Case Studies

Background

At the end of 2019, the Victorian Government announced the Native Forest Transition Package to support Victoria’s forest industry in transitioning away from native forestry sources by the beginning of 2024. In contrast to other forestry regions in Victoria, the Yarra Ranges LGA relies heavily on land occupied by harvested forests. Therefore, the forestry industry holds deep historic roots in many smaller towns within the municipality, as a core component of the economy.  

Project Goals

To best understand the likely impact that the transition away from native forestry will have on their economy, Yarra Ranges Shire Council sought an analysis of its forestry and timber processing sector and a socio-economic profile of the Yarra Valley area. The aim of the report was to provide a preliminary estimate of the potential economic impact that a total phase out of the local forestry and logging industry will have on the local economy. 

REMPLAN’s Involvement

REMPLAN analysed the Victorian native forestry sector to determine its scale and importance in terms of local jobs, supply chains, and market demand. In addition, a socio-economic analysis of the Yarra Valley area was completed to analyse the resident profile and industry composition, reporting on key economic indicators of output, employment and value added, along with a specific breakdown of the forestry and timber processing sector. An Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted to provide a preliminary estimate of the potential economic impact that a total phase out of the local forestry and logging industry will have on the Yarra Valley economy.  

Results

Through the Victorian Forestry Plan, Yarra Ranges Council received funding for the Upper Yarra Valley communities, focusing on Warburton, Yarra Junction and Powelltown, to support a Local Development Strategy: Upper Yarra Local Development Project. 

Yarra Ranges Council estimates the Upper Yarra LDS will be completed in March 2025, with a finalised strategy, ongoing governance established and potentially funded projects.