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Outline of plan for security of saw log supply as timber crisis approaches needed from Andrews Labor government

The Andrews Labor government needs to outline its plans to secure saw log supply to East Gippsland's mills, which are approaching crisis time with lack access to timber supplies.

By news@gippsland - 25th August 2022 - Back to News

Nationals MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the government had contractual obligations to provide timber to these mills and it was not good enough that there was no security around supply and no communication on what was being done to address it. "Over recent weeks we have heard from mills in Bairnsdale and Orbost who are facing the prospect of their operations grinding to a halt and with the jobs involved, that would be devastating economically to the community."

Mr Bull has asked the Minister to outline how many mills are facing this crisis of no certainty around supply and what is being done to address it

Inaccessible timber

Mr Bull said, "The ridiculousness of all this is that our timber industry has access to just 5% of our native forest, the other 95% is either in reserve or inaccessible. That 95% is harvested on an 80-year rotation meaning each year the amount is 0.04 percent. When you listen to some of the outcry from green groups you would think the countryside is being pillaged, but it is 0.04% per year."

"This government needs to take a stronger line, open up more areas and ensure the timber industry has a sustainable supply to secure these local jobs and income for local families." Mr Bull has asked the Minister to outline how many mills are facing this crisis of no certainty around supply and what is being done to address it.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
  The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government.
• Parliamentary Inquiry visits South Gippsland to examine oil, gas decommissioning and regional transition opportunities
  State Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee visited South Gippsland to examine oil and gas decommissioning, and local government perspectives, highlighting infrastructure needs and renewable transition opportunities.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.