Michaela Meade
The native timber industry’s role in climate change abatement and job opportunities needs to be better understood, according to Timber Towns Victoria (TTV).
TTV is the peak local government body for Victoria on forestry policy, and represents 10 Victorian local government areas, including Moorabool, with forestry industries on public or private land.
The association has welcomed a motion calling on the Victorian government to table all documents relating to the closure of the native timber industry.
TTV president and Glenelg Shire deputy mayor Karen Stephens said TTV wanted all Victorians to understand the importance of the native timber industry in the fight against climate change, as it plays an important role in climate change abatement.
“Native timber production in public forests facilitates carbon storage and must be taken seriously if Victoria is to tackle climate change,” Cr Stephens said.
“It very much forms an integral part of the fight against climate change and cannot be disregarded.”
Cr Stephens said the organisation looked forward to having “full clarity” around the government’s decision to shut down the native timber industry.
“Full, open and transparent information is needed that provides assurances to communities, workers and all sectors of the industry that decisions have been made based on evidence, and in the best interest of all Victorians,” Cr Stephens said.
“This decision has far reaching consequences that need to be fully understood and debated.
“To date, we have not seen any economic or environmental data to support the ban or the full impact on the local, regional and Victorian economies.
“The native timber industry underpins the viability of a number of regional communities and contributes more than $1billion each year to Victoria’s economy.
“Thousands of jobs are at risk.”
