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New deadline brings mixed response

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The decision by the Victorian government to bring forward the end of native forest logging to January 2024 has been met with differing reactions.

The end date will be accelerated from 2030 to the start of next year through an additional $200 million of measures announced in Tuesday’s state budget.

President of Forestry Australia, Dr Michelle Freeman, said “We are dismayed by the announcement to stop native forest harvesting in Victoria at the end of the year, highlighting that the government has failed all Victorians in making this decision.

“The government’s decision is flawed and rather than being based on science, it is a decision motivated by ideology only and a big step backwards for sustainability.

“There are very few production systems on the globe that offer stronger sustainability credentials than well managed native forests. In fact, we know that well managed native forests can actually provide superior biodiversity, fire and climate outcomes.

“Simply excluding harvesting from native forests does not guarantee biological diversity, particularly from the broader threats of wildfires, invasive species and climate change. Closing the native forest timber industry in Victoria will constrain the silvicultural and management options for state forests.

“We need to acknowledge that this decision will disproportionately impact on the mental health, wellbeing and economies of regional communities that depend on this sector,” Dr Freeman added.

Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, said “The Andrews government has signed the final death warrant for Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry and entire communities in the state’s east.

“Despite promising a staged transition through to 2030, the brutal state budget confirms the industry will shut down totally on 1 January, 2024.

“The native timber industry represents a large segment of the state’s overall timber industry, creating 2500 jobs and generating more than $770 million in revenue each year.

“Labor’s decision to fast-track its demise means that timber communities are being punished by government incompetence. “In late 2019, the government promised a phased transition to a plantation-based supply, with the government now abandoning their plan.

“The government’s decision is based on politics, not science or fact.

“Daniel Andrews and Labor are punishing regional Victorian communities to advance a radical green agenda that panders to inner-city Greens voters,” Ms Kealy said.

On the other side of the coin, the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) said “After decades of campaigning to protect Victoria’s native forests from state-funded native forest logging, we’re elated to hear the Victorian government show leadership on this issue,” said Executive Director, Matt Ruchel.

New parks put on the agenda

“This is a great step forward for all the groups and community folk who spent so long working to protect these incredible habitats, wildlife and special places,” Mr Ruchel said.

“The news that the end of native forest logging in our state is to be brought forward is critical for the current and future health of our natural world and the security of workers and community.

“We’re keen to see the detail and better understand how these forests will be managed and protected into the future and welcome the commitment for a full assessment of forest suitable for new national parks.” 

Corryong Courier 25 May 2023

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 25 May 2023.

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