell-to Assistant Secretary (replacing Mr. Cole). Mr. J. A. McKinty, Assistant Divisional Forester-to Divisional Forester, Northern Division (replacing Mr. Newman). Mr. R. J. Ritchie, Fire Protection Officer-to Divisional For­ ester, North-Eastern Division (replacing Mr. Irvine). Mr. A. Hodgson, Fire Research Officer-to Officer in Charge, Forest Recreation Branch (new office).

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 restrict forest operations. The National Wage case judgment resulted in an overall increase of 6 per cent in wages payable. Further substantial increases granted by the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Commission resulting from logs of claims lodged by the Australian Workers' Union, Timber Workers' Union and Transport Workers' Union and a further variation of the State Incremental Payments Scheme have contributed towards increased costs. Number of Employees The number of employees on strength has ranged from a minimum of 778 to a maximum of 962 varying with seasonal requirements. This compares with a range of 821 to 1,075 in the previous year. Financial restrictions have curtailed employment.

Workers' Compensation--Safety The number of workers' compensation claims decreased from 435 in 1969/70 to 411in1970/71. One fatal accident as a result of a heart attack occurred during the year. Positive action was taken to create greater safety throughout Forest operations. A Standing Committee on Safety was appointed and charged with responsibility to draw up safe working procedures, assess accident reports, conduct investigations into fatal accidents or those assessed as serious, promulgate safety information and instructions. As this was the first full year in which the Government's scheme for make-up of pay operated, an increase in the number of lost time acci­ dents could have been anticipated, but this did not occur. The number of lost time accidents totalled 284, a reduction of 19 on the previous year. Plans have been formulated for more intensive safety training during the coming year.

Staff Training 1. Attendance at Public Service Board courses was as follows

Admin. Professional Course Officers Officers Other Total

Induction-Orientation ...... 13 .. 13 Basic Administration . . . . 9 9 .. 18 Supervision (City based officers) . . 4 .. . . 4 Supervision (Country based officers) . . 3 . . .. 3 Stores Control ...... 3 3 Regional Officers ...... 3 . . 3 On the Job Training ...... 1 .. I Management Follow Up ...... 1 .. l Store keeping ...... 1 . . .. l

40 2. Attendance at Departmental training courses was as follows:- Administration

Admin. Professional Course Officers Officers Other Total

Public Relations ...... 7 7 Induction of Creswick Graduates . . . . 10 .. IO Departmental Records Management 6 72 66 144 Computer Data Preparation-Softwood 3 29 47 79 Royalties Safety Course for Field Officers ...... 30 .. 30

3. Other training was as follows:- ( a) The Accountant attended a Seminar conducted by the Australia Society of Accountants, on the subject of Con­ trols in E.D.P. ( b) Five officers from field divisions attended Regional Study Groups conducted by the Public Service Board. ( c) For the 197 J academic year eighteen officers were granted part-time study leave under Public Service (Public Service Board) Regulations to pursue tertiary qualifications. One officer was granted a Public Service Free Place for part­ time study to complete a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Melbourne University. Ten foresters were granted full time study leave to attend the Melbourne University to complete study for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Forestry). Three of these foresters are under the National Service Rehabilitation Scheme. (d) All recruit Assistant (Male) Administrative were inducted into the Department by comprehensive entrance interviews and counselling. Methods The Methods Review Committee met on six occasions during the year. A continuous survey of forms and methods associated with their use is being maintained. A uniform filing system has been introduced to all district offices as part of an overall plan of standardizing district office procedures. The calculation of softwood log output volumes and royalty accounts was changed from a manual to a computer-based system at the close of the year. The Office Machine Replacement Program continues to operate, in conjunction with a review of methods and procedures associated with the use of machines. Stores The value at cost of stores on hand at 30th June was $288,689. The credit balance of the Stores section of the Suspense Account was $41,452.

Finance Expenditure on State forests increased in financial year 1970-71 com­ pared with 1969-70. Details are shown in the following table:-

1969-70 1970-71 Increase $ $ $ Consolidated Fund Appropriations 3,759,034 4,320,443 561,409 Forestry Fund .. 2,532,494 2,777,767 245,273 Works and Services- Native Forests and pre-Commonwealth 1,873,669 1,904,059 30,390 Agreement Softwood Plantations Commonwealth Agreement Softwood 1,491,331 1,611,937 120,606 Plantations ----- 9,656,528 10,614,206 957,678

The increase in expenditure from Consolidated Fund was due mainly to salary rises granted by the Public Service Board, and the 6 per cent Na ti on al Wage increase from 10th January, 1971. Expenditure from Forestry Fund and Works and Services Account on native forests and

41 Administration pre-Commonwealth Agreement softwoods increased by $275,663 or 6 · 3 per cent. However, this increase, in terms of forestry works, was more than offset by further substantial rises in wages and other costs experienced during 1970-71. As a result the Commission's field labour force declined in terms of man years from 896 in 1969-70 to 853 in 1970-71. The Commonwealth Softwood Forestry Agreement 1967 was completed on 30th June, 1971. Expenditure from Works and Services Account on softwood plantations over the five year period of the Commonwealth Agreement amounted to $5,945,495 of which $2,095,000 was advanced by the Commonwealth. Revenue increased by $491,646, or 8·2 per cent in 1970-71 compared with 1969-70. The additional revenue was derived mainly from in­ creased royalties introduced in October, 1970. The main components of revenue are set out in the following table:-

1969-70 1970-71 Increase $ $ $ Rents ...... 153,613 155,710 2,097 Royalties ...... 4,969,105 5,390,954 321,849 Sale of Forest Produce .. .. 708,451 763,202 54,751 Other ...... 131,498 144,987 13,489 5,962,667 6,454,313 491,646

An analysis of expenditure on State forests from 1966-67 to 1970-71, and proposed disbursements for 1971-72 (appendix XIV) is set out below. Analysis of expenditure on State forests 1966-67 to 1971-72 (proposed)-

Proposed 1966-67 1967-68 1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72 $000's % $000's % $000's % $000's ~/~ $000's % $000's ~~

.. 2,509 30·7 2,813 32·4 2,777 31·8 3,111 32·2 3,602 33·9 3,943 35·4 WORKS Native Fotests and Pre-C'wea/th Agreement Soft- wood Plantations Supervision and Maintenance (Forestry Fund) 2,676 32·8 2,420 27·8 2,365 27·1 2,533 26·2 2,778 26·2 2,850 25·6 Developmental Works " 1,530 18·8 1,863 21 ·4 1,696 19·4 1,873 19·4 1,904 17·9 2,022 18·1 Utilization of Forest Produce 824 10·1 701 8·1 568 6·5 648 6·7 718 6·8 720 6·5 Total Works .. 5.030 61 ·7 4,984 57·3 4,629 53·0 5,054 52·3 5,400 50·9 5,592 50·2 Commonwealth Agreement Soft- wood Plantations 622 7 · 6 10·3 1,324 15·2 1,492 15·5 1,612 15·2 1,600 14·4 Totals . . 8,161 100·0 100·0 8,730 100·0 9,657 100·0 10,614 100·0 111,135 100·0

A number of trends are revealed by the analysis, the most significant of which are as follows 1. Expenditure in native forests and pre-Commonwealth Agree­ ment softwood plantations has declined from 61 · 7 per cent to 50·2 per cent. This trend is offset by increased expendi­ ture on softwood plantations established under the Agree­ ment i.e. from 7 · 6 per cent in 1966-67 to 14 · 4 per cent in 1971-72. 2. The decline in expenditure in native forests has occurred largely in supervision and maintenance works financed by the Forestry Fund. This reflects the difficulty experienced in recent years in maintaining revenue from royalties at a level consistent with wages and other costs. 3. The proportion of administration costs to total expenditure has increased from 30·7 per cent in 1966-67 to an esti­ mated 35 · 4 per cent in 1971-72. This trend is matched by a corresponding decline of 4 · 7 per cent in the proportion of expenditure on works.

42 APPENDIX I.

STATEMENT OF OUTPUT OF PRODUCE FROM STATE FORESTS-1970-71. (With comparative figures for 1969-70.)

1969-70. 1970-71. 405,650,025 Sawlogs, hardwood 424,563,301 super. feet H.L.V. 47,823,293 Sawlogs, softwood 51,422,244 super. feet H.L.V. 769,234 Veneer logs, hardwood 564,191 super. feet H.L.V. 3,774,310 Veneer logs, softwood 2,373,877 super. feet H.L.V.

Fencing Timbers- 872,628 Posts, strainers and stays, hardwood 942,007 number 443,874 Posts, strainers and stays, softwood 380,780 number 16,700 Droppers 12,779 number 17,278 Rails .. 8,729 number 193,226 Beams and bridge timber 219,311 super. feet 373,080 Sleepers 340, 132 number 48,168 Piles 86,595 lineal feet

Poles and Spars- 998,916 Transmission poles, hardwood 797,283 lineal feet 495,632 Miscellaneous, hardwood 476,251 lineal feet 61,012 Miscellaneous, softwood 91,852 lineal feet

Mining Timbers­ 38,424 Round 35, 728 lineal feet 27,380 Split •• 46,912 super. feet

Pulpwood- *9,608,044 Hardwood, for paper 10,626,430 cubic feet 1,738,005 Softwood, for paper 1,632,491 cubic feet 338,800 Softwood, for particle board 744,860 cubic feet 74,096 Hardwood, for hardboard 75,259 tons

Firewood- 8,864,850 Stacked and longwood 8,436, 750 cubic feet 1,152 Milled blocks .. 910 tons

Miscellaneous Timbers­ 280,149 Stakes and props 265,793 number 8,167 Chopping blocks 9,682 number 489 House stumps 1,223 number 23,800 Sleeper offcuts 22,179 number 11,049 Bed logs 8,283 number 656 Billets super. feet

Minor Produce­ 11,680 Christmas trees 12,969 number 90,764 Eucalyptus oil 85,863 lb. Tanbark 20 tons 779 Charcoal 554 tons 698,237 Sand, gravel, loam, soil, &c. 697,470 cubic yards 17 Pine cones 32 bags 819 Moss 1,169 bags • Corrected flgure.

43 APPENDIX II.

CAUSES OF FIRE.

Percentage Area of State Cau•e-Known or Suspected. Number of Outbreaks. of Total Forests or National Outbreaks. Parks Burned.

Acres Grazing interests 2 0·56 25 Landowners or householders 87 24·30 2,698 Deliberate lighting .. 48 13·41 1,525 Sportsmen, campers, tourists 45 12·57 917 Licencees and forest workers 20 5·59 1,167 Smokers 11 3·07 135 Lightning 59 16·48 2,679 Tractors, cars, trucks, stationary engines, &c. 20 5·59 366 Children 12 3·35 15 Sawmills 4 l · 12 Miscellaneous known causes 22 6· 14 373 Unknown origin 28 7·82 1,984 Totals 358 100·00 11,884

········-··----·····-

APPENDIX ITI.

SUMMARY OF FIRES AND AREAS BURNED.

Area Burned. Number of Fires within Fire Protected Area.

Affecting State Forest Number and National Parks. of Fires Attended Tota! Division. Originated Outside Number National in and of Fires State Total. Confined Total. Fire Attended. Forest. Parks. Originated in- to Private Protected Property. Area. State National Forest. Parks.

Acres. Acres. Acres.

Central 1,390 166 1,556 5 11 2 17 35 4 39 Eastern 1,043 1,044 2 19 6 28 28 Northern 485 2 487 5 33 3 42 16 58 North- 671 12 683 5 29 35 70 8 78 Eastern Southern 1,380 831 2,211 3 18 2 8 31 32 South- 823 823 4 49 21 74 2 76 Western Western 5,080 5,080 4 25 12 41 6 47 Totals 10,872 1,012 11,884 28 184 7 102 321 37 358

44 APPENDIX IV.

TYPE OF AREA BURNED IN STATE FOREST AND NATIONAL PARKS.

Division. Merchantable. I Re-growth. Non-Commercial. Total. . Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Central ...... 211 10 1,335 1,556 Eastern ...... 196 30 818 1,044 Northern ...... 312 26 149 487 North-Eastern ...... 21 202 460 683 Southern ...... 18 1 2,192 2,211 South-Western ...... 219 172 432 823 Western ...... 81 1 4,998 5,080 Totals ...... 1,058 442 10,384 11,884 Percentage of Total Area .. 8·89 3·73 87·38 100·00

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 I 1M1.1nMI\ Total Number Acres. Acres. Acres. I Acres. of Fires.

Central . . . . 24 11 3 .. 1 . . 39 Eastern . . . . 19 7 2 ...... 28 Northern . . . . 44 9 3 l 1 .. 58 North-Eastern . . 64 10 4 ...... 78 Southern . . . . 24 4 2 2 . . .. 32 South-Western .. 66 5 4 I . . . . 76 Western . . . . 25 11 8 I 2 .. 47 Totals . . 266 57 26 5 4 .. 358 Percentage of Total Fires .. 74·30 15·93 7·26 1·39 l · 12 .. 100 I

APPENDIX VI.

MONTHLY OUTBREAKS OF FIRE.

Number of Fires. Total Division. Number of Fires. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. F eb. March. April. May. • June. ------Central 4 6 13 5 5 6 . . .. 39 Eastern 3 15 6 .. 2 ...... 28 Northern 9 16 21 3 5 4 .. .. 58 North- 19 25 9 12 12 . . .. 78 Eastern Southern .. 14 3 4 7 2 .. .. 32 South- 7 8 12 17 7 8 17 .. . . 76 Western Western 6 3 16 15 I 5 .. .. 47 ---- Totals 14 33 43 40 46 .. . . . 358 Percentage 0·28 0·28 3·91 9·24 ·84 1100.00

45 APPENDIX VII.

PROTECTION WORKS-SUMMARY. Firebreaks, &c.- Length of firebreaks constructed 35·5 miles Length of firebreaks maintained 625·6 miles Length of firelines constructed 45·6 miles Length of firelines maintained 520·7 miles Area of fuel reduction burning 496,851 acres

Helipads­ Constructed 7 Maintained 111 Total in use 213

Water Conservation­ Dams- More than 400 cubic yards capacity­ Constructed 16 Maintained .. 670

Less than 400 cubic yards capacity­ Constructed 3 Maintained 706 Weirs and tanks constructed 6 Weirs and tanks maintained 63 Deep bores constructed Nil Deep bores maintained 10 Springs cleaned .. 26

Towers and look-out cabins­ Demolished - not replaced Constructed - additional .. Nil Constructed - replacement 3 Towers in use .. 112

Dugouts- Constructed by Commission 1 Maintained by Commission 51 Constructed by other interests 4 Maintained by other interests 67

46 APPENDIX VIII.

CONTRACTS. Statement of contracts under seal entered into during the year ended 30th June, 1971. I Name of Contractor. i Work or Service. Forest District. Amount.

$ K. Ayre-C. A. Concretors Erection of garages, store and lunch room Nowa Nowa .. 12,128 ·00 Knight & Rendall Pty. Supply of 2,760 yards 2" and 2,430 yards Gellibrand 13,428·00 Ltd. It" crushed rock I. R. & L. G. Nadenbousch Clearing 505 acres Marysville 20,200·00 I. R. & L. G. Nadenbousch Clearing 655 acres Marysville 27,510·00 C. E. & L. B. Martin & Clearing 278 acres Niagaroon 9,869·00 R. W. Gorman M. G. L. Flinn Clearing 280 acres Niagaroon 8,960·00 R. Cheyne Pty. Ltd .. Clearing 200 acres Creswick 5,600·00 R. Cheyne Pty. Ltd. Heaping 380 acres Gellibrand 17,936·00 W. G. Hallam & P. N. Clearing 330 acres Erica 11,880·00 Foley W. Flinn Clearing 1,000 acres .. Tallangatta 27,000·00 M. G. Morrissey Clearing 279 acres Daylesford 10,881 ·00 Devanney Bros. Pty. Ltd. Clearing 283 acres Daylesford 11,037·00 J.P. Byrne & G. L. Byrne Clearing 1,040 acres .. Rennick 15,340·00 I. R. & L. G. Nadenbousch • Clearing 500 acres Eastern Otways 18,000·00 W. Flinn Clearing 270 acres and heaping 250 acres Yarram 10, 110 ·00 W. G. Mills & Son Pty. Clearing 608 acres Toolangi 22,192·00 Ltd. M. C. Kool Constructions Erection of workshop and store William Ricketts 5,085·00 Pty. Ltd. Sanctuary J. & R. Bell .. Erection residence, garage and fuel store Powelltown .. 16,990·00 D. G. Gordon Clearing 630 acres Mansfield 18,900·00 Durbridge Bros. Erection double garage and security Mary borough 2,730·00 fencing E. M. Daniel .. Ploughing 400 acres .. Eastern Otways 2,600·00 V. E. McMartin Ploughing 1, 150 acres Rennick 2,530·00 E. A. Dickinson & Bros. Ploughing 686 acres .. Toolangi 2,745·00 J. H. Kenson & R. Klik Erection of residence .. Rennick 12,750·00 D. G. Gordon .. Clearing and rootraking 290 acres and Dandenongs 9,680·00 Ploughing 220 acres E. D. Hunt Erection of residence .. Nowa Nowa .. 6,518 ·00 F. N. Bethune Pty. Ltd. Supply and installation diesel powered Mansfield 6,832·00 pump set E. D. Hunt & H. Hunt .. Erection of residence .. Yarram 14,954·00 D. Embery Ploughing 500 acres .. Tallangatta 3,125·00 H. L. Williams Ploughing 600 acres .. Marysville 1,950·00 W. F. Flynn Pty Ltd. . . Additions and repairs to residence Ballarat 2,106·00 T. D. Logan & Co. Pty. Erection of residence .. Erica 12,874·40 Ltd. K. M. Rutter .. Erection of Office .. Sta well 18,240·00 Barham Constructions .. Pile driving at Rice's Weir Bridge Bar mah 3,249·60

47 APPENDIX IX.

WORKS AND SERVICES EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1970-71. (Showing Comparative figures for 1969--70.) ---····-···------1970-71.

Expenditure Authorized Under- 1969-70. Item, Total. Act No. 7892. Act No. 8015. Total.

$ $ $ $ Fire Protection 147,026 279,572 426,598 459,260 General Forest Operations 124,693 281,090 405,783 346,248 Timber Extraction Roads 115,749 318,171 433,920 314,938 Plantations 778,927 1,288,576 2,067,503 2,010,404 Fixed Assets 49,927 82,717 132,644 149,929 Purchase of Land .. 398 10,568 10,966 49,987 Purchase of Plant and Machinery 7,114 9,304 16,418 19,903 Advances for Farm Forestry 4,291 17,873 22,164 14,331

1,228,125

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

1970-71. 1969-70.

$ $ Softwood Plantations-(Commonwealth-State Agreement) 1,611,937 l ,491,331 Softwood Plantations-(Planted from 1.1.1961 to 30. 6.1966) 97,233 111,180

48 APPENDIX X.

STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND APPROPRIATED EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1970-71. (Showing comparative figures for 1969-70.)

AMOUNT PAID INTO CONSOLIDATED REVENUE, APPROPRIATED EXPENDITURE, 1969-70. 1970-71. 1969-70. 1970-71. $ $ $ $ $ $ Treasury Accuunt. 2,612.395 Salaries and Payments in lieu of 1-0ng Service Leave (including Commissioners from 22.12. 70) 3, 114.462 Business Undertakings­ 210,595 Overtime, Travelling and Other General Expenses 208,468 /53,6/J Renls, &c. 155,170 4,969 ,105 Royalties 5,390,954 2.822,990 3,322,930 5,122,718 5,546,124 5 I ,000 School of Forestry 53,385 7,100 Foresters' Quarters ...... 7,100 708,451 Sale of Forest Produce 763,202 10,000 Grant to Natural Resources Conservation League 10,000 131,498 Other 144,987 69,458 Payroll Tax . . . . 78,617 12,500 Mountain Gallecy-Kalorama .. 12,250 5,926,667 6,454,313 37,530 Contribution to National Sirex Fund .. 22,500 328,861 Balance-Excess of Appropriated Expenditure over Revenue 643,897 25.000 Grant to Timber Promotion Committee .. 25,000 2,615 Survey Cadetships ...... 3,285 36,422, Timber Promotion Committee-Contributions 47,724 251,625 259,861 648,185 Utilization of Forest Produce 718,440 3,722,800 Total Votes 4,301,231 Special Appropriations- 2,532,494 Forestry Fund• (See Appendix XI) .. 2,777,767 36,234 Salaries-Commissioners (1.7.70-21.12.70 only) 19,212 2,568,728 2,796,979 6,291,528 Total Votes and Special Appropriations 7,098,210 6,291,528 7,098,210 6,291,528 7,098,210

APPENDIX XI.

*FORESTRY FUND.

1969-70. 1970-71. $ $ $ 79,620 Brought forward 1st July 108,485 Add Intake for Year­ Autborized by Act 6254 2,561,359 Section 30 (2) 2,773,062 Section 63 (8) 61 2.173,123 2,640,979 Available Funds 2,881,608 Less Expenditure for Year­ 2,049,419 Forests 2,339,839 56,076 Plantations 55,532 94,869 Nurseries 95,846 332,/30 General 286,550 2,532;194 2,777,767 108,485 Balance carried forward 30th June 103,841 APPENDIX XII.

STATEMENT OF FORESTRY FUND EXPENDITURE 1970-71.

Item. Amount.

$ Forest Protection Works 491,932 Silvicultural Works 28,500 Maintenance of Roads 387,583 Plantations and Nurseries 108,500 Maintenance of Residences and Other Buildings 45,601 Purchase, Operation and Maintenance of Motor Vehicles and Equipment 565,796 Utilization Works 146,659 Supervision (Salaries) 361,636 Operating and Other Expenses 641,560 Total $2,777,767

APPENDIX XIII.

SUNDRY DEBTORS 30TH JUNE, 1971. $ $ Royalties- Licensed Hardwood Logs 139,863 Arrears of Instalments on Deferred Royalty Operations 139,863

Licensed Softwood and Hardwood Departmental Logs ] 10,920 Rents, Fees, Miscellaneous Forest Products 44,131 Total Debtors .. $294,914

Balance of Deferred Royalties at 30th June, 1971 which by Agreement are Due and Payable in 1971-72 .. $341,957

50 APPENDIX XIV.

ACT No. 6254-FORESTS STORES SUSPENSE ACCOUNT 1970-71. (Showing comparative figures for 1969-70.)

Fire Protection Plant Total. Stores. Repairs to Plant. Manufactured Artides. and Equipment. Jtem.

69-70. 70-71. 69-70. 70-71. 69-70. 69-70, 70-71. 69-70. 70-71. 69-70. 70-71.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Balance brought forward 1st July .. 175,295 61,902 98,892 17,437 5,871 84,300 50,908 292 991 2,318 859 Dr. Add Credits- 905,512 965,064 329,606 369,443 3,608 500,241 525,032 16,899 12,450 55,158 53,318 Amount Available .. 1,080,807 1,026,966 428,498 386,880 2,263 584,541 575,940 17,191 13,441 51,840 52,459 V'I - Less Debits- 1,018,905 919,514 4ll,061 345,428 4,312 533,633 502,640 16,200 11,709 53,699 54,869 Balance carried forward 30th June .. 61,902 107,452 17,437 41,452 6,575 50,908 1,732 859 2,410 Dr. ------

FORESTS PLANT AND MACHINERY FUND 1970-71. 1969-70 1970-71

$ $ Balance brought forward 1st July 240,438 294,056 Add plant hire charges 279,448 230,055 Add proceeds of disposal 38,749 9,781 Amount available- .. 558,635 533,892 Less expenditure 264,579 81,489 Balance carried forward 30th June 294,056 452,403 APPENDIX XV.

PROPOSED DISBURSEMENTS 1971-72.

Appropriations. Forestry Fund. Works and Services. Total.

Items. Estimated Estimated Estimated Estimated Require- Amount Require- Amount Require- Amount Require- Amount ments. Provided. men ts. Provided. ments. Provided. ments. Provided. $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Forest Protection Works ...... I 504 504 839 380 1,343 884 Silvicultural Works ...... 31 31 710 434 741 465 Construction and Maintenance of Roads ...... 349 349 438 316 787 665 Establishment and Main- tenance of Plantations and Nurseries ...... 94 94 2,781 1,913 2,875 2,007 Construction, Purchase and Maintenance of Residences and other Buildings .. 7 7 94 94 I 204 129 305 230 Purchase of Land ...... 50 30 50 30 Purchase of Plant and Machinery ...... 264 15 264 15 Purchase, Operation and Maintenance of Motor I Vehicles and Equipment . . . . 576 576 . . .. 576 576 Advances for Farm Forestry ...... 32 30 32 30 Utilization Works:- Departmental . . . . 775 720 ...... 775 720 Other ...... 133 133 . . . . 133 133 Salaries ...... 3.429 3,340 442 442 237 237 4,108 4,019 Operating and Other Expenses 599 596 . 627 627 138 138 1,364 1,361 Totals . . .. 4,810 4,663 2,850 2,850 5,693 3,622 13,353 11,135 i I ··~··· ····-

ESTIMATED RECEIPTS 1971-72. $'000. Grazing, Occupation, Royalties, &c. 5,660 Sale of Departmentally Produced Sawlogs, Firewood, Pulpwood, Poles, &c. 780 Miscellaneous Collections 145 Sales of Assets &c., Repayable to Consolidated Fund 10

Totals .. 6,595

By Authority: C. H. R1xoN, Government Printer, Melbourne.

52 v c T 0 R A

1 : 2.000.000

LEGEND STATE FOREST ·­ RESERVED fOllEST PROTECTEO FORES f Ml LOURA NA T/ONAL PARKS - FOREST DIVISIONAi HEAOOIJARTERS 0 FOREST DISTRICT HEAOOIJARTERS • FOREST OIYIS/ONAL BOU/IOARIES FOREST DISTRICT BOUNOARIES ' 0 Ir------~ "'"'-" \ IS IT 30-6-1 971

1 SOt1111 ·-- • WALES ~ ~ ~ DIMBOOLA '·II ~ I • f....:: I ~ ' "'!; l!lJ

~ ~ I ' ~ ' '\ -"' -, 1------,. d6 • '. "" . - ~ I \ I I - l

STA

~ ·- -CJ GE t LI 8 R ND

0 ..

N Q A

A 0 c s s ii A

'------~----~~-~------~------__;P~R E;:,:PA::,::R E:."...O .::IN ORAUGH11N6 SECTION FORESTS COMM ISSION VICTORIA