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Labor government backs forestry transition with grants supporting jobs and economic opportunities in impacted communities

Labor government is backing job creation with Forestry Transition Fund grants, supporting Gippsland to diversify, expand, and create new employment opportunities in communities impacted by timber industry transition.

By news@gippsland - 13th August 2025 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government is supporting job creation and business development in former native timber industry communities with grants funded through the second round of the Forestry Transition Fund grants program.

The Allan Labor government's Forestry Transition Fund offers grants up to $1 million, helping former timber towns diversify, expand, and create new business and employment opportunities

Forestry transition grants

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced the fund will award more than $69,000 to two business owners - a mechanical repair business in northern Victoria and a local meat supply company in Gippsland.

Set up to support eligible businesses and industry groups in or around the towns directly impacted by the end of commercial native timber harvesting in state forests, the program offers grants up to $1 million to expand, diversify or start new businesses. Chambers of commerce, peak bodies and business networks, local councils and incorporated not-for-profits that operate as businesses are also eligible to apply for the grants.

Local business grants

For Game On Meats in Gippsland, a grant of more than $49,000 from the second round of grants will ensure the delivery of fresh produce directly to more customers, while also creating additional jobs in the district. The business has been supplying premium venison and kangaroo meat directly to market for four years - offering a three-day turnaround to give his customers the freshest possible product.

One of the greatest challenges has been supplying Melbourne markets, with customers required to collect the produce from Traralgon - the grant enabling the business to purchase a new truck and hire two part-time staff to expand and make deliveries to Melbourne. In northern Victoria, a $20,000 grant will help local Gunbower business, Adam Chambers Mechanical, as it transitions away from forestry and towards agriculture.

Established as a family business in 2013, it specialises in mechanical repair and servicing work for the forestry industry, with the grant helping to purchase new equipment and increase staff hours as the business shifts operations towards on-site farm servicing - benefiting farmers who will save crucial time and money. Expressions of interest for the latest round of grants closes on 29 August 2025. For more information visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website or call 1800 318 182.

Supporting local businesses

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said, "We are proud to support local businesses to grow - these grants not only mean that these businesses can expand, but it will also open up other job opportunities to locals in these small former forestry towns."

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said, "This will support the growth of a great local business and ensure more jobs for the local community in the Loddon Mallee region."

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "Getting more Gippsland produce to market is good for local jobs and good for our local economy."

Forestry business support

Gordon Fehst, Game On Meats said, "I've been travelling to WA to make ends meet. This grant means I can put all my effort into the business, into the community. It's something I'm proud to do. This community is important to me. I have been able to contribute to the local economy and to jobs in this area - supported by the Forestry Transition Fund. I can see a really bright future for us."

Adam Chambers, owner AJ Chambers said, "When things come up, sometimes you have to dig your heels in and give new things a go. The Forestry Transition Fund grant has given me confidence about shifting the business. I have had a lot of community support and everyone is on board."

Pictures from Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com