The Allan Labor Government is continuing to provide support to local businesses and workers in timber industry communities with applications for Round 3 of the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund (VTIF) now open.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that eligible native timber businesses will be able to access up to $1 million in grant funding per business to diversify away from native timber harvesting and create new jobs in their communities.
As part of Round 3, support will include a Grant Application Assistance Service for the first time.
Businesses can apply for vouchers of up to $7,500 which will provide them with access to a panel of Registered Service Providers.
These providers will help businesses to prepare and submit strong submissions for the grants program.
Eligibility for Round 3 has also been extended to harvest and haulage sub-contractors, chip truck drivers, and other businesses which were heavily dependent on the native timber industry.
Businesses who take up other forestry transition support packages can still access the VTIF.
Round 2 of the Timber Innovation Fund will support 29 successful applications from 28 native timber businesses, totaling over $7 million.
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods in Heyfield was granted $967,500 to allow it to expand and complete a specialised glue laminated timber facility.
Orbost business W&J Fenner will receive $110,000 to transition into land and vegetation management, while Boss Logging Pty Ltd in Bairnsdale will be given $310,261 to move into plantation timber feedstock transportation.
BP & JN Weller Pty Ltd in Glengarry will receive funds so it can move towards a heavy machinery haulage business.
VTIF supports businesses to transition away from the native timber industry and diversify their business operations to pursue opportunities in other industries that will support jobs and the communities that depended on the native timber industry.
For a full list of businesses funded under the Victorian Timber Innovation Grants Program Round 2, visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry/grants/timber-innovation-grants.
Quotes attributable to Agriculture Minister Ros Spence
“The variety of projects which businesses are putting forward shows their innovative approach to moving away from a sole reliance on the native timber industry and diversifying into new and exciting opportunities.”
“We are providing crucial support to empower businesses and workers to take advantage of new opportunities within their communities as they transition away from the native timber industry into a new sustainable future.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“The work to move away from native forest logging is continuing, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible for our local businesses. Well done to those who secured this round of funding, and I encourage others to put their hands up for Round 3.”
