Last week the Victorian State Government took the drastic measure of moving metropolitan Melbourne to Stage 4 restrictions and the rest of Victoria to Stage 3. To many members of the public, this might not seem to be a huge blow to the timber and forest industry, which at first glance might appear to be primarily based in the regions. Source: VAFI
However, we know that supply chains are crucial to a huge number of primary and secondary processors in Melbourne, so a large amount of harvested timber will end up inside the Stage 4 area for further processing.
Furthermore, forestry operations are very important to communities bordering the metropolitan zone, such as Yarra Ranges, which is now under Stage 4.
Given the huge uncertainty and anxiety this has caused, VAFI, with colleagues in the Australian Forest Contractors Association and Australian Forest Products Association, has been active in working with the Government to reach clarity for the industry.
VAFI says it is not looking for loopholes, or special status. However, it’s plain that the industry is essential to keep Victoria running during these difficult times.
Construction timbers for frame and truss; pallets and paper packaging products that have never been more important in freight and delivery logistics; processing residues that go to a range of agricultural uses; firewood for heating.
The coming weeks will be trying for everyone in Victoria, especially those who must remain in their homes for an extended period. However, VAFI is confident that every business and worker in the industry will continue to implement best-practice safety procedures and help keeping the State running.
The list of sectors that are permitted to have on-site activities under Stage 4 restrictions has been updated. Key elements for the timber and forest industry include;
Forestry operations can continue under Stage 4 restrictions for the purposes of or relating to:
- Production of firewood for heating of premises
- Production of pallets
- Production of building supplies for construction.
Under the current Stage 4 restrictions, planting, weed control, preparation of fire breaks, harvesting and haulage operations are permitted if they are part of forestry activities for the production purposes outlined above. In addition, any business involved in providing support services to forestry is allowed to operate.
Any other forestry activity not for the production purposes listed under “permitted work premises” are not to operate under Stage 4 restrictions.
Also permitted is the production of other goods required for other permitted activities including the manufacture of:
- building supplies to support construction
- coffins and caskets,
- sanitary products,
- pulp, paper and converted paper product.
- residue products (e.g.) wood shavings required for farming activities and other operations relating to agriculture.
Manufacturing activity for joinery, moulding and stairs is also permitted under ‘manufacturing to support residential building industry’.
Of course, this information is changing and evolving, sometimes on a daily basis.
