Planning for post-timber Noojee

The next steps in planning a future for Noojee after the closure of the native timber industry will involve the formation of a number of working groups to consider potential opportunities.
Baw Baw Shire council was last year granted state government funding to develop a strategy and plan, Shaping the Future of Noojee, as part of the town's transition away from a reliance on its dominant industry, native timber harvesting and milling.
Initially, phasing out of the industry was scheduled for 2030 but has been advanced by the government to January 1 next year.
Residents, business owners and community members from Noojee and nearby areas Piedmont, Loch Valley, Toorongo, Vesper, Icy Creek and Tanjil Bren have been consulted for their views and are now being invited to put their names forward to join five project working groups to further advance the plan.
They will consider opportunities for sustainable economic development, job creation and social and economic prosperity for the area.
The working groups will look into eco tourism, agricultural industry development, reliability of power and communications connectivity, establishing a community hub and education centre and ethical hunting and game processing.
Membership will include representatives of the community, businesses, industry specialists, education and research organisations as well as government representatives.
Baw Baw mayor Annemarie McCabe praised the involvement of local people in the study to date and encouraged residents to join the working groups to seek the best long term outcomes.
Applications will be received until August 27 through https://bawbawshirecouncil.research.net/r/8CF9LW3