Planning for Noojee ahead of timber phase out

Funding has been announced to plan for Noojee's economic transition after the planned phasing out of native timber harvesting in Victoria by 2030.
The State Government is providing $360,000 for Baw Baw Shire Council to employ a project officer to head development of the strategy.
The project officer is expected to be engaged next month and over the next two years will consult widely with stakeholders.
The focus of consultation will be to identify Noojee's strengths, assets, challenges and opportunities for innovation and economic development as native timber logging is phased out. Timber industry bodies claim the government plan would cost thousands of jobs and destroy many towns dependent on the industry and the State Opposition has vowed to overturn the logging ban if elected to government later this year.
Baw Baw Shire's economic development, arts and advocacy director Mark Kestigian said that while council recognised the importance of the timber industry to local communities and the wider Gippsland region it was committed to supporting them through the State government-led industry transition.
He said responsibilities to deliver the plan would be informed by the consultation process and could be shared by one or more of council, State Government and the community.
"All members of the Noojee community will have the opportunity to provide input and be involved in developing the plan".
While the project officer will be employed by council the overall project would be managed by a project reference group comprised of representatives of council, the State Government's forestry transition team and the community, Mr Kestigian added.
The local strategy, priorities and action plans will build on the work of the Latrobe Valley Authority relating to long-term economic development across Gippsland.
Announcing the funding towards the Noojee strategy and plan, Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said similar planning projects were already underway in Orbost, Yarram and Heyfield.