By Renee Wood
Yarra Ranges Council will be supporting the Powelltown, Yarra Junction and Warburton communities to transition out of the native logging industry in line with the State Government’s plan towards 2030.
In 2019 the State Government announced a multi-million dollar package to support its plan to bring native logging to a halt by 2030.
Powelltown, Yarra Junction and Warburton have been recognised as communities in need of support due to the State Government’s plan.
It’s believed more than 400 people are employed in the industry in Yarra Ranges and supply chains and consumer industries will also be affected.
Now the Yarra Ranges Council will be stepping up to represent the three towns that will be directly impacted, with no other representational group currently in place.
Councillors have approved to support the representation through a number of means at the ordination council meeting on Tuesday 9 November.
Firstly, council will be applying 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.
