Timber Towns Victoria celebrates 40 years of operations whilst visiting local businesses and communities in the Baw Baw Shire region

Timber Towns Victoria is calling on the State Government to reconsider its plan to shut down the state’s native timber industry by 2030.

Celebrating 40 years since Timber Towns Victoria (TTV) first inception in 1984, members recently toured the Baw Baw Shire region as part of their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and yearly forum.

The Baw Baw Shire was one of many regions that were impacted by the Victorian Government’s announcement to cease native timber harvesting in state forests.

TTV Vice President and Baw Baw Shire Councillor Michael Leaney said the site visits to the region have helped TTV group members gain a better understanding of how local businesses in the region are transitioning and the new opportunities being created

“Timbers Town Victoria will continue to advocate for the economic viability and ongoing sustainability of the towns and regions significantly impacted by the closure of native timber harvesting in state forests, and the State Government’s Forestry Transition Program has provided valuable assistance to affected communities and businesses,” Cr Leaney said.

TTV President Councillor Karen Stephens hailed the three day forum a success.

“It is important to our members that we see first hand these communities that have been affected by the cessation of native timber harvesting. We know that it has presented numerous challenges for these communities and TTV will continue to provide support and a commitment to these challenges faced by Victorian communities.” Cr Stephens said.

‘It has been pleasing to witness the innovation and positive changes that some businesses have made since the cessation of native timber harvesting to transition their business. Cr Stephens said.

Day 1 – TTV members travelled from all over Victoria and were welcomed in person by Baw Baw Shire Council CEO Mark Dupe and Manager Strategic Projects Melissa Langstaff.

Day 2 –Councillor Michael Leaney guided members on a tour through the region visiting local businesses and communities in the area to help members gain an understanding of the economic activity in the area including a garden stake timber mill, a tree nursery, a trout farm, and a timber and truss yard. As part of the tour, members also visited Noojee which was one of the 11 towns that received a grant through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to support the community and develop the local economy. Here we heard from Krystal Barr Manager of Economic Development & Visitor Economy of the Baw Baw Shire Council speak to members on the important ongoing work and creation of new opportunities in Noojee and surrounding area.

Day 3 – Members came together for their Annual General Meeting with guest speaker Jessica O’Donnell from Intrawork providing a presentation on supporting the timber industry with innovation through funding. Round 3 of the Timber Innovation Grants are designed to support the transition of businesses from native timber harvesting to alternative industries, focusing on diversification and innovation to sustain local economies. The aim of the project is to retain and create sustainable jobs by encouraging businesses to explore new business models or reorient existing operations into alternative sectors.

TTV President Cr Karen Stephens thanked all those who gave their time to assist in the success of the three-day forum.

“Timber Towns Victoria offers a very special thank you to the businesses we visited and their time they gave freely to us – David Taylor, Fumina South Timber Mill; Glenn Fenton, Nationwide Trees; Andrew Batarilo, Alpine Trout Farm; Doug Ward Drouin West Timber Truss.” Cr Stephens Said.

Photo from left: Cr Tom Crook (East Gippsland Shire), Cr Karen Stephens (Glenelg Shire),

Cr Robert Vance (Pyrenees Shire), Krystal Barr (Baw Baw Shire), Mark Coleman (Wellington Shire),

Cr Ian Getsom (Golden Plains Shire), Rachael Healy (Timber Towns Victoria),

Vaughn Notting (Ballarat City), Cr Tom Sullivan (Moorabool Shire), Cr Garner Smith (Gannawarra Shire), Cr Tim Meyer (West Wimmera Shire), Cr Michael Leaney (Baw Baw Shire)

– ENDS –

 

Media contact:

Cr Karen Stephens

Timber Towns Victoria President

0488 900 6545

About Timber Towns Victoria

Timber Towns Victoria is the peak local government body for Victoria on forestry policy. It represents Victorian Local Government areas with forestry industries on public or private land. In representing these local councils and the communities that work within the forestry and timber industries, TTV is committed to maintaining sustainable practices to ensure the industry continues into the future.

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For more information, contact Timber Towns Victoria President, Glenelg Shire Councillor Cr Karen Stephens, 0488 900 645 or email secretary@timbertownsvictoria.com.au

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