Victoria, Australia, Announces Expansion of Forestry Worker Support Program

The State of Victoria, Australia, has announced additional support for timber workers and their communities ahead of a looming industry shutdown, Sky News reported (8-23-23). Originally scheduled to be phased out by the end of 2030, the government announced in May that it would instead end native logging in the state at the end of 2023.

According to Sky News, Agricultural Minister Gayle Tierney has expanded the Victorian Forestry Workers Support Program, which will increase “worker top-up payment from $120,000 to $150,000” (AUD).

In a statement, Tierney said, “After listening to the timber industry, we have expanded our support program—ensuring worker needs are met. I thank our industry stakeholders for engaging constructively to deliver meaningful support for our timber communities.”

Sky News says the Forestry Transition Fund is now open, which aims to create local jobs in impacted communities. Additionally, the Sawmill Voluntary Transition Package has also been opened, which support mill owners to “stay in the industry or switch to a new sector.” Tierney also stated that the Harvest and Haulage Support Package will be available next month, made available to forest contractors.

The government originally announced a $200 million support package designed to transition workers away from native timber logging, which brought total support to $875 million.