Forestry communities mourn

Timber Towns Victoria

Timber Towns Victoria acknowledges a deep sadness and regret for the native timber harvesting communities and their families for the loss of regenerative native
mixed species forest harvesting from actively managed forests in Victoria.

In Australia, forested landscapes are likely to have been actively and adaptively
managed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for over 60,000 years.

In November 2019, the Victorian State Government announced a phase out of the
native timber harvesting industry in Victoria by 2030. In May 2023, a new
announcement brought the ban forward to commence 1 January 2024.

Timber Towns Victoria President and Mayor of the Glenelg Shire, Cr Karen
Stephens said “Unfortunately, the industry has long been misunderstood by the
State Government and the broader community and has ultimately been brought to its
knees.

“The loss of active forest management practices will ultimately mean the loss of
generational knowledge, loss of carbon capture in regrowth forest areas after
harvesting, and the loss of the flow on benefits to communities and the environment”
Cr Stephens said.

Victoria’s forest industries are recognised as significant contributors to the economy
and community. An economic impact report commissioned by the Wellington and
East Gippsland Shires in 2021 estimated that the ban on native timber harvesting
would result in approximately 1,110 job losses and output to drop by $308 million.

Forestry Australia (the professional body of forest scientists, farm foresters and
forestry professionals) advocates to support well managed sustainable forest
harvesting as a part of ecologically sustainable forest management practices. These
sustainably regenerative managed forests operate under the strict Australian
Standards and stringent auditing. Under ecologically sustainable forest
management, active management practices are required to maintain resilient and
healthy forests that can withstand the impacts of threats including bushfires, invasive
species and climate change.

Forestry Australia recommends continued silvicultural techniques in our native
forests can be utilised to support forest health and biodiversity, mitigate risks from
fire, pests and diseases and to grow bigger trees quicker, storing more carbon and
creating forests that are more resilient.

“In contrast to the ban on native timber harvesting, there are a multitude of benefits
from the sustainable management of our forests and as the peak local government
body for Victoria on forest policy, we wish to discuss these with the State
Government and work towards a positive solution for Victoria and our communities.

“We call on the government to advise Timber Towns Victoria and the community,
what strategies do you have in place for the future sustainable management of forest
health, bushfire risks, conservation of biodiversity, and maximising carbon
outcomes.” Cr Stephens said.