Castlemaine: 2024 Harvesting in Moonlight Plantation

June 24, 2024

HVP Plantations would like to advise of an upcoming operation in the Moonlight (Castlemaine) Plantation, which will continue the life cycle of plantations in the area. Harvesting and haulage is scheduled to commence in July 2024, and will continue through to November 2024.

Harvesting

The current plantation crop (area highlighted on the map below) was planted in the late 1980s and early 90s, and is ready for harvest. Please visit our operations page for further information about the plantation life cycle and the range of HVP operations.

The harvest worksite and a number of roads will be closed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the duration of the operation. For everyone’s safety, be aware of increased heavy vehicle traffic, machinery and closures within the plantation.

HVP internal roads around the operation will remain closed to keep everyone safe during the operation. Large machinery and tree harvesting will occur near the road edge and trucks will be loaded on roads in the plantation.

Please note that the closed area includes the Leanganook Tk section of the Goldfields Walking Track.

Haulage (log transport)

Our drivers will transport the plantation timber from the worksite to HVP’s customers. Our main customer for this operation is in Benalla, where logs are processed into construction and building materials.

Residents and visitors to the area are advised that log trucks will be using local roads, and we’re committed to safe driving practices. You can expect to see trucks on Plantation Rd, Specimen Gully Rd, Blakeley Rd, Colles Rd and Myring St.  Take care at road intersections and other points where trucks enter and exit the plantation. Please observe all safety signs.

Safety

As emphasised above, HVP takes safety seriously, please note the following:

• Worksites are closed (to vehicles, pedestrians, and riders) for the duration of operations. This includes when the crew is not present.
• Worksites are hazardous, and risks to people’s safety are not always obvious.
• Be aware of increased heavy vehicle traffic and machinery.

Thank you for following the directions of all signage and forest operators.

Preparation & tree planting

After the harvest our silviculture team will prepare the site for replanting. Preparation includes controlling weeds, and managing residue pine slash. A new crop of trees will be planted in winter 2024.

Community recreation

We recognise that many community members have an affinity with HVP’s forests, and enjoy walking, running and bike-riding activities throughout the year. Before entering any plantations, please apply for a Human Powered Pass. An essential condition of this recreation pass is to remain outside of areas closed for operations or other reasons.

For more information

• Contact our office: For further information or to provide feedback, please email HVP via our contact page or phone HVP’s Ballarat office on (03) 5339 0000.
• Become a stakeholder: To be listed as an HVP stakeholder please register via the HVP  contact page.

HVP Plantations respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Country on which we work, the Dja Dja Wurrung People, and pay our respects to them, their cultures, and their Elders past and present.