“Serious implications” for Maryville plant.

 

When Opal Australian Paper made the decision earlier this year to end production of white paper at its Maryvale Mill, it was stated that it was due to a shortfall in supply of native timber from Vic Forests.

 

The shortfall has now turned into an outright shortage following the Victorian Government’s surprise announcement last week that it will end logging of the state’s forests by the end of the year.

 

The announcement accelerates plans announced in 2019 by the Andrews government to phase out native timber logging by 2030.

 

In statement, Opal said: “As we continue to work through a complex and difficult transition, the announcement in no way goes far enough for the Maryvale Mill and the industry.

 

“Opal recognises that this is an extremely disappointing decision for the industry and its workers and this situation continues to have serious implications for our business and the local Gippsland community,” the company said.

 

In April, Opal said that although the Maryvale Mill would no longer produce white paper, it would continue to manufacture brown paper and board to supply Opal’s packaging division.

 

Victorian Association of Forestry Industries has estimated more than 21,000 people work in forestry and the wood products industry.

 

The Victorian government said it will provide more than $200 million that will help transition workers out of the native timber industry.