Council
13 March, 2024
Timber forum in Simpson
THE timber industry continues to be a hot topic across Corangamite Shire.
Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan is inviting interested residents to attend a discussion at the Simpson Recreation Reserve tomorrow (Thursday) so he can hear views on the subject.
He said the dairy and timber industries have had a long-term involvement across the south west, and their output contributes to the supply chain on both a national, and international level.
Mr Riordan said the forum is designed to hear concerns from the community, to help answer questions and to establish what, if any, actions the government needs to take in order to maximise the benefit of both industries in the region.
He said there had been many concerns voice to him on the topic.
“However, I believe that farming and forestry can coexist in our region, there are many complementary aspects that come out of integrating both into our local area,” Mr Riordan said.
“There is the obvious environmental benefit but also increased stock shelter and biodiversity as well as potential for other streams of income for landowners.
“We all want the best possible outcomes for agriculture, forestry and the communities and businesses that depend on them in the region, this meeting is about ensuring everyone is well informed about what is occurring, what isn’t occurring and where genuine opportunities lie.”
Mr Riordan said the community had raised “genuine concerns” about “transparency of government subsidies, and about long-term viability of smaller towns and communities in the Corangamite Shire”.
“It is vital that long-term investments in our region assist our region to grow productively,” he said.
The session will be held on Thursday, March 14 at 1pm at the Simpson Recreation Reserve.
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