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LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY EXPRESS EDITION
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2023
SUPPORT FOR TIMBER WORKERS
■ The State Government is scaling up support for timber workers, sawmill operators and their communities, as Victoria moves away from native timber logging. Gayle Tierney, Minister for Agriculture, announced the expansion of the Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program – increasing worker top-up payments from up to $120,000 to $150,000 and allocating extra payments to workers over 45 years old. The wider community forestry sector - including firewood sellers, guitar makers, seed collectors and other Forest Produce Licensees will be eligible for the expanded Worker Support Payments, and redundant equipment compensation, plus payments for undersupplied timber, and a one-off hardship payment. The first round of the Forestry Transition Fund is now open to create more local jobs in impacted timber communities. The fund will provide grants of up to $1 million to expand, diversify or start new businesses – while also allocating wage subsidies to incentivise people to employ transitioning timber workers. “The Sawmill Voluntary Transition Package is also now open to support mill owners to stay in the industry or switch to new sectors. These packages will ensure workers entitlements are met and will include plant and equipment compensation,” said Ms Tierney.
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● Gayle Tierney, State Minister
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