The State Government must reverse its decision to axe the timber industry in Victoria, the Member
for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has told Parliament.
Ms Broad said it was clear Victorians rely heavily on timber.
“We use timber to build houses, for furniture, floorboards, staircases and window frames. We use
timber to create products like copy paper, cardboard and paper bags, and as people struggle to pay
rising energy bills many rely on firewood for heating. This is particularly important in regional areas.
“Victoria’s population is growing, and we don’t produce enough timber to meet the demand. We use
timber from other states – and import hardwood from countries that don’t have the same
environmental standards.”
Ms Broad said there was no waste when a tree was harvested as every part of the tree is used. Trees
are also a key part of the wider environmental picture.
“The Nationals want Victoria to become a clean green state – to do so we need to expand the timber
industry, not shut it down,” Ms Broad said.
“Our native timber industry should be praised for its role in helping the environment. Trees absorb
carbon and even timber once cut or made into furniture stores carbon. We need more of it, not less.”
Ms Broad said the native forest industry harvests less than 0.04% of Victoria’s total forest area per
year. By law every tree harvested must be replanted, and Old Growth Forests cannot be touched.
Labor’s scheme to close the native timber industry in 2024 – six years ahead of schedule – gives no
time for individuals, businesses and towns to transition.
“I was at Powelltown Sawmill recently with Cindy McLeish, Member for Eildon, to meet with those
directly impacted by this decision. The business employs up to 40 staff, including some that have
always worked in the industry who will struggle to find employment elsewhere.
“I met a contractor who has worked with VicForest since 2007 in seed collection and regeneration.
He’s called every hotline seeking assistance but doesn’t qualify under Labor’s package. He used to
employ 15 staff, now he’s drawing down his mortgage and struggling to support a young family.”
Ms Broad said Labor’s ‘support packages’ were hard to access and forced people into silence, while
TAFE vouchers and referrals to busy mental health services offered little hope to people whose lives
had been destroyed by this decision.
“Labor must reverse this short-sighted decision and help the timber industry grow in Victoria.”
Photo caption: Powelltown Sawmill, where workers are struggling with the Government’s decision to axe Victoria’s timber industry.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
