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Halt on native hardwood use in construction by Allan Labor government stirs criticism by Melina Bath

Melina Bath argues with the government's decision to stop using native hardwood timber in various construction elements as it impacts consumer choice and attempts to justify the closure of Victoria's native hardwood timber industry.

By news@gippsland - 2nd November 2023 - Back to News

The Victorian building industry has been directed to cease designing and constructing homes with native hardwood timber by the Labor government. In a recent letter to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Labor "strongly recommends" builders cease using native hardwood varieties in flooring, staircases, beams, doors, windows, architectural features, decking and cladding.

Victorian hardwood, valued for its bushfire resistance, should be part of the solution but Labor's decision is making life harder for Victorians

Consumer choice manipulation

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said clearly Labor is dictating consumer choice but seeking to hide behind the HIA, labelling the directive "outrageous". "This is Labor's poor attempt to manipulate product demand to justify its appalling decision to close Victoria's native hardwood timber industry."

"Local building companies have said it should be up to the government to explain supply issues of construction products, not make them the bearer of bad news. Builders are already being hit with increased costs and reduced availability of materials, this is yet another challenge in the midst of the housing and rental crisis," Ms Bath said.

Housing delivery doubts

During question time today Ms Bath challenged the Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing on the government's ability to deliver its promised 80,000 new homes a year, citing its latest directive. "Minister Shing obfuscated, claiming the question was not in her portfolio. There is no way Labor can deliver even a fraction of its promised housing given Victoria's material supply shortages, rapidly escalating construction costs and workforce issues."

"The distressing reality is that Victorian hardwood is regularly preferred by builders and consumers for its bushfire resistant properties, compared to overseas alternatives harvested under less stringent environmental standards - our hardwood should be part of the solution. The devil is always in the detail with Labor, this is a government that's all spin and zero substance. Meanwhile life gets much harder for all Victorians under Labor," Ms Bath said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com