By Renee Wood
Upper Yarra communities will be supported by the Yarra Ranges Council through Victoria’s transition out of native logging.
Councillors have approved to represent Powelltown, Yarra Junction and Warburton through a number of means at the Tuesday 9 November meeting, in preparation for the government’s plan to stop native logging by 2030, which was announced in 2019.
Firstly, council will apply for $400,000 from the state funding package on behalf of the townships to develop a local strategy for workers, businesses and communities for the transition period.
“That’s where we step up to the plate, and we can do that quite well. So this formalises the process for us to go and apply for that funding,” Mayor Jim Child said.
A committee will also be established with representation from all towns to develop a plan forward that will lead to the creation of new jobs and result in the long term economic and social benefits.
Cr Fiona McAllister said the committee and strategy will give the people affected a strong voice and ownership of the decisions being made.
“It’s certainly a role we will take very seriously and make sure that every cent of the money that comes our way is spent in the way it should be, and really supporting those communities that are most effective. So I’m very pleased that we’re putting this option forward, and I do think it’s a very critical role for us to play as a local government,” she said.
In the Yarra Ranges region, it’s believed more than 400 people are employed in the industry and supply chains and consumer industries will also be affected.
