Plan guides transition to “sustainable future”

by Yvette Brand A 30-year plan for Victoria’s forestry industry, including a $120 million transition package for businesses, was promoted as “securing a sustainable future” when it was unveiled by Premier Daniel Andrews last week.

The state government announced an immediate end to logging in old growth forests and a strategy to reduce native timber supply agreements before they cease in 2030.

As part of the plan, $120 million will be set aside to ensure the industry is fully supported, backing long-term sustainable jobs and giving local workers confidence about their future.

But local workers and opposition members of parliament did not embrace the announcement, instead declaring the state government’s plan was another blow to small communities and hard-working families.

Under the plan, VicForests will extend existing timber supply agreements until 2024, after which native timber supply will be stepped down before ending in 2030.

Logging in remaining old growth forests will cease immediately, protecting around 90,000 hectares.

The plan also includes the release of the Greater Glider Action Statement, which immediately exempts another 96,000 hectares of forest from logging to protect the greater glider, Leadbeater’s possum and other threatened species.

To assist businesses as they prepare for this transition, the state government will provide dedicated funding to help local mills invest in new equipment that will allow them to process alternative timbers and support local jobs.

The funding package includes Australian Paper at Maryvale, which will be supported to transition to a full plantation-based supply, ensuring it operates until at least 2050, supporting almost 1000 employees and providing stability to its customers.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing said the plan also would help fund community projects that support local businesses and help create local jobs.

She said a consultative committee with representatives from industry, VicForests, unions, local councils and government would be established as a priority to ensure the transition was managed fairly.

Ms Shing said the plan addressed increased consumer and retailer demand for plantation timber products.

“In providing a 30-year forward plan, we’re creating a new, more sustainable future for this industry – but just as importantly, we’re giving local workers the certainty they deserve.

“This transition will be a challenge for many and require careful planning, support and engagement with industry, unions, workers and local communities across the region – particularly given the important role that forestry has played in our history, and the contribution that it has made to our state.

“As we work towards 2030, it will be vital that there are dedicated supports in place, including through ongoing investment in innovation, skills and training, technology and jobs,” Ms Shing said.

Mr Andrews said the plan built on the government’s $110 million investment to increase the state’s plantation timber supply.

He said the first of those plantation trees – 250,000 blue gum seedlings – were planted near Australian Paper’s Maryvale mill earlier this year.