Gippsland › Latest news › Russell Broadbent MP
Russell Broadbent points out that closing Victorian sustainable hardwood timber industry is devastating blow from Andrews Labor government to Gippsland
The premature closure of Victoria's sustainable hardwood timber industry without a transition plan disregards communities, jobs, and the benefits of active forest management for regional areas.
The Victorian Premier's decision yesterday to shut down Victoria's world class sustainable hardwood native timber industry on 1 January 2024, is another kick in the guts for our small regional communities. Mr Broadbent said, "Local timber industries not only keep local people employed, they keep our small towns running."
Active forest management supports various activities like camping, hiking, beekeeping, and fishing, along with a sustainable timber industry
Job loss concerns
For the Victorian Government to close this industry, six years ahead of schedule, without any transition plan in place, is short-sighted and shows contempt for the communities and families that will lose their livelihoods. It's yet another blow during already stressful economic times.
The native hardwood timber industry is not what it was 30 years ago. It's become a sophisticated and environmentally sustainable industry that protects communities and wildlife from bushfires. By law, every tree harvested by the timber industry is regrown, with VicForests harvesting and regenerating approximately 3000 hectares each year.
We need active forest management in our region to support multiple uses such as camping, hiking, prospecting, beekeeping, fishing, and a sustainable native hardwood timber industry. The skills of these timber industry workers are hard to find and workers facing unemployment should be prioritised for roles in forest management, fuel reduction and other environmental work that protects our regional communities.
Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Bass Coast Shire Council draft 2024/25 Budget ready for community input prioritising $25M for climate-focused projectsPhoto contest winners from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority showcase regional waterway beauty
Community feedback wanted on Latrobe City Council draft 2024/2025 Budget by 6 May 2024
Latrobe City kindergarten enrolments for 2025 will open on 1 May 2024 with open day on 7 May 2024
Community feedback on Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement Policy in Bass Coast Shire by 12 May 2024
Baw Baw Shire Council partners with Lifeline Gippsland to offer mental health counselling training from 10 May to 19 June
Gippsland Water unveils latest climate change strategy to reach ambitious net zero goals and address climate change effects
Martin Cameron offers Marsh/Tierney Scholarship 2024 for one Morwell high school student to adventure along the Kokoda Trail
Royal Commission needed to uncover hidden human cost of pandemic on Australians says Russell Broadbent
'Annemieke Mein exhibits life work of over 200 artworks of her life to 26 May 2024