The Andrews Labor Government needs to outline its plans to secure saw log supply to East Gippsland’s mills, which are approaching crisis time with lack access to timber supplies.

Nationals MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the Government had contractual obligations to provide timber to these mills and it was not good enough that there was no security around supply and no communication on what is being done to address it.

“Over recent weeks we have heard from mills in Bairnsdale and Orbost who are facing the prospect of their operations grinding to a halt and with the jobs involved, that would be devastating economically to the community,” said Mr Bull.

“The ridiculousness of all this is our timber industry has access to just 5% of our native forest, the other 95% is either in reserve or inaccessible. That 95% is harvested on an
80-year rotation meaning each year the amount is 0.04 per cent.

“When you listen to some of the outcry from green groups you would think the countryside is being pillaged, but it is 0.04% per year.

“This government needs to take a stronger line, open up more areas and ensure the timber industry has a sustainable supply to secure these local jobs and income for local families.”

Mr Bull has asked the Minister to outline how many mills are facing this crisis of no certainty around supply and what is being done to address it.

Monday, August 22, 2022