VicForests, the Victorian Government’s own forestry agency, is being treated deplorably as it braces for a June 30 shutdown.
The government has gagged VicForests amid unfair criticism and has not offered a single positive word, effectively ignoring its existence.
Peter Walsh, Leader of The Nationals, said it seemed the government was intent on wiping VicForests from the history books.
No respect
“This June 30 end date is painful enough, but VicForests are being kicked on the way out the door without an ounce of respect,” Mr Walsh said.
“The organisation has no way of defending itself. The Allan Labor Government remains silent, refusing to publicly defend its own logging company.
“At the same time, it has gagged VicForests from making any public statements.
“This is a cruel, unfair ending for an organisation that has done so much for regional communities and made a huge contribution to Victoria.
“It has always done its best despite severe harassment from illegal protesters.
The winding up of VicForests is a by-product of the Government’s decision last May to blindside workers by accelerating the end of the native timber industry.
Mr Walsh said the contribution of VicForests should be applauded given so much of its work supporting the industry was amid continual litigation by extremists.
“VicForests had to use taxpayers’ money to defend itself from carrying out government policy,” Mr Walsh said.
Gaping hole
Mr Walsh said the end of VicForests would also leave a gaping hole in fire management.
“The risk of mega-fires will increase. There won’t be tracks maintained by the timber industry and there won’t be control lines to burn back from,” Mr Walsh said.
“There won’t be the heavy equipment and timber industry workers to go in and help fight fires.
“The Greens, so critical of the industry, will be hiding in inner Melbourne and nowhere to be seen as regional communities face the inevitable bushfires without the support of the timber industry to help fight them.”
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 19 March 2024.
