Gippsland East Nationals’ candidate, Gemma Rendell, has called on the Victorian Labor Government to address worsening firewood shortages in East Gippsland, saying vulnerable residents are paying the price for the closure of the native timber industry.
“I’m a strong advocate for the timber industry, my family worked in it for years and I was pleased to hear our leader, Danny O’Brien, say last week we will bring it back and eagerly await the formal announcement.
“The Labor government created this situation through its forestry decisions and now has a responsibility to ensure people, particularly elderly Victorians, can still access affordable firewood,” Ms Rendell said.
Current Nationals’ MP, Tim Bull, raised the case of an 84-year-old Marlo resident who is unable to collect his own firewood and now faces significantly higher costs simply to heat his home.
“For decades local businesses served these communities, but with the closure of the native timber industry the wood supplies have dried up.
“This gentleman’s nearest available provider is now Bairnsdale, and the transport costs are almost as much as the firewood itself.”
Mr Bull said this was not an isolated case and many smaller communities were now experiencing similar difficulties.
He has asked the Minister for Environment what measures are being put in place to ensure communities have reliable and affordable access to firewood.
