Although local people and workers have expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's decision to "stop logging native forests" in the past six months, the government still adheres to the original plan. With only two months left, the Victorian Labor Government has instructed the Victorian construction industry to "stop logging The use of native hardwoods to design and build homes” has once again sparked dissatisfaction among builders.
In a recent government letter to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Labor "strongly recommended" that builders stop using indigenous products in flooring, stairs, beams, doors, windows, building features, decking and cladding, according to builders. Hardwood varieties. "We are already suffering from increasing costs and reduced material supplies, and discontinuing the use of native hardwoods will be another challenge for us."
In response, some construction companies said that since the government has decided to "stop using native hardwoods to design and build houses", it should explain the supply of building products. In response to the latest directive, Ms. Bass questioned the government's ability to deliver the promised 80,000 new homes per year. , Housing Minister Harriet Shing was vague, claiming the issue was not within her remit.
In addition to cost pressure, the irreplaceability of local hardwood is also a headache for builders. “Victorian hardwoods are more resistant to wildfires and are more affordable than those imported under less stringent environmental standards, and are more popular with builders and consumers.”
At present, it seems that the ban on logging in native forests, ranging from firewood supply to the wood processing industry and housing construction industry, has affected the lives of most residents. It is expected that the negative impact of the plan will be more obvious after 2024. .