Study identifies options for Noojee
Initial studies and consultations have identified five potential opportunities to transition Noojee’s economy after the end of native timber harvesting.
The state government’s decision last month to close Victoria’s native timber industry at the end of this year - six years earlier than previously scheduled - has added urgency to the development of a strategy and plan for the town that has relied heavily on the timber industry for its existence.
The government funded Baw Baw Shire to engage a project manager for two years to prepare the economic transition plan due for completion next year.
The first stage has identified five areas - eco and sports tourism, hunting and game processing, niche agricultural industries, environmental education and renewable energy - where innovation could transform Noojee’s economy.
Project manager Krystal Barr is forming workshop groups from local people to further consider and develop the opportunities that have been identified.
A “context analysis” prepared by Ms Barr after extensive community consultation that lists the five main opportunities also highlights key challenges to their implementation including “fractures in the community due to personal beliefs and ambitions for the area’s future”.
The report lists the district’s environment as its most significant asset and which can be utilised for eco-tourism and sports tourism including as a site for a Forest Therapy Centre, an increasingly popular eco-tourist activity.
It also said proximity to Melbourne, attractive natural sites including Toorongo Falls, Amphitheatre Falls and Latrobe River, historical sites, campgrounds and location on the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Rd made it an attractive day trip.
The former Noojee primary school, unused in recent years, could be a base for day excursions and environmental education programs for primary, secondary and tertiary students, the report stated.
The analysis said hunting of wild deer, already popular in the Noojee area, could be expanded by “turning an environmental pest into an economic opportunity,” especially if a game processing facility was established to serve markets ranging from fine dining to pet food.
Land quality, topography and significant rainfall also provided opportunities for niche and specialised agricultural production.
Creation of an off the grid “renewable energy village” would address one of the area’s major problems given regular power outages that deter new businesses and inconvenience residents.
The analysis also highlighted community concerns with the appearance of the Noojee town centre with many people saying it was outdated, discouraged people from stopping and zoning requirements, flood mapping and bushfire management overlays discouraged new businesses being established.