The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) has welcomed last week’s announcement by the Premier confirming that Victoria has entered exclusive negotiations to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026. In Parliament yesterday, the Premier advised that, if successful, these Games would be substantially held in the State’s regions, presenting an enormous opportunity, Deb Kerr, CEO of the VFPA said today.
“If successful, Victoria’s rural and regional areas will need to build new facilities to accommodate the Games. What better way to showcase Victoria to Commonwealth countries and the world than for the Victorian Government to commit to using predominantly Victorian wood when building these facilities,” Ms Kerr said.
“Wood is the only renewable building material there is. Using more of it in the built environment delivers so many benefits. As a finished product, it stores carbon, looks beautiful and is 100% renewable. As a material, the process of harvesting and processing wood creates and supports jobs predominantly in the regions”, Ms Kerr continued.
“This is a unique opportunity to make the Commonwealth Games 2026 a beacon for sustainability – by using the most sustainable material in existence, available right at our doorstep,” Ms Kerr concluded.
ENDS