TIMBER Towns Victoria (TTV) on Monday released a statement acknowledging “a deep sadness and regret for the native timber harvesting communities and their families for the loss of regenerative native mixed species forest harvesting from actively managed forests in Victoria”.

In November 2019, the Victorian State Government announced a phase out of the native timber harvesting industry in Victoria by 2030.

But last year in May, a new announcement brought the ban forward to commence January 1, 2024.

TTV president and Glenelg Shire mayor, Cr Karen Stephens said it was a sad occasion.

“Unfortunately, the industry has long been misunderstood by the State Government and the broader community and has ultimately been brought to its knees,” she said.

“The loss of active forest management practices will ultimately mean the loss of generational knowledge, loss of carbon capture in regrowth forest areas after harvesting, and the loss of the flow on benefits to communities and the environment.”

TTV claimed Victorias forest industries were recognised as significant contributors to the economy and community and cited an economic impact report commissioned by the Wellington and East Gippsland Shires in 2021 which estimated that the ban on native timber harvesting would result in approximately 1110 job losses and output to drop by $308 million.

Forestry Australia - the professional body of forest scientists, farm foresters and forestry professionals - has also advocated to support well managed sustainable forest harvesting as a part of ecologically sustainable forest management practices.

With the claim regenerative managed forests operate under the strict Australian Standards, FA said active management practices were required to maintain resilient and healthy forests that can withstand the impacts of threats including bushfires and invasive species.

“In contrast to the ban on native timber harvesting, there are a multitude of benefits from the sustainable management of our forests and as the peak local government body for Victoria on forest policy, we wish to discuss these with the State Government and work towards a positive solution for Victoria and our communities,” Cr Stephens said.

“We call on the government to advise Timber Towns Victoria and the community, what strategies do you have in place for the future sustainable management of forest health, bushfire risks, conservation of biodiversity, and maximising carbon outcomes.”