Civic and business leaders in the lower South West of WA are calling for alternative funding programs for businesses affected by the upcoming timber ban. Source: The West Australian
Forestry Minister Dave Kelly recently unveiled the latest round of funding for companies indirectly affected by the State Government’s complete shutdown of native logging by the end of 2023.
The scheme, which was the latest in an $80 million pledge by the Government, means small businesses relying on the timber industry can claim up to $400,000 to diversify into different operating streams, while up to $2m has been committed to attract new industries and $100,000 in small grants to increase regional livability.
The announcement was immediately slammed by ex-Labor veteran Adele Farina, who now sits as chief executive of the Forest Industries Federation WA, who said it was unveiled far too early without proper consultation.
Now the Native Forestry Transition Group, which includes FIFWA, Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industries WA and the Shires of Manjimup, Nannup and Bridgetown-Greenbushes, are calling on Mr Kelly to instead focus on light industrial areas in each of the three local government areas.
RCCI WA representative Rob Skipsey said a modest investment in light industrial areas, with the full required infrastructure, would leverage private investment in the lower South West and deliver immediate long-term and sustainable jobs.
“Without appropriately zoned and fully serviced light industrial land, it will be impossible to attract new businesses to these communities, retain the existing skills and deliver the new jobs, which are vitally important to sustain a vibrant future for these impacted regional communities, both economically and socially,” he said.
“The Government’s current proposal will not deliver promised new long-term jobs and will not retain the businesses and workers in these regions.”
Mr Skipsey also said the Government needed to focus on “second tier” or indirectly affected — small businesses wishing to transition, but did not provide support for those who will be forced to close.
Manjimup Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Bevan Eatts said the Government had to come back to the negotiation table and focus on the communities and businesses most affected.
Mr Kelly said he was surprised that the NFTG had proposed cutting the assistance to affected small businesses and to see them calling for the total funding pool for the community grants component of the program to be significantly reduced.
“It appears from the proposal I’ve received today that instead of supporting small business and community groups they are calling for $15m to be redirected by way of a $5m grant to each of the Shires of Manjimup, Nannup, Bridgetown-Greenbushes for the purpose of purchasing light industrial land,” he said.
“This is the first time I have seen the proposal as it had not been previously tabled at any NFTG or sub-group meetings.”
Mr Kelly said he had only just received the proposal and would discuss it at the next meeting on Thursday.
