NEW VFHCC CEO Scott Gentle (second from right) will be a voice for logging contractors such as (from left) Colin Robin, Gary Moran, Craig Robin, Brett Robin with wife Elisa and Malcolm Warnock. The group presented an alternative presence at the rally against logging in the water catchments held in Warburton recently.By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE timber industry advocate Scott Gentle is the new CEO of the Victorian Forest Harvesting and Cartage Council.
Mr Gentle’s appointment, as of 1 December, was announced by VFHCC chairman Greg Weber, last week.
Mr Gentle has been Victorian State Manager of Timber Communities Australia for the past two years.
“As a new era dawns for the State Forest contractors with the beginning of the VicForests tenders it is vital to have someone to step up and tackle the issues facing the contractors on a daily basis,” Mr Weber said.
Mr Gentle told the Mail last week he was looking forward to the challenges ahead and to ensuring the voice of the harvesting and cartage contractors was heard loud and clear.
“Contracting in the forest industries is a difficult job at the best of times with long hours, tough conditions and continued interference from outside influences,” he said.
“My role will be to tackle the issues that make contractors’ jobs difficult whether it be dealing with VicForests, protesters or addressing issues that affect the everyday running of their business.”
On the issue of protestors, Mr Gentle spoke out on behalf of contractors following the rally against logging in the water catchments in Warburton on Sunday, 23 November saying he was concerned that speakers at the rally had urged people to “lock on” to machinery operating in the water catchments.
“The issue is with government, they are the ones who should be targeted, not workers who are just about earning a living,” he said.
Standing side by side with some of the local contractors, he said: “These are the guys who will be out there this summer, fighting fires and putting their lives on the line. They deserve respect from these protestors.
“I would hope it doesn’t get to that type of action and that more moderate heads can prevail,” he said.
“That sort of talk and action just divides communities.”
Mr Gentle said forest contractors were run as family businesses and employed more than 450 people in Victoria.
“The flow-on effect from these businesses contributes millions of dollars into the Victorian economy and the forest contractors are the backbone of many timber communities,” he said.
