Thursday, 20 March 2025

 Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (12:41): (1482) My question is to the Minister for Agriculture in the other place. I have continued to meet with and support mills, contractors, workers and communities as they navigate the massive changes associated with the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria. Last week I visited Nowa Nowa to announce over $300,000 of support to three local businesses. AvaGrow Farms will be able to chill their veggies faster and keep them ready for market longer, the Nowa Nowa general store will expand and offer more services and sole trader LCT Auto will be able to purchase a trailer and tools to set up a mobile vehicle servicing business. This is in addition to other great local stories I have shared here before, like Lachie and Luke from building company Built QA, who set up a steel manufacturing plant in Newmerella just near Orbost. Last week I visited Swifts Creek, where local businesses are feeling the impact of the transition. Meeting with the school, the kinder, the general store and the pub, I know there is more to do for towns affected by the timber transition. Minister, what work is being done to support the transition of the timber towns in Eastern Victoria?