Swifts Creek is Victoria’s 14th town to be given financial support by the State Government as the timber industry transitions away from native forests to a sustainable plantation-based future. Source: Timberbiz
Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney today announced that Swifts Creek in far eastern Victoria will receive a $500,000 grant through the Government’s Local Development Strategy grants program.
The Local Development Strategy grants program is part of the Victorian Forestry Plan and supports towns to diversify where native timber harvesting is a significant source of jobs and employment.
The program is designed to be community-led, and available for local groups and businesses who can work with their council and the Victorian Forestry Plan Transition Team to help safeguard the community’s economic future.
East Gippsland Shire Council will manage the funding and employ an independent project manager to engage with locals, community groups, businesses and government over a two-year period. A community reference group will also support the work.
Swifts Creek will join a further 13 towns, including neighbouring Orbost, which have already started similar work.
The communities will also have access to the $22 million Community Transition and Development Fund and the $36 million Victorian Forestry Plan Transition Fund which will also support communities in transition to implement new strategies.
The Local Development Strategy grants are a key part of the more than $200 million Victorian Forestry Plan, ensuring communities are well supported through the transition. For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/forestry
“Our government is supporting timber communities in East Gippsland. The Local Development Strategy grants program will create long-term employment opportunities in the region,” Ms Tierney said.
“Representatives from the Victorian Forestry Plan Transition Team have been meeting with the Swifts Creek community for the last seven months and have had positive discussions about the town’s future.”
