Category: VicForests

Early Axing of Logging Falls Hard on Victorian Timber Towns

At an early morning toolbox meeting, Kevin de Hoedt’s boss assured his sawmill team they had work for the next six years. By lunchtime, he broke the news their industry would be gone in six months. The Victorian government announced on May 23 it would phase out harvesting native forests by next year, shocking the…


Calls for Audit as Timber Shortages Block White Paper Production in Australia

Australia’s manufacturing union is calling on the government to examine the amount of white paper available in the country after timber shortages put a halt to production at Australia’s last white paper mill in Victoria. The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) on Thursday called for an audit, raising concerns about a drop…


Paper Could be in Short Supply After Environmental Court Order Hamstrings Aussie Logging Activity

Paper could be in short supply in Australia after a court order handed down last week to protect sugar gliders could end up forcing the Maryvale Paper Mill into cutting its operations. The Mill, owned by Opal Australia, employs over 800 people and is expected to run out of hardwood, the main ingredient for white…


State Court’s Glider Protection Order Puts Australian Paper Industry at Risk

Australia may soon see a shortfall of white copy paper as a Victorian supreme court’s order, which was made to protect the local glider species, could halt the production of a major paper mill. The Maryvale Paper Mill, which is owned by Opal Australia, is expected to run out of hardwood, the main ingredient for…