I will fight to end native forest logging in Victoria if re-elected in the 26 November Victorian election.
My candidate for North-eastern Metropolitan, Nina Springle, will re-introduce a bill to end such environmentally and economically unjustifiable logging in Victoria immediately, should she be elected.
First introduced to the Parliament by Samantha Dunn MP in 2018, the Bill repeals law allowing logging to continue in Victoria.
The problem?
Fresh research shows native forest logging in our state generates up to three million tonnes of carbon emissions each year – the equivalent to that produced by as many as 700,000 medium-sized cars or double the state’s domestic aviation sector.
One of the main species logged in Victoria is the Mountain Ash, the most carbon-dense species on the planet.
Logging occurs in our water catchments and threatens Melbourne’s water security.
The solution?
Cannabis’ sober cousin, hemp.
Hemp is a plant with stupendous potential as native forestry ends.
Industrial hemp crops can be grown three times a year. Timber plantations require thirty years for one crop.
There simply no need to log native forests, and hemp will provide replacement jobs to create sustainable security for the families that have depended on this industry whose time has come.
Hemp can readily replace most building and timber products, including concrete. There are also profitable opportunities in food, beverage, cosmetics, and pet food.
This is a policy in which there are no losers, only winners – most of all the environment at a time of climate catastrophe.
Quotes attributable to Nina Springle:
“The Andrews government have said they will stop logging by 2030, but if logging continues at the current rate, the wood will run out well before 2030.”
“If the Andrews government have a genuine commitment to fighting climate change, and leave our native forests intact for future generations, logging must stop immediately, before it’s all gone. “
“The 2018 bill was voted down 33 to 6 indicating there was zero care or political will from most political parties at that time. The time for tolerating the status quo is gone. Our future depends on us taking action now.”
“Reason has a comprehensive transition plan for those workers currently employed in the logging industry that involves substantial investment in the help industry here in Victoria. There is no reason to leave anyone behind.”
“Just as we are transitioning out of coal, and reskilling those workers, we can equally support logging industry employees to transition to more sustainable options.”
ENDS
