General News
7 November, 2023
C’Mite Shire to take closer look at forestry
CORANGAMITE Shire Council will analyse the impact of timber plantations and production on agricultural land and communities. Council approved the inclusion of specific analysis on the impacts of timber production on land-use, the local economy...
CORANGAMITE Shire Council will analyse the impact of timber plantations and production on agricultural land and communities.
Council approved the inclusion of specific analysis on the impacts of timber production on land-use, the local economy, environment and community to complement the Grow Corangamite Strategy.
Shire director sustainable development Justine Linley said in her report to council agriculture is Corangamite Shire’s largest industry, generating $805 million or 30 per cent of the shire’s total economic output of $2.7 billion and 32 per cent of the shire’s total jobs.
“Agriculture has undergone significant change as farmers adopt new technology and adapt to changing markets, consumer preferences and climate,” she said.
“Corangamite Shire seeks to position itself as a significant producer of food and fibre into the future.
“Council also seeks to understand how it can leverage agricultural strengths to grow and diversify its tourism product.”
Mrs Linley said therefore, council requires a comprehensive understand of the physical, social and economic attributes which underpin agriculture in the shire.
“The extension of the study to provide specific analysis of the impacts of timber production will provide council with evidence and opportunities to consider what interventions, if any, can be taken to protect and support highly productive, sustainable agricultural land into the future,” she said.
Councillor Kate Makin said the strategy would assist council in future planning decisions, policy and appropriate zones for rural land and protecting rural assets such as the dairy industry.
“This is such an important policy; we really need it now,” she said.
“We, as a shire, need to look at how we can protect our agricultural industry.”
Cr Jo Beard echoed Cr Makin’s sentiments.
“The last time an analysis like this was done was 2008 and times have changed so much,” she said.
“I think this piece of policy is really important to get the right balance.”
Cr Beard questioned the value of the timber industry locally.
“What is the value to Australians when we know it (the timber) is for export?” she said.
“We really need to get a true understanding of where this sits at the moment.”
Cr Geraldine Conheady said it was “really clear” council needed to undertake the anyalysis.
“Right now when we talk about agriculture in Corangamite we mean dairy, beef, sheep and cropping,” she said.
“There’s no doubt our prosperity is due to our agriculture sector.”