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Gippsland communities suffer as Andrews Labor government favours inner city voters over local jobs

Gippsland communities have been left reeling after the Andrews Labor government hit another nail into the Victorian native timber industry's coffin.

By news@gippsland - 16th February 2023 - Back to News

Workers at Australia's last white paper manufacturer - Opal, in Maryvale - were told the mill will close after the Labor government's failure to supply timber. It is estimated 200 workers will lose their jobs after a court order halted VicForests timber harvesting operations across the state last year.

Without support it is expected there will be a significant impact to workers, their families and the wider local business community

Needs employment support

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, said the company was forced to make the hard decision after no other sources of hardwood were available. "Labor has failed not only the workers at Opal and the local economies that rely on the mill, but the industries that can no longer source local paper such as newspaper and other printers."

"The Liberals and Nationals have been supporters of Victoria's native forest industry and taken this fight to Parliament many times. Legal loopholes have meant Gippsland communities are suffering, all because the Andrews Labor government has been garnering favour with inner-city voters. Victoria's sustainable native timber industry is world-class, yet it has been brought to its knees by Daniel Andrews and his Ministers." Ms Kealy said.

Ms Kealy said Labor must ensure workers impacted are supported to find other employment in the region. "The Andrews Labor government must ensure it looks after these workers who have lost their livelihoods."

Pictures from Australian Paper Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com