Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Timber plantation industry ringbarked in Central GippslandFailure to support our local timber industry By Portal Admin - 20th May 2018 - Back to News Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath has slammed the Andrews Labor Government’s continued failure to support our local timber industry.
Twelve months ago the Andrews Labor government committed $110 million to establish more timber plantations in Victoria.
Ms Bath recently raised the issue in parliament, seeking an explanation on why the government had failed to support timber industry jobs.
"Hundreds of hectares of state-owned land in the Latrobe Valley that, until very recently, was used to grow plantation timber, now lies fallow," Ms Bath said.
"There has been a deafening silence from the government despite key industry stakeholders desperately working to secure more land, more trees and more jobs.
"The Andrews Labor government has failed to keep its promise to work with industry to expand Central Gippsland’s plantation estates and plantation-gown timber."
Labor’s Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford recently promised: "we will certainly be working very closely with industry and the community to increase the amount of plantation timber available to industry", but has failed to follow through.
Nationals Candidate for the Morwell and former Australian Paper Projects Accountant Sheridan Bond said the growing global demand for wood products meant there was a bright future for the local industry.
But an ongoing failure of the Andrews Labor Government to support local timber jobs was putting that future at risk.
"Local plantation contractors supply to saw millers, panel producers and paper mills, including Australian Paper, and a lack of planting now will have enormous ramifications for the supply chain in future," Ms Bond said.
"Workers in the plantation timber industry have not heard a whisper from the Andrews Labor Government.
"This is a government efficient at releasing media statements, but pathetic at delivering jobs in the timber industry".
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis. - Auditor-General report criticises Victoria’s timber shutdown, citing job losses, insecure work and failed transition planning
Auditor-General report criticises Victoria’s native timber shutdown, highlighting failed transition, job insecurity, and ongoing regional economic harm under the Allan government’s policy. - Darren Chester warns Labor-Greens EPBC reforms threaten Gippsland timber industry, jobs, and regional communities
Darren Chester warns Labor-Greens EPBC reforms threaten Gippsland’s native hardwood and plantation timber industry, risking jobs, regional communities, sustainable forest management, and increasing reliance on imported timber products. - Latrobe City Council opens applications for free 12-week industry growth program supporting business expansion until 16 January 2026
Latrobe City Council’s Industry Growth Program offers 12 weeks of business education, coaching, and mentoring, helping 15 eligible business leaders develop growth strategies and expand their businesses, free of charge. - Tim Bull accuses Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, prioritising former timber industry assets
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, and prioritising former timber industry assets over existing external plant panel workers. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - Wellington students explore aviation careers through industry tour across Sale and Longford facilities on 17 March 2026
Students from across Wellington Shire have taken a hands-on step into the world of aviation, experiencing firsthand the career opportunities available right on their doorstep through an Aviation Taster Tour hosted by Wellington Shire Council. - Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities. - Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Strategy guiding growth, investment, workforce and industry diversification through 2031
Latrobe City Council has endorsed an Economic Development Strategy to guide growth, investment, workforce development, and industry diversification, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and nationally significant industrial hub by 2031. - Darren Chester prioritises national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fisheries, forestry and local industry resilience through strategy
New Shadow Minister Darren Chester will prioritise national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fishers, forestry, and local communities through strategic investments, policy reforms, and protection of prime agricultural land. - East Gippsland introduces centralised kindergarten registration, simplifying enrolment and ensuring fair access across the region
East Gippsland Shire Council introduces a Kindergarten Central Registration Service, providing families a simple, fair, and streamlined way to register for funded 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs. - Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities. - Tim Bull urges better local firewood access from roadside clearing to ease East Gippsland shortages before winter arrives
Tim Bull urges authorities to make roadside clearing timber available locally, expand collection areas, and improve access to firewood for East Gippsland communities ahead of winter shortages. - Discover Noojee historic Trestle Bridge, explore lush forests, rail trails, waterfalls, and heritage sites in charming old timber town
Explore Noojee historic trestle bridge, Victoria’s tallest, stroll rail trails, chase waterfalls, fish the Latrobe River, and enjoy cafés, pubs, lush forests, and the majestic Ada Tree nearby. - East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - Gippsland Water’s mobile trailer supports community events while promoting health, sustainability and reducing single-use plastic
Gippsland Water’s mobile water trailer supports community events, providing free drinking water, promoting healthy choices, reducing single-use plastics, and enhancing public and environmental health across the region in 2026. - Gippsland Water reminds customers support is available for water bills with flexible plans and financial assistance options
Gippsland Water’s Customer Care team offers support for water bills, including flexible payment plans, financial assistance, utility relief grants, and connections to counsellors. Visit their website to learn more. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs and celebrating regional products
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs, celebrating regional produce, and helping small enterprises like Sale’s "Love in a Jar" thrive across the community. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
- East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025. - East Gippsland Shire Council reminds residents financial support options exist for ratepayers experiencing hardship to pay rates and charges
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds residents struggling to pay rates that support is available through its Hardship Policy, offering flexible payments, deferrals, possible waivers, and face-to-face assistance in local towns. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth. - East Gippsland Water donates hay to support farmers through Lions Club ‘Need for Feed’ program
East Gippsland Water donated two semi loads of hay to support drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south-west, demonstrating sustainability, community support, and its commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship. - East Gippsland encourages community to celebrate volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising contributions and inspiring others
East Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to celebrate volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising their vital contributions and encouraging nominations for the Volunteer Honour Roll, open year-round. - Darren Chester congratulates Infusa Distillery founders for showcasing Gippsland's produce, driving growth in local food and beverage industry
Darren Chester congratulated Infusa Distillery founders Stu and Jo Taylor for their award-winning spirits, local partnerships, and contribution to Gippsland's food and beverage industry, praising their innovation, growth, and regional pride. - Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer. - Gippsland Water launches annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign encouraging mindful water usage during hot weather
Gippsland Water has launched its annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign, encouraging customers to follow permanent water-saving rules and tips, conserve water during heat waves, and attend community education events. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region. - Gippslanders stand united, condemning violence and supporting victims of the tragic Bondi Beach attack
The Bondi Beach tragedy deeply saddens us. Gippslanders stand united, honoring victims, thanking brave responders, condemning violence, and calling for kindness, tolerance, and community support in the face of adversity. - East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard. - East Gippslander John Mulligan, 94, launches 'Our Mismanaged Forests', sharing lifetime environmental knowledge and practical forest management insights
East Gippslander John Mulligan, 94, launches Our Mismanaged Forests, sharing lifetime bush experience and advocating practical forest management, fuel reduction, and Indigenous fire practices to improve safety and environmental outcomes. - East Gippsland invites community to honour everyday heroes for 2026 Volunteer Honour Roll to be celebrated from 18-24 May 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for nominations to recognise local volunteers, with 2026 Honour Roll inductees celebrated during National Volunteer Week, showcasing their contributions and inspiring more people to volunteer. - East Gippsland Council launches VendorPanel for streamlined, transparent procurement and supports local businesses with information sessions
From December 2025, East Gippsland Council will use VendorPanel for streamlined procurement, offering online registration, fair opportunities, and information sessions to help local businesses navigate the platform effectively. - East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses. - Gippsland Lakes project restores critical shorebird habitat using science-based methods to support conservation and ecological health
A Gippsland Lakes restoration project is rebuilding shorebird habitat through sand renourishment, monitoring, and protection, supporting species like terns and plovers while guiding future conservation efforts. - South Gippsland Council partners with Volunteering Gippsland to support and deliver community training across Gippsland libraries and hubs
Council, with Volunteering Gippsland and regional councils, offers free community training at Korumburra Library, covering volunteer management, strategic planning, and partnership building across Gippsland. - East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community. - Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans during fire danger period
Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans, store emergency drinking water, and follow CFA advice during the Fire Danger Period from 27 October to 1 May 2026. - East Gippsland Shire Council invite local businesses to workshop mountain bike tourism opportunities in Omeo on 29 April 2026
Local businesses in Omeo are invited to a 29 April workshop to explore mountain bike tourism, gain insights, and learn practical strategies to attract visitors and boost local spending. - East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - East Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit, honouring events and initiatives making meaningful impact in 2026
The 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards honoured the Winter Festival and Breast Care Support Fund for fostering connection, generosity, and community spirit across the region. - Gippsland's diverse landscapes and bold winemakers offering flavours as varied and unforgettable as the region itself
From wild coastlines to rugged ranges, Gippsland delivers bold landscapes and diverse wines. At Eat Drink Play Gippsland, explore unique flavours, passionate winemakers, and stories bottled across this Switzerland-sized wine region. - Gippsland to join European Union Program showcasing regional innovation in clean energy, tourism, agriculture and sustainable development
Gippsland has been selected for a European Union research program, showcasing its leadership in clean energy, tourism, and agriculture while promoting international collaboration, innovation, and investment through the IURC initiative. - East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays. - Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents. - East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards honours volunteers, youth leaders, and inspiring community events
Over 200 people gathered at Lakes Entrance to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, honouring outstanding volunteers, youth leaders, and community events strengthening connection, service, and local spirit. - 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. - 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. - East Gippsland Council launches 10-Year Waste Plan to modernise recycling, reduce landfill and support a sustainable circular economy
East Gippsland Council adopts 10-Year Waste Plan, introducing FOGO, expanding kerbside services, reducing landfill, boosting recycling, and investing in sustainable, cost-effective, accessible waste and resource recovery solutions. - 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. - One Gippsland urges new major event to replace MotoGP, boosting tourism and regional economy
One Gippsland urges the 2026 Victorian budget to replace MotoGP with a new major event, boosting tourism, jobs, and economic growth while supporting cultural, nature-based, and renewable energy initiatives. - East Gippsland Council seeks feedback to shape Stormwater Management Plan addressing local drainage, flooding and infrastructure challenges
East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a Stormwater Management Plan and invites community feedback to identify flooding, drainage issues, and practical solutions, helping plan safer, more resilient local infrastructure.
|
|
