Science behind 2030 phase out of native forest logging kept under wraps

The science behind the decision to phase out native forest logging is being kept hidden from the public, with Freedom of Information requests ignored.

Heyfield timber workers are among 1100 who face losing their jobs as the Andrews Government refuses to table the science backing its phase out of native forest logging. Picture: Tony Gough

Premier Daniel Andrews is refusing to release the science underpinning his Government’s claim that native forest logging is unsustainable and must be phased out by 2030, costing at least 1110 Gippsland workers their jobs.

Mr Andrews has repeatedly told the media and parliament over the past year that native forest logging is “not sustainable into the medium and long term”, but has refused to release the science and rationale behind the claim.

Last year Wellington Shire lodged Freedom of Information requests with the Premier and his then Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes, requesting copies of all scientific documents on which the government relied to conclude native forest logging was unsustainable, as well as any other documents underpinning the decision.

A Wellington Shire spokesman said the Government responded by stating no documents relating to the shires request could be identified and that other documents were Cabinet in Confidence.

Wellington Shire Council has now appealed to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner to gain access to the documents, given the impact of the phase out on Gippsland.

“Wellington Shire Council has requested that the Victorian Government share the data and scientific basis on which the native timber phase-out decision was made,” Mayor Garry Stephens said.

“Communities have a right to know and understand the basis for the decisions which affect their lives. We expect better of the government out of respect for local communities.”

In the meantime Wellington and East Gippsland Shires have joined forces to commission an independent report that found at least 1110 timber industry and other workers face losing their jobs as a result of the 2030 logging phase out.

“This number includes direct and indirect jobs, ranging from forestry contractors to transport company workers, through to employees at shops where timber workers spend their money,” Mr Stephens said.

“In Wellington Shire alone this could have a devastating impact on the local economy, as forestry is a major employer.

“In particular, the towns of Heyfield and Yarram would bear the brunt of this impact and it presents a significant challenge for local government to make the best of a difficult situation.

ID Consulting’s report found the impact across both shires would be the loss of $308m in economic output.

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