New polling shows broad support for a sustainable native hardwood industry. The Victorian Labor Government should recognise that its decision to phase out a highly regulated industry was out of step with voters, CEO of the Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA), Ms Deb Kerr, said today.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
“Timber towns and communities are facing ruin after the Labor government announced its decision to cease native forestry in 2019. The largely unexplained move even contradicts the recommendations of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which calls for active management of our native forests, including for timber production”, said Ms Kerr.
And voters in the Keysborough district agree – a majority (68%), including 57% of Greens voters, support native hardwood, and 61% support access to our forests to supply these timbers beyond 2030.
“The Victorian Labor Government’s decision to phase out native forestry caters for a minority of voters in a couple of inner Melbourne seats that are contested between the ALP and Greens. The Government is out of step with the UN’s IPCC, with local and global demand, indigenous forest management practices and most seats and voters”, said Ms Kerr.
Native hardwood has unique properties. You can find it in products where appearance matters, such as floorboards, stairs, furniture, or musical instruments. It is also extremely well suited to our harsh weather conditions. Hardwood is the perfect material for external cladding, decks, railway sleepers, snow huts, bridges, and piers.
“Our forestry management practices are the envy of the world. Where else can you guarantee such a rigorous commitment to circularity and afforestation? Voters are supporting our common goal this coming election – responsibly using and regrowing Victorian timber”, Ms Kerr concluded.
ENDS