By Callum Ludwig
A few towns in the Upper Yarra have been slated for support as Victoria transitions out of native timber harvesting from the start of 2024.
Yarra Junction, Warburton and Powelltown are the beneficiaries of $500,000 provided by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to Yarra Ranges Council for a Local Development Strategy (LDS) in the townships.
Acting Director of Industry and Community Strategy at DEECA Chloe Ward said they are proud to support Yarra Ranges communities to enter growing industries.
“We are looking forward to seeing the outcome of the Upper Yarra Local Development Strategy project,” she said.
“Through the Local Development Strategy programs, we will support 11 timber communities transition out of the native timber industry every step of the way.”
Communities across the state were assessed for their priority status as part of the transition, including determining whether native timber harvesting has been the primary economy of the area and other factors.
Yarra Ranges Council has been researching for the LDS from February to September this year and has opened up a draft for feedback until 17 December this year.
On the Yarra Ranges Council webpage for the Upper Yarra Local Development Project, Project Manager Julian Guess said in a statement that the Upper Yarra Valley is a wonderful place to live and work – a place that has outstanding natural beauty and vibrant communities.
“I joined Council in 2016 and during this time I have been involved with a number of community-led projects such as the Warburton Community Hydro Project and I have served as a Council representative on the Yarra Valley ECOSS Committee of Management,” he said.
“With communities playing a key role in developing an Upper Yarra Valley Local Development Strategy, I look forward to working with residents and community groups, local businesses, educational institutes and state and local governments,”
“The prospect of turning the Upper Yarra’s strengths and challenges into sustainable economic opportunities for the region is exciting.”
The LDS will be carried out in three phases: Regional Context Analysis (currently ongoing), Entrepreneurial Discovery and Completion.
In the draft Upper Yarra context analysis, the following options for innovation have been identified:
Nature-Based Tourism ‘The Walking Economy’
Artisan Agriculture and Food Production
Renewable Energy and Energy Resilience
Repurposing ‘Abandoned Places’ and Under-Used Buildings
Ecological Maintenance and Enhancement
Improved Transport and Access
Yarra Ranges Council estimates the Upper Yarra LDS will be completed in March 2025, with a finalised strategy, ongoing governance established and projects potentially funded.
Those affected, including timber workers and businesses, local residents and businesses who believe they may have future opportunities to take on timber workers in a new role are strongly encouraged to find out more about the LDS at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Business-Yarra-Ranges/Upper-Yarra-Local-Development-Project and to read the draft Upper Yarra Context Analysis and provide feedback at shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/upper-yarra-local-development-strategy.
Timber workers and businesses can find out more about the forestry transition and what support they are eligible for at deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry/forestry-transition-program and deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry/support/community-support.
Yarra Ranges Council was contacted for comment.
