Gippsland East Nationals candidate Gemma Rendell and sitting MP Tim Bull have called on the State Government to address worsening firewood shortages across East Gippsland, warning vulnerable residents are bearing the cost of native timber closures.
Ms Rendell said the government’s forestry policy has directly restricted local fuel supplies, creating hardship for elderly residents relying on timber for winter heating.
“The Labor government created this situation through its forestry decisions and now has a responsibility to ensure people, particularly elderly Victorians, can still access affordable firewood,” Ms Rendell said.
She also reaffirmed support for the timber sector, noting Nationals leader Danny O’Brien had indicated plans regarding the industry’s future ahead of a formal announcement.
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull raised the issue directly with the Minister for Environment, highlighting the case of an 84-year-old Marlo resident unable to collect his own wood who now faces inflated supply costs.
“For decades local businesses served these communities, but with the closure of the native timber industry the wood supplies have dried up,” Mr Bull said.
“This gentleman’s nearest available provider is now Bairnsdale, and the transport costs are almost as much as the firewood itself.”
Mr Bull noted that smaller outlying towns across the district are facing similar logistics and supply barriers, urging the state government to outline immediate measures to secure reliable and affordable firewood for regional communities.
