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Government’s Native Timber Argument Falling DownLocal concerns raised following the decision by the State Government to cease the harvesting of native timber by 2030. By Portal Admin - 8th December 2019 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe has today used Question Time in State Parliament to raise local concerns following the decision by the State Government to cease the harvesting of native timber by 2030.
Since the State Government’s announcement earlier in the month to axe what has been a sustainable native timber industry, there has been much criticism, angst and anger from many different angles and perspectives.
"It just defies belief that any Government can make such a significant announcement without seemingly knowing the impact it will have upon thousands of regional Victorian small businesses, workers, families and communities that rely upon the future of a sustainable timber industry", Mr Northe said from Parliament House this afternoon.
His question coincided with a rally on the steps of Parliament this morning as Victorian forestry industry workers and their families, demonstrated their support of a future Victorian sustainable timber industry.
"I put a question to the Premier today, on what analysis has been completed to see what local job losses are likely to occur as a consequence of the State Government taking this position", Mr Northe continued, "and unfortunately, I’m still not satisfied that the Government fully recognise or even understand what this will in reality mean for regional communities like ours".
"Whilst I commend any support the State Government might provide to Australian Paper, one has to wonder how and where the necessary supply of softwood timber will come from", Mr Northe continued.
"It is just over two years since Carter Holt Harvey closed its Morwell sawmill operations with 160 direct jobs lost. And why did the company close its doors – well in their own words they were unable to access softwood timber at the volume or quality they needed!"
"So whilst there have been some assurances that no jobs will be lost at Australian Paper one has to question just where the resource will actually be derived from", Mr Northe said.
Unfortunately the Premiers answers to my questions still leave a great deal of uncertainty for those who work directly and indirectly in the timber and forestry sectors and the many communities who have helped sustain this same sector for decades.
Please see Mr Northe’s question and the Premiers response here
Please see an associated documents attached and via this link
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community. - Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026. - Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions. - East Gippsland hosts first Creative Summit, celebrating local artists, culture, community and future creativity on 28 March 2026
East Gippsland’s first Creative Summit on 28 March brings artists, performers, and creatives together to celebrate talent, connect communities, showcase projects, and shape the region’s cultural future through IMMERSIVE programs. - Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers. - Baw Baw Employment Expo returns October 2025, showcasing local jobs, training, networking and career opportunities
The Baw Baw Employment Expo returns 16 October 2025, offering free access to local job opportunities, training, networking, resume support, and career advice for job seekers and businesses. - TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena showcases South Gippsland local artists’ work, open Fridays to Mondays until 20 April 2026
TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena at Coal Creek showcases works by local artists across print, photography and film, open Friday to Monday and daily during school holidays until April 20. - Mallacoota’s new purpose-built Respite Care Centre opens, providing local residents high-quality recovery support close to home
The new Mallacoota Respite Care Centre provides local residents with high-quality, home-like recovery support, keeping them connected to the community while enhancing safety and healthcare services for years to come. - Danny O’Brien said the state’s fuel price app is ineffective, though price transparency tools like Servo Saver can help strained household budgets
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges state and federal governments to secure regional fuel supply, warning rising costs, panic-buying, and supply restrictions threaten farmers, transport, essential services, and local households. - Yarragon’s $3.9M Dowton Park Pavilion progressing, boosting local sport, community facilities and infrastructure by March 2026
Construction of Yarragon’s $3.9 million Dowton Park pavilion is progressing well, with steel framing, utilities, and key facilities underway, set for completion and community use by March 2026. - Sardine dining in Bairnsdale showcases fresh local seafood with chef Mark Briggs’ expert touch
SARDINE Dining in Bairnsdale, led by chef Mark Briggs, serves expertly sourced Lakes Entrance seafood, refined dishes, and a stylish wine bar, earning six chef’s hats and drawing diners region-wide. - East Gippsland Council to install raised pedestrian crossings and enhanced lighting on Lakes Entrance Church Street
East Gippsland Council will install two raised pedestrian crossings and improved lighting on Church Street, Lakes Entrance, enhancing safety, prioritising pedestrians, and supporting safer travel for residents and visitors. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Martin Cameron urges urgent action to secure Traralgon Junior International and protect millions in local economic benefits
Martin Cameron is urging urgent action from Latrobe City Council and the Allan government to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Association facilities and secure the Traralgon Junior International future and its $2.9 million economic benefits. - Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season.
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