Sustainable forest products processing continues

Native timber harvesting is no more but sustainable timber forestry products are keeping on. Picture: ON FILE

A new era for hardwood timbers and Victoria’s forests began at the beginning of 2024 with the end to native timber harvesting but its not the end of Victoria’s sustainable native hardwood industry.

CEO of the Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) Deb Kerr said the Victorian Government’s decision last May created chaos with some businesses across the native hardwood supply chain being forced to either close permanently or diversify their business.

“However, a small number of processors will continue processing the native timbers that consumers love, sourcing this wood from private sources in Victoria, from other states and from overseas,” she said.

“Hardwood timbers are highly valued by consumers where appearance or durability are important purchase considerations, be it stairs, decks, windows, furniture, or external applications,”

“While the Government has ceased native forestry, Victoria’s forests still need to be managed for the health and resilience of the forest.”