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Vic dairy industry restructure forecasted

Dramatic changes on the calendar

By ABC online - 1st March 2001 - Back to News

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• Tim Bull says Victorian government timber industry compensation package inadequate and lacking essential information
  State government's timber industry compensation package flaws and inadequate compensation have raised concerns, prompting calls for fairer support from various quarters, including Eastern Victorian MLC Melina Bath.
• Victorian government abruptly reverses native hardwood ban in construction citing industry consultation and pressure from Nationals
  Government assured HIA members of ongoing access to Victorian mill hardwood. Melina Bath of The Nationals criticised Labor for dictating customer choices, highlighting strain on mills and workers.
• Victorian Minister for Agriculture meets with One Gippsland to reinforce need for successful timber industry transition programs
  The Forestry Transition Implementation Reference Group, overseen by the Victorian Minister for Agriculture, includes One Gippsland and other stakeholders to advise on, improve, and ensure successful forestry transition programs.
• Victorian Treasurer urged to work with federal government to easing taxes on lump-sum payouts of timber workers amid industry shutdown
  Request for Treasurer to collaborate with Commonwealth counterparts, addressing high taxes on redundant timber industry workers' lump-sum payouts, preventing undue financial burden on hardworking individuals facing job loss and industry shutdown.
• 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.
• Victorians deserve the truth on timber shutdown from Andrews Labor government as it avoids accountability and transparency
  Workers, families and communities whose livelihoods rely on Victoria's $7.3 billion native timber industry are demanding the truth on the state Labor government's 2030 ban.
• Victorian Liberals and Nationals overturn Andrews Labor government blocking of urgent amendments to legislation on timber industry
  The Nationals Leader Peter Walsh says his party wanted amendments to the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 to better protect workers.
• Tim Bull criticises Andrews Labor Victorian 2023 Budget for severely impacting native timber industry and providing insufficient compensation
  Tim Bull, expressed disappointment over the Labor Budget's impact on regional Victorians, particularly the closure of the native timber industry without adequate compensation or plans for alternative industries.
• Victoria needs positive plan to rebuild rural healthcare in regions like Gippsland
  Due to the challenges of the pandemic and workforce isolation requirements on our hospitals, suggests making changes to government legislation and funding criteria for better mental health services.
• Regional Victoria motorist and transport operators down continues to drag from Andrews Labor government drastic road funding cuts
  Transport operators who have been involved in the industry for decades say road quality is dragging down retention of drivers who don't want to drive a road network that's"rough as guts".
• Table Tennis Victorian Country Championships and more to be held at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium from 2023 to 2030
  Latrobe City is set to become the home of table tennis in Victoria with two of the biggest events on the annual table tennis calendar to be hosted in Gippsland for the next eight years.
• Darren Chester challenges Victorian Labor politicians to reject plan to shut down timber industry in Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is challenging Victorian Labor politicians to reject the Andrews Government plan to shut down the native hardwood timber industry by 2030.
• Failure to support timber industry by Andrews Labor government gives regional Victorian hammer blow for jobs and sustainability
  Victorian Labor's failure to support the timber industry is already costing jobs from the locals.
• Danny O'Brien gives fiery address on Victorian budget for road maintenance, timber industry and numerous projects
  In his parliamentary address, Danny O'Brien of Gippsland South criticises Victoria's budget, highlighting issues with road maintenance, the timber industry, and the government's handling of numerous projects.
• Million dollar cuts to Victorian agriculture is cruel disappointment to farmers as Andrews Labor government slashes funding
  Pet census and a destructive plan to shut down the native timber industry are the biggest ticket items for agriculture in a Labor state budget that's a cruel disappointment for Victorian farmers.
• Nationals call for urgent action to protect Victorian agriculture and honey industry from Varroa mite threat
  The Nationals demand urgent action to protect Victoria's agriculture and honey industry from the varroa mite threat, emphasising its potential catastrophic impact on honeybee populations and crop pollination.
• More than a hundred jobs to be cut from Agriculture Victoria reducing services to food and fibre industry by Andrews Labor government
  As all Victorians continue to be impacted by food shortages and major disruptions to the food supply chain, Labor will axe 109 jobs from Agriculture Victoria this year.
• Darren Chester urges Timber Towns Victoria Roundtable to get involved in the federal election campaign with jobs and environmental messages
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has told a Timber Towns Victoria Roundtable 'we need to keep fighting to save our timber industry because people and wildlife die in poorly managed forests'.
• Dairy farmers are eager for automated systems along Newry pipeline that will improve efficiency and water conservation in Macalister
  James Clyne, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, anticipates the benefits of the Newry pipeline, replacing open irrigation channels with automated systems, enhancing farming efficiency and water conservation.
• No food on the shelves for Victoria if Andrews Labor Government fails fix food supply chain workforce shortages
  Industry has warned there'll be "no food on the shelves" if the Andrews Labor Government fails to act to fix workforce shortages that risk bringing Victoria's food supply chain to a grinding halt.
• Danny O'Brien seeks plan from Victorian Minister for Energy to show Gippsland benefits from proposed offshore wind industry
  Request to Minister for Energy and Resources: Plan needed to ensure Gippsland benefits from offshore wind industry, including consultation coordination and community benefits for the region.
• Fair compensation and transparency for Victorian timber workers needed to counter Andrew Labor government lack of clarity
  The Nationals advocate for transparent compensation for Victoria's native timber industry workers. Concerns raised over lack of clarity and support after industry closure. Efforts to secure fair compensation continue.
• East Gippsland Shire Council criticises Victorian government decision altering planning rules for major developments decision-making transferred to Planning Minister
  Minister will decide major housing projects over $15 million, no public appeal rights. Changes also affect other developments. East Gippsland Council opposes, citing lack of consultation and potential disenfranchisement.
• Pledge of $110M for Gippsland plantations by Victorian Labor government resulted in just 4,000 trees disappointing Timber industry transition
  State Labor government pledged $110 million for Gippsland plantations but only planted 4,000 trees in six years, failing commitments to support local jobs and the timber industry, deeply disappointing Gippsland's workforce.
• Floods from previous years in exposed flaws Victoria Labor government Emergency Management warning system and Vic Emergency App
  The 2021 flood event in Victoria reveals shortcomings in the Labor government's emergency management warning system, including inaccuracies, lack of alerts, and inadequate communication, causing concern among regional communities.
• Justice Melinda Richards of the Victorian Supreme Court shuts down the majority of timber harvesting in East Gippsland
  A decision by Justice Richards in the Supreme Court yesterday has delivered a shocking Christmas blow to timber industry workers in East Gippsland.
• Latrobe Valley Authority sustainable transition plan with Victorian government and industry collaboration recognised by council
  Council recognizes Latrobe Valley Authority's plan, harmonising with council's goals, fostering collaboration, for community, economic, and sustainable progress.
• Melina Bath calls Andrews Labor government prematurely closing Victorian native timber industry and false environmentalism
  Melina Bath, Member for Eastern Victoria Region, criticised the Andrews Government for falsely claiming environmentalism and abandoning timber workers.
• Latrobe City Council calls for Victorian government to support for timber industry
  Release of code of practice for timber industry that has been on a long delayed by the state government.
• Andrews Labor government rundown on native timber industry leaves Victorians axed from woodchopping events
  Centuries-old sport is at risk as the Andrews Labor government continues to fail Victoria's native timber industry.
• Latrobe City Council Aged Care and Services to undergo significant changes from July 2022
  Council services will undergo significant changes across Latrobe City with council set to transfer the Aged Care and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People services to new providers in July 2022.
• Reset and renewed focus on regional Victoria needed following Daniel Andrews departure as Victorian Premier
  Addressing concerns involves enduring extended COVID restrictions, event cancellations, increasing costs, healthcare strains, heavy tax burdens, escalating debt, housing shortages, industry setbacks, and energy challenges.
• Liveability and growth reduced in regional Victoria from highly under-serviced by public transport
  Extreme gaps on regional Victoria's public transportation shows that the government fails to provide a plan for the recovery of the region, making it hard for the region's industry and producers to even lesser productivity and profit.
• Melina Bath queries Treasurer about compensation for service-based businesses affected by the timber industry shutdown
  Melina Bath directs her question to the Treasurer regarding Trevor Hodge's plea for compensation eligibility for service-based enterprises affected by the timber industry closure.
• Noojee transition plan from timber industry to be developed by independent project officer with $360,000 from Victorian Forestry grant
  State government initiative that would help support the timber communities and local jobs.
• Uncertainty by Andrews Labor government towards timber industry puts centuries-old woodchopping sport for Victorian athletes in danger
  The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O'Brien says the Andrews Labor government's ongoing vendetta against the native timber industry is now threatening the centuries-old sport of woodchopping.
• Ending Native Timber Industry on 1 January 2024 by Andrews Labor government deeply hurts Gippsland and erases $1.4B industry
  Russell Broadbent criticises the Andrews government's decision to end Victoria's Native Timber Industry in 2024. He argues it harms communities and the environment while missing carbon capture opportunities.
• Timber industry in Gippsland needs more detail and support as time lines and solutions remain still unclear
  Tim Bull, Gippsland East MP, welcomes support for timber industry workers but urges clear timelines, in-person assistance, and firewood shortage solutions. Concerns remain.
• Prime Minister Albanese criticised for deceiving Gippsland timber workers and not protecting Victorian native hardwood industry by Darren Chester
  Prime Minister Albanese accused of misleading timber workers, neglecting native hardwood industry, and failing to protect regional areas from Victoria's timber ban, drawing criticism from Darren Chester.
• Appalling timber industry closure offer with low compensation and unclear terms called out by Tim Bull on Allan Labor government
  Tim Bull, criticises the state government's meager timber industry closure offer, citing inadequate compensation, capped reimbursements, and lack of clarity for impacted businesses.
• Ill-conceived changes on camping riverfront licences by Victorian Labor amended by Nationals and Liberals
  The Nationals have announced a policy to back farmers who are angry about Labor government plans to allow camping on their riverfront licences.
• Feedback wanted from Gippsland dairy farmers on Dairy Code of Conduct
  Local MP Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland dairy farmers to have their say on the Dairy Code of Conduct.
• Neglect on Gippsland timber industry packages and bushfire rebuild delays cited by Tim Bull shows Allen Labor government does not care
  Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull raised concerns in Parliament over delayed timber industry departure packages and slow bushfire rebuild progress, criticising government's lack of rural support.
• Liberal Nationals urging support for simple changes to transform Victorian children mental health
  Today, the Victorian government finally backflipped on its opposition to much-needed reforms that will unlock more mental health practitioners to work in Victorian schools.
• Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
  Labor's new fresh food tax, criticised by industry, lacks clarity on payment and collection. Nationals oppose it, citing absurdity and harm to families and farmers. Industry voices confusion and opposition.
• Premier Jacinta Allan timber industry understanding in question after her response on difference between hardwood and softwood
  Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, questions Premier Jacinta Allan's understanding of the timber industry, highlighting her response regarding hardwood and softwood supply concerns in Parliament last year.
• Rising power prices impacting Gippsland dairy farmers and agricultural producers
  Despite the unusual snowfall in Warragul, high power prices affect dairy farmers and businesses, increasing production costs and impacting the community.
• Noojee nominated as finalist in 2022 Top Tourism Town Awards by Victoria Tourism Industry Council
  Baw Baw Shire's beloved town of Noojee has been announced as a finalist in a highly-prized annual tourism awards program. All residents are encouraged to vote now to help Noojee take out the top accolade.
• Latrobe City Council develops industry transition plan to shift towards sustainable, diverse economy as coal industry closes
  Latrobe City shifts from traditional power generation to sustainable industries, aided by 'Our Transition' plan for economic diversification and low-emission future.
• Change opening hours at Leongatha South Gippsland Customer Service counter from 9 January 2023
  Changes in South Gippsland customer service reception hours starts on 9 January 2023.
• Destruction of Mallacoota abalone industry grounds by invasive sea urchin needs to be prevented by Andrews Labor government
  The state government has been asked to address the sea-urchin invasion that is destroying important Mallacoota abalone industry grounds.
• Nationals support horticulture and agriculture industry with fair prices and prioritising water infrastructure in regional Australia
  Acknowledgment and gratitude for the horticulture industry's contribution during challenging times. Commitment to support agriculture, repeal unfavourable policies, and promote fair prices. Water infrastructure and stewardship emphasised.
• Firewood scarcity resulting from native timber industry closure by Andrews Labor government will impact Gippsland households
  Concerns arise over firewood scarcity after Andrews Labor government shuts down native timber industry. Implications on households, demand, and need for proactive solutions to ensure affordable supply.
• Criticism for not extending domestic firewood collection period from shortages from native timber industry closure by Victorian Labor government
  Tim Bull stresses the need for affordable firewood and requests the Environment Minister's assurance for ongoing access, along with a review of firewood collection procedures.
• Farmers not heard by Albanese Labor government on industry impacts and raising costs for Australian families says David Littleproud
  Agriculture Minister Murray Watt's actions have eroded farmers' confidence, as Labor dismisses their concerns and ignores industry impacts, raising costs for Australian families.
• Melina Bath criticised Andrews Labor government for lack of support for workers affected by elimination of Victorian native timber industry
  Melina Bath strongly criticised the Andrews government in state parliament for its decision to shut down Victoria's native timber industry, abandoning workers and communities and failing to address loopholes in the Timber Code of Practice.
• Andrews Labor government will have to face the crisis in Victorian regional healthcare
  With the election of the new government, there will be changes to the arrangements for doctors and where they can and can't work.
• Julie Foat from Maffra transitioned to construction industry and now contributes to Newry Pipeline Project in East Gippsland
  A former health and community worker, has transitioned to the construction industry to contribute to the Newry Pipeline Project in East Gippsland.
• Baw Baw local arts, culture and events industry gets solid support by council 2022/23 budget
  Council's Annual Budget delivers support for the local arts, culture and events industry to draw more visitors to the region and create vibrant and connected communities for the Shire.
• Commercial review of Livestock Exchange to prioritise industry and community needs being done by East Gippsland Shire Council
  East Gippsland Shire Council will conduct a commercial review of the Livestock Exchange, prioritising industry and community needs. No decisions until report completion; consultant engagement ensures impartiality and stakeholder involvement.
• Chaos due to lack of planning and more uncertainty regarding the native timber industry shutdown revealed by VicForests
  State government's native timber industry decision chaos exposed lack of planning, uncertainty, and concerns over VicForests' future, as revealed in internal email.
• Loss of respected form analyst and media personality Deane Lester mourned by Victorian racing industry
  Racing industry is mourning the loss of Deane Lester, aged 54.
• Orbost Airport wins National Airport Industry Award for 2021 from Australian Airport Association
  The airport, along with Bairnsdale and Mallacoota airports, is managed by East Gippsland Shire Council.
• Businesses and employees participation wanted in 2022 Business and Industry Survey by Bass Coast Shire Council which is open until Monday 23 May
  Bass Coast Shire Council's 2022 Business and Industry Survey is now open. We are calling on our 3,200 businesses, employing almost 11,000 people to participate in the survey.
• Corner inlet collaborative effort yields improved farm profitability and better dairy effluent management in South Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA, partners, and South Gippsland farmers meet to discuss dairy effluent management and nutrient reduction in Corner Inlet.
• Danny O'Brien questions Dan Andrews about advancing the timber industry end date at Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearings
  Andrews Labor government decision to end the native timber industry lacks guarantees of new employment opportunities, disappointing timber towns and breaking promises.
• Lakes Entrance Aquadome wins 2022 Small Facility Management Award at Aquatic and Recreation Victoria Industry Awards
  The Lakes Entrance Aquadome came out on top at the recent Aquatic and Recreation Victoria Industry Awards.
• One Gippsland appreciates state government support for timber industry transition and vows to ensure no one is left behind
  One Gippsland appreciates the state government's timber industry support during transition. They emphasise the importance of aiding impacted parties and vow to ensure no one is left behind, advocating for local benefits.
• AUSVEG delegation to Canberra to advocate industry concerns welcomed by Darren Chester
  Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland, welcomes AUSVEG delegation to Canberra led by Bill Bulmer, emphasising industry significance and urging collaboration on issues like market imbalance, water supply, and workforce access.
• Insufficient aid to Gippsland timber families from industry closure is fault on Allen Labor government
  Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, criticises the Labor government's lack of support for timber families amid industry closure, highlighting unresolved issues and environmental concerns in their decision-making process.
• Tim Bull and Darren Chester to discuss impact of early timber industry closure in Orbost and support for affected families
  Local Nationals MPs Tim Bull and Darren Chester will be available at the Orbost Football Netball Club this Friday to discuss the impacts of the early timber industry closure. Drop-in opportunity between 10am and noon.
• Tim Bull urges return of Bass Strait oil and gas fields to fishing industry to reduce impacts on commercial fishing and regional economy
  Tim Bull urges return of Bass Strait oil and gas areas to fishing, and seeks government cooperation for full restoration, citing impacts on commercial fishing, regional economy, and the need for support.
• Darren Chester urges Prime Minister to intervene to protect Gippsland timber industry jobs and prevent reliance on imported timber
  Darren Chester emphasises the need for national attention to save the native hardwood timber industry, expressing concerns over the Victorian government's decision to ban harvesting.
• Nationals expresses disappointment and concerns on shut down of native forest industry by Andrews Labor government
  Jonno Duniam expresses disappointment in the Labor Party for shutting down Victoria's native forest industry, causing economic and environmental concerns. Darren Chester emphasises the negative impact on jobs and regional towns.
• Gippsland communities, wildlife and jobs with be devastated as timber industry shut down by Andrews Labor government
  Premier Dan Andrews' plan to close the timber industry will devastate communities, kill jobs, and harm wildlife. Labor neglects blue-collar workers for Greens policies, ignoring the importance of sustainable timber and forest management.
• Southern Rural Water modernisation of water infrastructure to help Gippsland dairy farmers in 2023 and beyond
  How modernising water infrastructure helps young dairy farmers.
• Andrews Labor government leaves farmers vulnerable to foot and mouth disease with refusal to better protect Victorian agriculture industry
  Labor government neglects the agriculture sector, ignoring the biosecurity threat and the refusal to support changes to better protect the agriculture industry.
• Nationals hold forum in Heyfield to address impacts and compensation gaps as Gippsland timber industry closes
  Ahead of Victoria's timber industry closure, The Nationals hosted a Heyfield forum, addressing impacts, compensation gaps, fire prevention, and advocating for regional community support, strongly opposing Labor's decision.
• Andrews Labor Government 'to work from home if possible' causing strain in many businesses within CBD's across Victoria says Russell Northe
  Member for Morwell Russell Northe submits questions to parliament for the minister for industry support and recovery.
• Wet summer forecasted for Gippsland by Southern Rural Water
  Summer is forecast to bring above average rainfall across Southern Rural Water's service area. It will be like the high rainfall that saturated catchments in spring, leading to minor and moderate flooding in several river systems.
• Livelihoods of over 650 timber workers destroyed in Wellington Shire as native timber industry ended by Andrews Labor government
  Premier Daniel Andrews' decision to end native timber harvesting devastates over 650 workers in Wellington Shire. Lack of evidence and consultation shows disregard for regional communities. A dark day for the community.
• Danny O'Brien urges reconsideration of Barry Beach Port in South Gippsland for offshore wind industry to support Gippsland jobs
  Danny O'Brien urges the State Labor government to reconsider Barry Beach as the construction port for the offshore wind industry, emphasising job creation and economic benefits for Gippsland.
• All federal ministers urged to understand the importance of the defending agricultural industry from foot and mouth disease
  Darren Chester urges the ministers to communicate with the public clearly on how they prepare to keep the Australians safe from any foot and mouth disease outbreak
• Increased public land firewood access and extended season demanded by Nationals due to native timber industry closure and rising costs
  The Nationals advocate for increased firewood access on public land due to native timber industry closure and rising costs of heating. A review is ongoing.
• Russell Broadbent shows no excitement about plan for Australian manufacturing industry from Labor government
  Russell Broadbent opens up issues with regards to Australia's manufacturing industries.
• Federal Labor government must increase biosecurity to properly protect $80B Australian livestock industry from foot and mouth disease
  The Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud has urged the Labor government to act quickly and increase screening measures at our borders with confirmation of the extremely contagious foot and mouth disease in Bali.
• Tim Bull requests domestic firewood season reopen due to shortage due to halted timber industry in Gippsland
  Tim Bull explains firewood shortage due to halted timber industry, impacting access for residents. Costs rise, affecting seniors and low-income households. He suggests reopening public collection due to unusual dryness.
• Despite forecasted of dry autumn in Gippsland there is ample water available from previous wet months
  Despite a dry autumn forecast, plentiful water is available due to wetter months prior. Irrigation continues, with some restrictions in place. Customers urged to monitor use and seek information on restrictions.
• Andrews Labor government deals severe blow to Gippsland by advancing native timber industry shutdown
  The Andrews Labor government's decision to bring forward the native timber industry shut down has devastating consequences for timber workers, communities, and the environment, according to Danny O'Brien
• Liberals and Nationals move changes for better protections against farm trespass in Victoria
  Farmers won't be better protected against illegal and traumatic farm trespass crime unless amendments to on-the-spot fine laws are passed in the Victorian Parliament.