Tim Johnston
Next month, Victorians will go to the polls in local council elections. Like any election, the outcomes will be of great importance to our industry and the communities it supports.
Across the state, support from local councils is of key importance for our industry. In the plantation sector, the Victorian Planning Provisions also grant councils a key role in approvals for operations. Councils are also responsible for the maintenance of many of our crucial timber roads.
For many years now, Timber Towns Victoria has been the local government voice on the impact of timber related issues on local communities and local government infrastructure. This includes producing, and regularly updating, the Timber Industry Road Evaluation Study (TIRES) report which lists priorities and costs for upgrading crucial regional links for moving timber freight. In the south-west, this work is further supported by the council-led Green Triangle Freight Action Plan.
In eastern Victoria, local councils have been active in advocating for native forestry. Earlier this year Wellington Shire Council convened the Native Timber Taskforce. The NTT includes other council representatives alongside regional businesses to lobby for a reversal of the State Government’s short-sighted decision to phase out native timber harvesting by 2030. Most recently, the Taskforce has used a Freedom of Information request to push the State Government for further clarity on the scientific basis for this decision (see the news article below).
More broadly, the adoption of a Wood Encouragement Policy has been a valuable and visible tool for supporting the local timber and forestry industry. These generally require that responsibly sourced wood should be considered, where feasible, as the primary construction material in all new-build and refurbishment projects.
To date, the local Councils that have adopted a Wood Encouragement Policy include Baw Baw Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Glenelg Shire, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire. These councils have recognised the importance of their local timber industry and have led by example to promote and support it. My hope is that more councils will follow their lead, creating momentum that drives a state-wide Wood Encouragement Policy.
With all this in mind, I strongly encourage you to look closely at your local candidates and find out who is supportive to our industry. What is their position on a Wood Encouragement Policy? Will they promote new tree planting? Will they work to support harvesters and processors?
Active voices in local government that advocate for timber businesses, workers and communities will be vital in securing the future for our industry in Victoria.
Tim Johnston is CEO of Victorian Association of Forest Industries.
