Forest operations in Croft Gully (Wandiligong) & Mystic (Bright)

January 31, 2023

HVP Plantations wish to advise of upcoming harvesting in Croft Gully, Wandiligong, and that the trucks coming to and from the Croft Gully worksite will travel through Mystic Park, Bright.

Harvesting

The area of plantation in Croft Gully (Wandiligong) shaded on the map below is due for harvest, commencing early February and continuing into May 2023. The current crop of trees is 38 years old, and ready to be converted into sawn timber and other building and paper products. Please visit our operations page for further information about the plantation lifecycle 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.

Haulage (log transport)

Our drivers will transport the plantation logs from the Wandiligong worksite to HVP’s customers in Myrtleford, Wangaratta and Benalla. Haulage will commence the week of Monday 20 February, and is expected to continue from the Croft Gully site to Easter 2023. Robinson Rd and Moran Rd will be used at different stages of the operation, with both routes connecting with Mystic Lane to enter and exit the plantation.

Preparation & tree planting

Crews will then prepare the harvested site for replanting. Preparation will include weed control, and management of residue pine slash with excavators and possibly burning. A new crop of trees will be planted in winter 2023.

Other harvesting operations in Wandiligong

HVP has also been undertaking roading and harvesting operations in Jagoes Gully and Long Gully in summer 2022-2023.

Safety

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. Stay clear of trucks on forest roads.

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

Community recreation

HVP recognise that many community members have an affinity with our forests, and enjoy walking, running and bike-riding activities throughout the year. Before entering any plantations, please undertake a visitor induction and apply for a Human Powered Pass.

All cyclists must have a membership to ride Mystic Park. You can become a member at Mystic Park’s website.

For more information

• Notifications: If you would like to register to receive email notifications of other HVP operations as they occur around Bright, Porepunkah, Freeburgh and Wandiligong, please register here.
• Contact our office: For further information, to provide feedback, or to become a stakeholder, please contact our Myrtleford office: phone (03) 5731 2000; or email HVP via our contact page.
• Mystic Park: HVP has been working closely with Alpine Community Plantations (Mystic Park’s recreation manager) to plan this operation. For the latest information on Mystic trails, please follow Mystic Park, Bright on Facebook, or download the free Trailforks app to check for trail status.
  If you are a member of the North East Victoria Hang Gliding Club, please refer to your club for further information on Launch access during this period.