Deb Kerr
Victoria’s forest industries welcome the re-elected Labor Government with a mandate to support forestry in tackling climate change and securing Victoria’s future timber and fibre needs. Source: Timberbiz
Victorian Forest Products Association CEO Deb Kerr said Victoria’s renewable forest industries looked forward to continuing their work with the Labor Government to address the big issues facing the industry.
“We look forward to collaborating with key Ministers to push the most urgent issues in our sector:
- the role forestry can play to tackle climate change
- achieving self-sufficiency in timber
- easing labour shortages across the sector
- a sensible policy around native forests that delivers positive ecological outcomes and helps with fire management.
The Labor government is investing $120M to expand Victoria’s plantation estate, primarily in Gippsland. Wood sourced from plantations is critical for Victorian homes. With Melbourne set to become Australia’s largest capital city, this wood will be increasingly in demand.
“Victoria’s native hardwood and plantation industry significantly contributes to carbon sequestration,” Ms Kerr said.
“Every tree planted is a carbon sink and the harvested tree continues to store carbon in the wood for its lifetime. The forestry industry is the path to achieve the aspirations of Victorian to achieve net zero. Victoria’s forestry industry is the ultimate carbon capture and storage – and what’s more, trees do this for free.
“We look forward to working with Premier Andrews and his team to realise the full potential of Australia’s renewable forest industries,” she said.
