Community
20 March, 2024
Plantations a hot topic in Simpson
CAN the dairy and timber industries co-exist in prime farmland areas such as the Heytesbury district?
That was the question asked at the Simpson Recreation Reserve last week.
Almost 200 concerned community members turned out in Simpson to discuss the timber industry.
Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan organised a community forum last Thursday to hear resident’s views on the industry in the Heytesbury area.
He said the forum was designed to hear concerns from the community, to help answer questions and establish what, if any, actions the government needs to take in order to maximise the benefit of both the dairy and timber industries in the area.
“We know that the dairy industry is absolutely integral to Polwarth and south west Victoria and I take all community concerns seriously,” Mr Riordan said.
“The Heytesbury community not only want to continue with a strong dairy industry, but they demand their township remain viable and prosperous.”
He said there was still work to do at all levels of government, particularly local and state level, to make sure future land use and planning maximises the benefit to all Victorian and is not used for short term political objectives.
Mr Riordan said in addition changes to land use brought about by the Victorian State Government’s policies must come with support for road infrastructure and control of pests and weeds.
“I think everyone learnt something valuable from the meeting, the Timber Industry have acknowledged that they need to do more to be ‘good neighbours’ and be a greater part of the community; those in the dairy industry learnt that many of the rumours thrown around are simply not true and they can approach their neighbours and the timber industry directly to seek local solutions to local problems,” he said.
“There have been many concerns voiced to me on this topic, however I believe that farming and forestry can coexist in our region, there are many complementary aspects that come out of integrating both into our local area.”
Over two hours, residents heard from Midway Limited, which has been purchasing properties in the area for timber plantations, as well as had the chance to raise questions and concerns to Mr Riordan.
Central issues raised at the session included the potential for food scarcity if key agricultural properties were used for timber industries.
A lack of good neighbourly agreements with issues allegedly involving kangaroo infestations in neighbouring properties and weed control issues.
Concerns were also raised around the long-term viability of towns like Simpson if land was sold and no new residents moved to the area to join clubs, schools and support businesses.
At the session, Midway Limited said it had purchased 14 properties last year comprised of about 1700 hectares of land.
The company informed those in attendance it had a $200 million budget and was looking to purchase roughly 6000 hectares across the Heytesbury and Otway regions.
Midway Limited chief executive officer Tony McKenna said the company appreciated Mr Riordan’s initiative to bring together key stakeholders and interested parties.
“It was an excellent opportunity to engage with like-minded agricultural advocates and broader community stakeholders identifying how we can proactively work together to support the region’s economic, environmental and social prosperity,” he said.
“Midway is committed to ongoing community engagement, actively working with the Corangamite Shire and broader community to understand how we can collectively unlock additional value from the region’s food and fibre sector and generate more local jobs for our communities.”
Corangamite Shire began an impact analysis of the timber industry on the shire late last year, with the results expected in the coming months.
A stakeholders session was held in the morning, with the community forum held in the afternoon.
Are you concerned about the timber industry in the region, or do you feel it will benefit the economic future of the region?
Send your thoughts to ctctimes@wdnews.com.au or to Cobden Timboon Coast Times, 124 Manifold Street, Camperdown, VIC 3260.
