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Heyfield timber forum successThe inaugural Heyfield Timber Forum proved to be a huge success last week when about 40 industry representatives from across Victoria met at the Heyfield Hub to discuss the state of the industry. By Wellington Shire Council - 9th September 2005 - Back to News Wellington councillor Malcolm Hole said the forum identified ways to drive the industry forward, especially in the Gippsland timber town of Heyfield.
Cr Hole said: "There was strong support for drawing new businesses to Heyfield, including the furniture industry to support the existing industry we already have in place.
"But a number of challenges were also identified including the need to raise the profile of the timber industry, obtain more State Government support and further increase employment and training opportunities in the industry."
Cr Hole said it was interesting to note that the timber industry turnover in Wellington was estimated at $179 million per annum or 15 per cent of the total timber turnover in Gippsland.
"The industry employs about 800 people in Wellington or about 25 per cent of the Gippsland timber workforce and they earn more than $35 million per annum between them."
"It is an extremely important industry for Wellington Shire and has huge potential for further growth in terms of new business and more employment."
Two committees were elected to identify issues and challenges raised at the forum.
The Gippsland Timber Group aims to establish an industry voice for the region and to develop a Gippsland Timber Industry Strategy Plan. Its membership comprises: Ewan Waller (Chair – Vic Forests), Cr Michael Freshwater (East Gippsland Shire), Nick Murray (VAFI), Rob Willersdorf (GPF), Owen Trumper (Grand Ridge Plantations), Timber Towns Rep., David Stone (Forestech), Gippsland Local Government Network and GACC / GAF
The Sustainable Timber Enterprise Precinct (STEP) – comprising Cr Malcolm Hole (Chairman), Nick Murray (VAFI), Diane Carson (RDV), John Ozmalek (FIAA), Vince Hurley (NSTI), local MPs Peter Hall and Craig Ingram, Wellington Economic Development, David Stone (Forestech), Nathan Trushall (Vic Forests) - will look at opportunities and infrastructure requirements.
Cr Hole said Members of Parliament, Government department chiefs, industry representatives and landowners attended the forum.
The Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, and the Member for Gippsland Province Peter Hall described the forum as "very positive".
The two local Members said they would be delighted to assist the new committees.
Heyfield has been a timber town for many decades and these days is renowned for having the biggest hardwood processing mill in the southern hemisphere.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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