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Forests Amendment Act 2012

Legislation · Victoria · 2020
Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Authorised Version i Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 TABLE OF PROVISIONS Section Page PART 1—PRELIMINARY 1 1 Purposes 1 2 Commencement 2 PART 2—AMENDMENTS TO THE FORESTS ACT 1958 3 3 Definitions 3 4 Section 52A repealed 3 5 New firewood collection provisions inserted 3 Cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood 3 57O Definitions 3 57P No application to timber resources 4 57Q Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees outside firewood collection area and season 4 57R Person may nominate another to cut and take away fallen or felled trees for firewood 6 57S Firewood collection season 7 57T Secretary may vary firewood collection season 7 57U Secretary may determine firewood collection areas 8 57V Identification of firewood collection areas 9 57W Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection area unless a class member or nominated by class member 10 57X Offences as to amount of fallen or felled trees cut or taken away in a day 11 57Y Household limit of fallen or felled trees cut or taken away in a financial year 12 57Z Household limit of fallen or felled trees cut and taken away in a financial year—offences relating to nominations 13 57ZA Secretary may determine amount of fallen or felled trees cut and taken away in certain regions 14 57ZB Offence to exceed regional limit 15 57ZC Offence as to sale of fallen or felled trees 16 57ZD Offences relating to conduct in a firewood collection area 16 -- 1 of 47 -- Section Page ii Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 57ZE Production of nomination if requested by authorised officer 17 57ZF No offence if authorised by licence or authorisation etc. or regulations 17 6 Protected trees in protected forests 18 7 Production of licence etc. on demand 18 8 Prohibition of cutting etc. timber etc. on certain roads without authority of Secretary 18 9 Power to direct route for removal etc. of forest produce 18 10 Presumption as to ownership of forest produce 19 11 Search warrant for secreted forest produce 19 12 New section 96D inserted 20 96D Offences not to apply for cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood 20 13 New section 100B inserted 20 100B Regulations for cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons 20 PART 3—AMENDMENTS TO THE CROWN LAND (RESERVES) ACT 1978 22 14 Definitions 22 15 Consent required for procuring of forest produce or carrying out fire prevention works on reserved land 22 16 New Part 3B inserted 23 PART 3B—CUTTING OR TAKING AWAY FALLEN OR FELLED TREES FOR DOMESTIC USE AS FIREWOOD 23 21K Definitions 23 21L Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees outside firewood collection area and season 23 21M Person may nominate another to cut and take away fallen or felled trees for firewood 25 21N Firewood collection season 26 21O Secretary may vary firewood collection season 26 21P Secretary may determine firewood collection areas 27 21Q Identification of firewood collection areas 29 21R Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection area unless a class member or nominated by class member 30 21S Offences as to amount of fallen or felled trees cut or taken away in a day 31 21T Household limit of fallen or felled trees cut or taken away in a financial year 32 -- 2 of 47 -- Section Page iii Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 21U Household limit of fallen or felled trees cut and taken away in a financial year—offences relating to nominations 32 21V Limit on amount of fallen or felled trees cut and taken away in firewood collection areas in certain regions 33 21W Offence to sell fallen or felled trees 35 21X Offences relating to conduct in a firewood collection area 35 21Y Production of nomination if requested by authorised officer 36 21Z No offence if authorised by licence or authorisation etc. or regulations 36 17 Cutting and taking away fallen or felled trees—Shepparton Regional Park 37 18 New section 30A inserted 37 30A Ownership of timber 37 19 New section 32 inserted 38 32 Regulations for cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons 38 20 Cutting and taking away fallen or felled trees—Murray River Park 39 PART 4—AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ACTS AND REPEAL OF AMENDING ACT 40 Division 1—Amendment to the Land Act 1958 40 21 Persons found in possession of timber on Crown land 40 Division 2—Amendment to the National Parks Act 1975 41 22 New section 44A inserted 41 44A Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees 41 Division 3—Amendment to the Wildlife Act 1975 42 23 New section 21AA inserted 42 21AA Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees 42 Division 4—Repeal of amending Act 43 24 Repeal of amending Act 43 ═══════════════ ENDNOTES 44 -- 3 of 47 -- Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Authorised Version 1 Forests Amendment Act 2012 † No. 46 of 2012 [Assented to 21 August 2012] The Parliament of Victoria enacts: PART 1—PRELIMINARY 1 Purposes The main purposes of this Act are— (a) to amend the Forests Act 1958 to provide for cutting and taking away fallen or felled trees in areas of State forest for domestic use as firewood without a licence or permit; and Victoria -- 4 of 47 -- Part 1—Preliminary Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 2 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (b) to amend the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 to provide for cutting and taking away fallen or felled trees in certain regional parks for domestic use as firewood without a permit; and (c) to make consequential amendments to the Land Act 1958, the National Parks Act 1975 and the Wildlife Act 1975. 2 Commencement (1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act comes into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed. (2) If a provision of this Act does not come into operation before 1 September 2012, it comes into operation on that day. __________________ s. 2 -- 5 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 3 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel PART 2—AMENDMENTS TO THE FORESTS ACT 1958 3 Definitions In section 3(1) of the Forests Act 1958— (a) insert the following definitions— "fallen or felled trees includes parts of fallen or felled trees; firewood collection area means an area of State forest determined by the Secretary in accordance with section 57U to be a firewood collection area; firewood collection season, in relation to a firewood collection area, means— (a) a period referred to in section 57S if the period has not been varied under section 57T; or (b) if the period referred to in section 57S has been varied under section 57T, the period as so varied;"; (b) in paragraph (b)(iv) of the definition of forest produce omit "collected for domestic use". 4 Section 52A repealed Section 52A of the Forests Act 1958 is repealed. 5 New firewood collection provisions inserted After section 57N of the Forests Act 1958 insert— "Cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood 57O Definitions In sections 57P to 57ZF— See: Act No. 6254. Reprint No. 10 as at 8 July 2010 and amending Act Nos 54/2010, 62/2010, 73/2010, 29/2011, 5/2012 and 7/2012. LawToday: www. legislation. vic.gov.au s. 3 -- 6 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 4 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel nominating person means a person who— (a) in accordance with section 57R nominates another person to cut and take away fallen or felled trees; or (b) in accordance with section 21M of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 nominates another person to cut and take away fallen or felled trees; nominee means a person nominated— (a) in accordance with section 57R to cut and take away fallen or felled trees on behalf of the nominating person; or (b) in accordance with section 21M of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 to cut and take away fallen or felled trees on behalf of the nominating person. 57P No application to timber resources Nothing in sections 57Q to 57ZF applies to fallen or felled trees that are timber resources within the meaning of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004. 57Q Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees outside firewood collection area and season (1) A person must not cut or take away 2 cubic metres or less of fallen or felled trees in State forest. Penalty: 20 penalty units. s. 5 -- 7 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 5 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (2) A person must not cut or take away more than 2 cubic metres of fallen or felled trees in State forest. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who— (a) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in State forest in accordance with a lease, licence, permit or authorisation held by the person under this Act or any other Act; or (b) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in State forest in accordance with the regulations or regulations under any other Act. (4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees if— (a) the person cuts or takes away the fallen or felled trees— (i) in a firewood collection area; and (ii) during a firewood collection season applying to that area; and (b) the person cuts or takes away the fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in the person's household or in a nominating person's household. (5) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who is a member of a traditional owner group entity when that person is acting under and in accordance with an authorisation order given under section 84 of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. s. 5 -- 8 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 6 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 57R Person may nominate another to cut and take away fallen or felled trees for firewood (1) A person who is unable to cut and take away fallen or felled trees may nominate another person to cut and take away fallen or felled trees on his or her behalf. (2) A nomination under subsection (1) must— (a) be made in the prescribed form; and (b) specify the maximum amount (not exceeding 16 cubic metres) of fallen or felled trees that may be cut and taken away by the nominee in a financial year. (3) A person must not specify a maximum amount of fallen or felled trees in a nomination if that amount would exceed 16 cubic metres for a financial year when added to all maximum amounts specified in— (a) any other nominations made by the person, whether under this section or section 21M of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978; and (b) any nominations made by members of the person's household, whether under this section or section 21M of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. s. 5 -- 9 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 7 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (4) A person must not nominate another person to cut and take away fallen or felled trees other than for domestic use as firewood in the nominating person's household. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (5) A person nominated to cut and take away fallen or felled trees must not request or accept payment or reward for the cutting and taking away of fallen or felled trees. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 57S Firewood collection season Subject to section 57T, the following firewood collection seasons apply in each financial year to a firewood collection area— (a) the period commencing on 1 September and ending on 30 November; and (b) the period commencing on 1 March and ending on 30 June. 57T Secretary may vary firewood collection season (1) The Secretary may make a determination varying the commencement date or end date of a firewood collection season in a particular financial year as it applies to— (a) all firewood collection areas; or (b) all firewood collection areas located in a specified region of the State. (2) The Secretary must not make a determination under subsection (1) unless the Secretary considers the variation is necessary because of a condition, or likely condition, of s. 5 -- 10 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 8 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel fire danger that poses risk, or is likely to pose risk, to public safety. (3) A determination varying a firewood collection season must be published in the Government Gazette. (4) A determination varying a firewood collection season comes into operation on— (a) the date on which it is published in the Government Gazette; or (b) any later date specified in the determination. 57U Secretary may determine firewood collection areas (1) The Secretary may determine an area of State forest to be a firewood collection area. (2) A determination under subsection (1) must identify the area of State forest to which it applies by reference to a plan lodged in the Central Plan Office. (3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the determination may apply, adopt or incorporate any matter contained in any document formulated, issued, prescribed or published by any person, whether— (a) wholly or partly; or (b) as formulated, issued, prescribed or published at the time the determination was made or at any time before that time. (4) If the Secretary is satisfied that it is necessary for management of the supply of fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in a region of the State, a determination of a firewood collection area s. 5 -- 11 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 9 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel located in that region may specify a class or classes of persons who may, or whose nominees may, cut and take away fallen or felled trees in that firewood collection area. (5) The Secretary may— (a) amend a determination made under subsection (1); (b) revoke a determination made under subsection (1), including by providing for a date of revocation in the determination. (6) A determination of a firewood collection area, or an amendment or revocation of a determination, must be published in the Government Gazette. (7) A determination of a firewood collection area, or an amendment or revocation of a determination, comes into operation on— (a) the date on which it is published in the Government Gazette; or (b) any later date specified in the determination. 57V Identification of firewood collection areas (1) As soon as practicable after a determination made under section 57U(1) comes into operation, the Secretary must cause signs or notices informing the public of the determination to be displayed at the firewood collection area in such a place and manner that the signs or notices are reasonably likely to be seen by any person entering the area. (2) As soon as practicable after an amendment of a determination made under section 57U(1) comes into operation, the Secretary s. 5 -- 12 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 10 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel must cause the signs or notices displayed at the firewood collection area to be amended. (3) As soon as practicable after a determination made under section 57U(1) is revoked, the Secretary must cause the removal of signs or notices displayed at the firewood collection area. (4) If the determination specifies a class or classes of person who may cut and take away, or whose nominees may cut and take away, fallen or felled trees in a firewood collection area, the signs or notices must include that information. (5) If the firewood collection area is located in a region to which a determination under section 57ZA(1) applies, the signs or notices must state the maximum amount of fallen or felled trees that may be cut and taken away in a financial year in firewood collection areas in that region for domestic use as firewood in a household. 57W Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection area unless a class member or nominated by class member (1) If a determination of a firewood collection area under section 57U specifies a class or classes of persons who may cut and take away fallen or felled trees in that area, a person must not, in that area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away 2 cubic metres or less of fallen or felled trees unless— (a) the person is a member of a class specified in the determination; or s. 5 -- 13 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 11 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (b) the person is a nominee and the nominating person is a member of a class specified in the determination. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) If a determination of a firewood collection area under section 57U specifies a class or classes of persons who may cut and take away fallen or felled trees in that area, a person must not, in that area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away more than 2 cubic metres of fallen or felled trees unless— (a) the person is a member of a class specified in the determination; or (b) the person is a nominee and the nominating person is a member of a class specified in the determination. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 57X Offences as to amount of fallen or felled trees cut or taken away in a day (1) A person must not, in any one or more firewood collection areas during a firewood collection season applying to the area or areas, cut or take away more than 2 cubic metres but less than 4 cubic metres of fallen or felled trees in a day. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A person must not, in any one or more firewood collection areas during a firewood collection season applying to the area or areas, cut or take away 4 cubic metres or more of fallen or felled trees in a day. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. s. 5 -- 14 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 12 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply whether or not the person cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees as a nominee. (4) In this section and sections 57Y to 57ZB— firewood collection area includes a firewood collection area determined under section 21P of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978; firewood collection season includes a firewood collection season within the meaning of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. 57Y Household limit of fallen or felled trees cut or taken away in a financial year In a financial year, a person must not, in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas, cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in that person's household if the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away (or nominated to be cut and taken away by nominees) in that financial year in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in that person's household is 16 cubic metres or more. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. s. 5 -- 15 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 13 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 57Z Household limit of fallen or felled trees cut and taken away in a financial year— offences relating to nominations (1) In a financial year, a person must not nominate another person under section 57R to cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in that person's household if the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away (or nominated to be cut and taken away by nominees) in that financial year in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in that person's household is 16 cubic metres or more. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (2) In a financial year, a nominating person must not specify in a nomination under section 57R an amount of fallen or felled trees that, when added to the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away (or nominated to be cut and taken away by nominees) in that financial year in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in that person's household would exceed 16 cubic metres. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (3) In a financial year, a nominee must not in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas, cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood s. 5 -- 16 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 14 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel in the nominating person's household if, in that financial year, the nominee has previously cut or taken away the amount of fallen or felled trees specified as the maximum amount in the nomination under section 57R. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 57ZA Secretary may determine amount of fallen or felled trees cut and taken away in certain regions (1) The Secretary may determine the amount of fallen or felled trees that, in any financial year, may be cut and taken away in any one or more firewood collection areas in a region for domestic use as firewood in a household. (2) Before making a determination setting the amount, the Secretary must be satisfied that the determination is necessary for management of the supply of fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in the region. (3) A determination under subsection (1) must specify— (a) the region in which it applies; and (b) the amount (being less than 16 cubic metres) of fallen or felled trees that may be cut and taken away in firewood collection areas in that region for domestic use as firewood in a financial year. (4) The Secretary must not make a determination under subsection (1) relating to a financial year after the commencement of a firewood collection season in that financial year. s. 5 -- 17 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 15 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (5) A determination under subsection (1) must be published in the Government Gazette. 57ZB Offence to exceed regional limit (1) In a financial year, a person must not in any one or more firewood collection areas to which a determination under section 57ZA(1) applies during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas, cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in that person's household if, in that financial year, the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away in the area or areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in that person's household has reached at least the limit set in the determination under section 57ZA(1). Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (2) In a financial year, a nominee must not in any one or more firewood collection areas to which a determination under section 57ZA(1) applies during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas, cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in the nominating person's household if, in that financial year, the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away by the nominee in the area or areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in the nominating person's household has reached at least the limit of fallen or felled trees set in the determination under section 57ZA(1). Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. s. 5 -- 18 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 16 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 57ZC Offence as to sale of fallen or felled trees (1) A person must not sell fallen or felled trees that the person has cut or taken away in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (2) A nominating person must not sell fallen or felled trees that that person's nominee has cut or taken away in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 57ZD Offences relating to conduct in a firewood collection area (1) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away fallen or felled trees that are visibly hollow. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away fallen or felled trees growing moss or fungi. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (3) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, fell, cut, chop, break off, dent, scrape or push over a standing tree (whether living or dead) that has a diameter of up to 15 centimetres at a height of 1·3 metres above the ground. Penalty: 50 penalty units. s. 5 -- 19 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 17 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (4) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, fell, cut, chop, break off, dent, scrape or push over a standing tree (whether living or dead) that has a diameter of 15 centimetres or more at a height of 1·3 metres above the ground. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 57ZE Production of nomination if requested by authorised officer A nominee must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to produce the nomination form if requested by an authorised officer. Penalty: 5 penalty units. 57ZF No offence if authorised by licence or authorisation etc. or regulations (1) Sections 57W, 57X, 57Y, 57ZB, 57ZC and 57ZD do not apply to a person who— (a) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in State forest in accordance with a lease, licence, permit or authorisation held by the person under this Act or any other Act; or (b) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in State forest in accordance with the regulations or regulations under any other Act. (2) Sections 57W, 57X, 57Y, 57ZB, 57ZC and 57ZD do not apply to a person who is a member of a traditional owner group entity when that person is acting under and in accordance with an authorisation order given under section 84 of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.". s. 5 -- 20 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 18 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 6 Protected trees in protected forests After section 59(1A) of the Forests Act 1958 insert— "(1B) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who is a member of a traditional owner group entity when that person is acting under and in accordance with an authorisation order given under section 84 of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. (1C) Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in accordance with section 57Q(4).". 7 Production of licence etc. on demand In section 75 of the Forests Act 1958, for "½ penalty unit" substitute "5 penalty units". 8 Prohibition of cutting etc. timber etc. on certain roads without authority of Secretary (1) In section 77(1) of the Forests Act 1958, for "subsection (1A)" substitute "subsections (1A) and (1B)". (2) After section 77(1A) of the Forests Act 1958 insert— "(1B) Subsection (1) does not apply to fallen or felled trees in or on a road that is in a firewood collection area, if the fallen or felled trees are cut or taken away in accordance with section 57Q(4).". 9 Power to direct route for removal etc. of forest produce (1) Section 79(5) of the Forests Act 1958 is repealed. s. 6 -- 21 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 19 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (2) For section 79(6) of the Forests Act 1958 substitute— "(6) A person must not remove or take any forest produce or timber resources through or from any forest contrary to any direction given under subsection (1). Penalty: 20 penalty units. (6A) A person must not, without the authority in writing of an authorised officer, remove or take any forest produce or timber resources from any forest— (a) after 30 minutes after sunset on any day; or (b) before 30 minutes before sunrise on any day. Penalty: 20 penalty units.". 10 Presumption as to ownership of forest produce (1) In section 82(1) of the Forests Act 1958, after "any forest produce" insert "other than timber,". (2) After section 82(1) of the Forests Act 1958 insert— "(1A) In any proceedings under this Act with respect to forest produce that is timber, the forest produce is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, taken to be the property of the Crown.". 11 Search warrant for secreted forest produce At the end of section 83 of the Forests Act 1958 insert— "(2) On the evidence on oath or by affidavit of any authorised officer or member of the police force stating his or her belief that timber that has been cut, removed or s. 10 -- 22 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 20 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel otherwise dealt with contrary to the provisions of this Act are secreted in any place other than a forest the Magistrates' Court may issue a warrant to search for such timber.". 12 New section 96D inserted After section 96C of the Forests Act 1958 insert— "96D Offences not to apply for cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood (1) Section 96(h), (j), (k) and (o) do not apply to a person if the person cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in accordance with section 57Q(4). (2) Section 96(o) does not apply to a person in possession of forest produce that is fallen or felled trees if the fallen or felled trees were cut or taken away by a nominee of the person in accordance with section 57Q(4).". 13 New section 100B inserted After section 100A of the Forests Act 1958 insert— "100B Regulations for cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons (1) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons, including regulations for or with respect to— (a) days on which fallen or felled trees may be cut or taken away; and s. 12 -- 23 of 47 -- Part 2—Amendments to the Forests Act 1958 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 21 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (b) the manner in which fallen or felled trees may be cut or taken away; and (c) use of vehicles and equipment in firewood collection areas; and (d) protection of the environment in firewood collection areas; and (e) public safety in firewood collection areas. (2) The regulations— (a) may be of general or limited application; and (b) may differ according to differences in time, place or circumstance; and (c) may impose penalties not exceeding 20 penalty units for contravention of the regulations.". __________________ s. 13 -- 24 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 22 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel PART 3—AMENDMENTS TO THE CROWN LAND (RESERVES) ACT 1978 14 Definitions In section 3 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 insert the following definitions— "fallen or felled trees includes parts of fallen or felled trees; firewood collection area means land determined by the Secretary in accordance with section 21P to be a firewood collection area; firewood collection season, in relation to a firewood collection area, means— (a) a period referred to in section 21N if the period has not been varied; or (b) if the period referred to in section 21N has been varied under section 21O, the period as so varied; tree or trees has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Forests Act 1958;". 15 Consent required for procuring of forest produce or carrying out fire prevention works on reserved land After section 20(1) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 insert— "(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply to a determination of a firewood collection area by the Secretary under section 21P.". See: Act No. 9212. Reprint No. 10 as at 1 July 2011 and amending Act Nos 65/2010, 7/2012 and 17/2012. LawToday: www. legislation. vic.gov.au s. 14 -- 25 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 23 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 16 New Part 3B inserted After Part 3A of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 insert— "PART 3B—CUTTING OR TAKING AWAY FALLEN OR FELLED TREES FOR DOMESTIC USE AS FIREWOOD 21K Definitions In this Part— nominating person means a person who— (a) in accordance with section 21M nominates another person to cut and take away fallen or felled trees; or (b) in accordance with section 57R of the Forests Act 1958 nominates another person to cut and take away fallen or felled trees; nominee means a person nominated— (a) in accordance with section 21M to cut and take away fallen or felled trees on behalf of the nominating person; or (b) in accordance with section 57R of the Forests Act 1958 to cut and take away fallen or felled trees on behalf of the nominating person. 21L Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees outside firewood collection area and season (1) A person must not cut or take away 2 cubic metres or less of fallen or felled trees from land reserved under this Act. Penalty: 20 penalty units. s. 16 -- 26 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 24 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (2) A person must not cut or take away more than 2 cubic metres of fallen or felled trees from land reserved under this Act. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who— (a) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees from land reserved under this Act in accordance with a lease, licence, permit or authorisation held by the person under this Act or any other Act; or (b) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees from land reserved under this Act in accordance with the regulations or regulations under any other Act. (4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees if— (a) the person cuts or takes away the fallen or felled trees— (i) in a firewood collection area; and (ii) during a firewood collection season applying to that area; and (b) the person cuts or takes away the fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in the person's household or a nominating person's household. s. 16 -- 27 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 25 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 21M Person may nominate another to cut and take away fallen or felled trees for firewood (1) A person who is unable to cut and take away fallen or felled trees may nominate another person to cut and take away fallen or felled trees on his or her behalf. (2) A nomination under subsection (1) must— (a) be made in the prescribed form; and (b) specify the maximum amount (not exceeding 16 cubic metres) of fallen or felled trees that may be cut and taken away by the nominee in a financial year. (3) A person must not specify a maximum amount of fallen or felled trees in a nomination if that amount would exceed 16 cubic metres for a financial year when added to all maximum amounts specified in— (a) any other nominations made by the person, whether under this section or section 57R of the Forests Act 1958; and (b) any nominations made by members of the person's household, whether under this section or section 57R of the Forests Act 1958. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. s. 16 -- 28 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 26 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (4) A person must not nominate another person to cut and take away fallen or felled trees other than for domestic use for firewood in the nominating person's household. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (5) A person nominated to cut and take away fallen or felled trees must not request or accept payment or reward for the cutting and taking away of fallen or felled trees. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 21N Firewood collection season Subject to section 21O, the following firewood collection seasons apply in each financial year to a firewood collection area— (a) the period commencing on 1 September and ending on 30 November; and (b) the period commencing on 1 March and ending on 30 June. 21O Secretary may vary firewood collection season (1) The Secretary may make a determination varying the commencement date or end date of a firewood collection season in a particular financial year as it applies to— (a) all firewood collection areas; or (b) all firewood collection areas located in a specified regional park. s. 16 -- 29 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 27 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (2) The Secretary must not make a determination under subsection (1) unless the Secretary considers the variation is necessary because of a condition, or likely condition, of fire danger that poses risk, or is likely to pose risk, to public safety. (3) A determination varying a firewood collection season must be published in the Government Gazette. (4) A determination varying a firewood collection season comes into operation on— (a) the date on which it is published in the Government Gazette; or (b) any later date specified in the determination. 21P Secretary may determine firewood collection areas (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Secretary may determine an area of land to be a firewood collection area if it is— (a) part of the land described in Division 2A of Part 4A of the Fifth Schedule; or (b) part of the land described in Division 5 of Part 4A of the Fifth Schedule. (2) Before determining an area of land to be a firewood collection area, the Secretary must consult the person or body having control and management of the land unless that person or body is the Secretary. (3) A determination under subsection (1) must identify the part of the land to which it applies by reference to a plan lodged in the Central Plan Office. s. 16 -- 30 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 28 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the determination may apply, adopt or incorporate any matter contained in any document formulated, issued, prescribed or published by any person, whether— (a) wholly or partly; or (b) as formulated, issued, prescribed or published at the time the determination was made or at any time before that time. (5) If the Secretary is satisfied that it is necessary for management of the supply of fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in a region of the State, a determination of a firewood collection area located in that region may specify a class or classes of persons who may, or whose nominees may, cut and take away fallen or felled trees in that firewood collection area. (6) The Secretary may— (a) amend a determination made under subsection (1); (b) revoke a determination made under subsection (1), including by providing for a date of revocation in the determination. (7) A determination of a firewood collection area, or an amendment or revocation of a determination of a firewood collection area, must be published in the Government Gazette. s. 16 -- 31 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 29 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (8) A determination of a firewood collection area, or an amendment or revocation of a determination, comes into operation on— (a) the date on which it is published in the Government Gazette; or (b) any later date specified in the determination. 21Q Identification of firewood collection areas (1) As soon as practicable after a determination made under section 21P(1) comes into operation, the Secretary must cause signs or notices informing the public of the determination to be displayed at the firewood collection area in such a place and manner that the signs or notices are reasonably likely to be seen by any person entering the area. (2) As soon as practicable after an amendment of a determination made under section 21P(1) comes into operation, the Secretary must cause the signs or notices displayed at the firewood collection area to be amended. (3) As soon as practicable after a determination made under section 21P(1) is revoked, the Secretary must cause the removal of signs or notices displayed at the firewood collection area. (4) If the determination specifies a class or classes of person who may, or whose nominees may, cut and take away fallen or felled trees in a firewood collection area, the signs or notices must include that information. (5) If the firewood collection area is located in a region to which a determination under section 57ZA(1) of the Forests Act 1958 applies, the signs or notices must state the s. 16 -- 32 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 30 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel maximum amount of fallen or felled trees that may be cut and taken away in firewood collection areas in that region in a financial year for domestic use as firewood in a household. 21R Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection area unless a class member or nominated by class member (1) If a determination of a firewood collection area under section 21P specifies a class or classes of persons who may cut and take away fallen or felled trees in that area, a person must not, in that area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away 2 cubic metres or less of fallen or felled trees unless— (a) the person is a member of a class specified in the determination; or (b) the person is a nominee and the nominating person is a member of a class specified in the determination. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) If a determination of a firewood collection area under section 21P specifies a class or classes of persons who may cut and take away fallen or felled trees in that area, a person must not, in that area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away more than 2 cubic metres of fallen or felled trees unless— (a) the person is a member of a class specified in the determination; or s. 16 -- 33 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 31 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (b) the person is a nominee and the nominating person is a member of a class specified in the determination. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 21S Offences as to amount of fallen or felled trees cut or taken away in a day (1) A person must not, in any one or more firewood collection areas during a firewood collection season applying to the area or areas, cut or take away more than 2 cubic metres but less than 4 cubic metres of fallen or felled trees in a day. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A person must not, in any one or more firewood collection areas during a firewood collection season applying to the area or areas, cut or take away 4 cubic metres or more of fallen or felled trees in a day. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply whether or not the person cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees as a nominee. (4) In this section and sections 21T to 21V— firewood collection area includes a firewood collection area determined under section 57U of the Forests Act 1958; firewood collection season includes a firewood collection season within the meaning of the Forests Act 1958. s. 16 -- 34 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 32 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 21T Household limit of fallen or felled trees cut or taken away in a financial year In a financial year, a person must not, in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas, cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in that person's household if the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away (or nominated to be cut and taken away by nominees) in that financial year in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in that person's household is 16 cubic metres or more. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 21U Household limit of fallen or felled trees cut and taken away in a financial year— offences relating to nominations (1) In a financial year, a person must not nominate another person under section 21M to cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in that person's household if the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away (or nominated to be cut and taken away by nominees) in that financial year in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in that person's household is 16 cubic metres or more. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. s. 16 -- 35 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 33 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (2) In a financial year, a nominating person must not specify in a nomination under section 21M an amount of fallen or felled trees that, when added to the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away (or nominated to be cut and taken away by nominees) in that financial year in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in that person's household would exceed 16 cubic metres. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (3) In a financial year, a nominee must not in any one or more firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas, cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in the nominating person's household if, in that financial year, the nominee has previously cut or taken away the amount of fallen or felled trees specified as the maximum amount in the nomination under section 21M. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 21V Limit on amount of fallen or felled trees cut and taken away in firewood collection areas in certain regions (1) In a financial year, a person must not in any one or more firewood collection areas in a region to which a determination under section 57ZA(1) of the Forests Act 1958 applies during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas, cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use s. 16 -- 36 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 34 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel as firewood in that person's household if, in that financial year, the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away in the area or areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in that person's household has reached at least the limit determined under section 57ZA(1) of the Forests Act 1958. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (2) In a financial year, a nominee must not in any one or more firewood collection areas in a region to which a determination under section 57ZA(1) of the Forests Act 1958 applies during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas, cut or take away fallen or felled trees for domestic use as firewood in the nominating person's household if, in that financial year, the amount of fallen or felled trees previously cut or taken away by the nominee in the area or areas during firewood collection seasons applying to the area or areas for domestic use as firewood in the nominating person's household has reached at least the limit determined under section 57ZA(1) of the Forests Act 1958. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. s. 16 -- 37 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 35 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 21W Offence to sell fallen or felled trees (1) A person must not sell fallen or felled trees that the person has cut and taken away in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (2) A nominating person must not sell fallen or felled trees that that person's nominee has cut and taken away in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 21X Offences relating to conduct in a firewood collection area (1) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away fallen or felled trees that are visibly hollow. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away fallen or felled trees growing moss or fungi. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (3) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, cut or take away fallen or felled trees other than during the period— (a) commencing 30 minutes before sunrise on a day; and s. 16 -- 38 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 36 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (b) ending 30 minutes after sunset on the same day. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (4) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, fell, cut, chop, break off, dent, scrape or push over a standing tree (whether living or dead) that has a diameter of up to 15 centimetres at a height of 1·3 metres above the ground. Penalty: 50 penalty units. (5) A person must not, in a firewood collection area during a firewood collection season, fell, cut, chop, break off, dent, scrape or push over a standing tree (whether living or dead) that has a diameter of 15 centimetres or more at a height of 1·3 metres above the ground. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. 21Y Production of nomination if requested by authorised officer A nominee must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to produce the nomination form if requested by an authorised officer. Penalty: 5 penalty units. 21Z No offence if authorised by licence or authorisation etc. or regulations Sections 21R, 21S, 21T, 21V, 21W and 21X do not apply to a person who— (a) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees from land reserved under this Act in accordance with a lease, licence, permit or authorisation held by the person under this Act or any other Act; or s. 16 -- 39 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 37 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (b) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees from land reserved under this Act in accordance with the regulations or regulations under any other Act. __________________". 17 Cutting and taking away fallen or felled trees— Shepparton Regional Park (1) For the heading to section 29IB of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 substitute— "Cutting and taking away fallen or felled trees—Shepparton Regional Park". (2) Section 29IB(1) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 is repealed. (3) In section 29IB(2) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, for "forest produce" substitute "fallen or felled trees". 18 New section 30A inserted After section 30 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 insert— "30A Ownership of timber (1) In any proceedings for an offence under this Act with respect to cutting or taking away of timber from the land described in Division 2A or Division 5 of Part 4A of the Fifth Schedule, if the person charged with the offence was found in possession of the timber that is the subject of the offence on that land, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the timber is taken to be the property of the Crown. (2) In this section— timber has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Forests Act 1958.". s. 17 -- 40 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 38 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 19 New section 32 inserted After section 31 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 insert— "32 Regulations for cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons (1) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to cutting or taking away fallen or felled trees in firewood collection areas during firewood collection seasons, including regulations for or with respect to— (a) days on which fallen or felled trees may be cut or taken away; and (b) the manner in which fallen or felled trees may be cut or taken away; and (c) use of vehicles and equipment in firewood collection areas; and (d) protection of the environment in firewood collection areas; and (e) public safety in firewood collection areas; and (f) any matter authorised or permitted to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed for the purposes of Part 3B. (2) The regulations— (a) may be of general or limited application; and (b) may differ according to differences in time, place or circumstance; and (c) may impose penalties not exceeding 20 penalty units for contravention of the regulations.". s. 19 -- 41 of 47 -- Part 3—Amendments to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 39 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel 20 Cutting and taking away fallen or felled trees— Murray River Park (1) For the heading to section 63B of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 substitute— "Cutting and taking away fallen or felled trees—Murray River Park". (2) Section 63B(1) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 is repealed. (3) In section 63B(2) of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, for "forest produce" substitute "fallen or felled trees". __________________ s. 20 -- 42 of 47 -- Part 4—Amendments to Other Acts and Repeal of Amending Act Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 40 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel PART 4—AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ACTS AND REPEAL OF AMENDING ACT Division 1—Amendment to the Land Act 1958 21 Persons found in possession of timber on Crown land At the end of section 200 of the Land Act 1958 insert— "(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the following— (a) a person found in possession of timber in a State forest (within the meaning of the Forests Act 1958); (b) a person found in possession of timber on land described in Division 2A or Division 5 of Part 4A of the Fifth Schedule to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. (3) In subsection (2)— timber has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Forests Act 1958.". See: Act No. 6284. Reprint No. 11 as at 19 August 2004 and amending Act Nos 63/2006, 85/2006, 12/2008, 4/2009, 40/2009, 68/2009, 82/2009, 1/2010, 6/2010, 62/2010 and 29/2011. LawToday: www. legislation. vic.gov.au s. 21 -- 43 of 47 -- Part 4—Amendments to Other Acts and Repeal of Amending Act Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 41 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Division 2—Amendment to the National Parks Act 1975 22 New section 44A inserted After section 44 of the National Parks Act 1975 insert— "44A Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees (1) A person must not, in a park, cut or take away 2 cubic metres or less of fallen or felled trees. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A person must not, in a park, cut or take away more than 2 cubic metres of fallen or felled trees. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who— (a) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in a park in accordance with a lease, licence, permit or authorisation held by the person under this Act or any other Act; or (b) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in a park in accordance with the regulations or regulations under any other Act. (4) In this section— fallen or felled trees includes parts of fallen or felled trees; tree or trees has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Forests Act 1958.". See: Act No. 8702. Reprint No. 13 as at 21 August 2010 and amending Act Nos 38/1989, 40/2009, 10/2010, 62/2010, 65/2010, 29/2011 and 7/2012. LawToday: www. legislation. vic.gov.au s. 22 -- 44 of 47 -- Part 4—Amendments to Other Acts and Repeal of Amending Act Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 42 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Division 3—Amendment to the Wildlife Act 1975 23 New section 21AA inserted After section 21 of the Wildlife Act 1975 insert— "21AA Offence to cut or take away fallen or felled trees (1) A person must not cut or take away 2 cubic metres or less of fallen or felled trees in a State Wildlife Reserve or a Nature Reserve. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (2) A person must not cut or take away more than 2 cubic metres of fallen or felled trees in a State Wildlife Reserve or a Nature Reserve. Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both. (3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a person who— (a) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in a State Wildlife Reserve or a Nature Reserve in accordance with a lease, licence, permit or authorisation held by the person under this Act or any other Act; or (b) cuts or takes away fallen or felled trees in a State Wildlife Reserve or a Nature Reserve in accordance with the regulations or regulations under any other Act. See: Act No. 8699. Reprint No. 8 as at 29 February 2008 and amending Act Nos 45/2008, 40/2009, 68/2009, 82/2009, 6/2010, 7/2010, 62/2010, 65/2010, 78/2010 and 29/2011. LawToday: www. legislation. vic.gov.au s. 23 -- 45 of 47 -- Part 4—Amendments to Other Acts and Repeal of Amending Act Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 43 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (4) In this section— fallen or felled trees includes parts of fallen or felled trees; tree or trees has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Forests Act 1958.". Division 4—Repeal of amending Act 24 Repeal of amending Act This Act is repealed on 1 September 2013. Note The repeal of this Act does not affect the continuing operation of the amendments made by it (see section 15(1) of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984). ═══════════════ s. 24 -- 46 of 47 -- Forests Amendment Act 2012 No. 46 of 2012 44 Authorised by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel ENDNOTES † Minister's second reading speech— Legislative Assembly: 18 April 2012 Legislative Council: 21 June 2012 The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill for an Act to amend the Forests Act 1958 and the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, to make consequential amendments to the Land Act 1958, the National Parks Act 1975 and the Wildlife Act 1975, and for other purposes." Endnotes -- 47 of 47 --