The centuries-old sport of woodchopping is at risk as the state government continues to fail Victoria’s native timber industry, according to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath.
Log supply for the Victorian Axemen’s Council (VAC) upcoming woodchopping events are in jeopardy.
Without hardwood logs, Victorian athletes will be unable to compete at this 140-year-old traditional sport.
A court order limiting timber harvesting in areas managed by VicForests, means the council does not have enough logs to supply Victoria’s woodchopping events.
Speaking in State Parliament, Ms Bath called on the state government to act and guarantee the future of the sport.
“Woodchopping has a long and proud history in Gippsland and right across Victoria, which continues to grow year on year,” Ms Bath said.
“The sport of wood chopping is a highly competitive activity; over 100 events are run each year across the state, drawing skilled competitors from all over Australia.
“You only have to look at the large crowds that woodchopping events attracted at last year’s highly successful Heyfield Timber Festival to see first hand how popular the sport is.
“Competitive athletes are highly trained, and its devastating that their sport is being diminished through green lawfare.”
Ms Bath said she had made a commitment to the president of the VAC, Brad Meyer, to fight for the sport.
“It would be a crying shame to lose this tradition from our regional shows and events in Victoria,” Ms Bath said.
“Woodchopping is a major drawcard, and it attracts international competitors. The Andrews Labor Government’s cannot continue to sit on its hands and turn a blind eye, it must instigate a solution.”
