Axe falls on native timber industry

THE native timber industry will end sooner than originally planned and will cease on January 1, 2024, instead of 2030. The government faced strong criticism from the industry and the Opposition who said thousands of jobs will be lost and the flow on effects on manufacturing will be severe. The Casterton Kelpie Centre (above) is made from native timber - spotted gum (Eucalyptus maculate). Photo: SUPPLIED.

By Lizzie Hallam

May 28, 2023 | 2:00 PM

THE only thing ahead of schedule under the Victorian Government is the end of Victoria’s native timber industry, according to Western Victoria MP, Bev McArthur.

Mrs McArthur was responding to the announcement made on May 23, by the premier, Daniel Andrews, who brought forward the transition deadline for the industry from initially 2030, to January 1, 2024, instead.