Upper House Inquiry to be launched into VIC forestry shutdown

The
Victorian native forestry industry has strongly welcomed the announcement of a
proposed Legislative Council inquiry into the Andrews Government decision to
shut down the native forestry industry by 2030.

This
announcement was made at a rally by native forestry workers and supporters
where Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien reaffirmed that if elected at the next
state election he will reverse the closure decision.

CEO
of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Ross Hampton welcomed the
Opposition announcements, saying the decision by the Andrews government was rash
and would negatively impact the environment, climate change and prosperity of the
state.

“The
decision by the Andrews government to shut down native forestry is bad for the
environment, bad for climate change action, bad for regional Victorian jobs and
bad for the prosperity of regional and outer metropolitan Victorian communities
where the timber is processed into much sought after floors, furniture and
other products,” said Mr Hampton.

“Native
forestry is completely sustainable and could have gone on providing the timbers
for Melbourne’s homes and offices indefinitely.

“Instead
Victorians will have to add to the already ridiculously large import figures
which sees Australia import timber products worth more than $250million each
month.

“The
decision is not supported by the best global science or practice.”

Fantastic turn out to the rally today, opposing the decision by Premier Andrews to shut down native forestry industry #forestry pic.twitter.com/bGdob0rL8v

— AFPA (@AFPAonline) November 26, 2019

The
rally, held on the steps of Victorian Parliament House, was attended by
approximately 300 industry workers and supporters.

“This
decision to close a whole industry without justification should be reversed.
Victoria’s native hardwood industry uses four trees out of every ten thousand,
and every tree used is regenerated and regrown. It is the ultimate renewable,” CEO of the Victorian Association of Forest
Industries Tim Johnston told the rally.

General
Manager of the Australian Forest Contractors Association Stacey Gardiner said
that the native forest industry contractors and their employees were pleased
with the promise from the Opposition and that the decision must be reversed.

“Victoria
has a sustainable and well-managed native forest industry and we want it to
continue well into the future. Not only does it provide thousands of jobs
but is also the backbone for so many regional and rural communities,” Ms
Gardiner said.

/Public Release. View in full here.