29 October, 2021
Reversal on ‘water rule’ allows Victoria to plant 100 million more trees to store carbon
Timber Towns Victoria welcomes a decision by the Federal Government to reverse a regulation which prevented many plantations in Victoria from claiming carbon credits.
The regulation, known as the ‘water rule’, meant that plantations in areas which received more than 600ml of rain per year could not claim the carbon credits.
“We are pleased the Government’s decision to scrap the baffling regulation, which made Victoria’s prime plantations regions ineligible for carbon credits,” said TTV President and Glenelg Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Stephens.
“The water rule made no sense and provided little incentive for the industry.
“Timber Towns Victoria has long argued that trees are the ultimate renewable. This decision presents a significant opportunity for Australia to have low-cost carbon abatement with its timber production.
The Federal Government’s decision will make it easier for plantation and farm forestry projects to generate carbon credits under the Emissions Reduction Fund and access the $2 billion Climate Solutions Fund.
“Now, 100 million more trees can be planted across Gippsland and Victoria’s Green Triangle and attain carbon credits. This is a win for the environment, local communities, jobs and for the economy.
“Timber is a critical resource that all Australians use every day. This decision gives the industry and Victorian communities the confidence to grow the most renewable and sustainable natural product we have,” said Cr Stephens.
Timber Towns Victoria has previously called on the State Government to reconsider its plan to shut down the State’s native timber industry by 2030.
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.
Quick links
- Timber Towns welcomes transparency around native timber ban, 15 October 2021
- Native timber industry key to tackling climate change, 11 August 2021
- Native timber industry is sustainable, says Timber Towns ahead of government review of Timber Code of Practice, 9 July 2021
- Read the Rural Councils Victoria report, Economic Impact Assessment of the creation & retention of rural jobs
For more information, contact Timber Towns Victoria President, Glenelg Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Stephens, 0488 900 645 or email.