|
MEDIA
RELEASE FROM
CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST
Issued: 13th November 2006 |
|
The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has re-affirmed his commitment to the native hardwood forest industry, stating that he would continue to give his full support to the industry in the region on his re-election.
Speaking last week at a Timber Communities Australia forum at Orbost, Mr Ingram dismissed calls for an end to old growth logging and logging in water catchments. He said it is essential that Gippslanders show their continual support for the timber industry.
“Towns like Orbost, Cann River and Heyfield are largely dependent on native hardwood sawlogs that are harvested from the forests of Gippsland, and any further loss of access to the resource would be devastating to the economic and social structure of these communities,” Mr Ingram said.
“It is important to remember that 85% of old growth forests are contained in reserved areas in East Gippsland, including the best examples of both wet and dry forests.
“I have opposed the majority of the Labor government’s changes in Parliament as they have undermined the security and certainly of the industry. It’s time the government -- whichever side wins the election -- allows the timber industry to invest with some certainty.
“Unless government provides security and support, it is most unlikely that industry will provide the financial investment that is necessary to ensure maximum economic return and value adding.
“The timber industry is vital to the economic future of the region and therefore has my full support,” Mr Ingram concluded.
