Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Petitions

Firewood

Richard RIORDAN (Polwarth) presented a petition bearing 270 signatures:

Issue:

This petition is to draw to the attention of the Legislative Assembly that the decision to end Victorian native hardwood forestry has resulted in the decimation of the Victorian firewood industry. Without access to the State Forest firewood supplies, tens of thousands of Victorians will be forced to pay more for their heating, cooking and hot water. Victorians require the ability to purchase sustainably harvested firewood from Victorian forests, to ensure they can heat their homes as a basic right. Sustainably sourced firewood as a heating and cooking fuel facts: • Relied upon by more than 30% of residents in rural areas • A carbon neutral fuel source, on par with other renewable energy sources • Local harvesting reduces the cost of firewood, due to reduced transport expense • Most affordable source of heating for homes/helps with cost of living • ‍Additionally used recreationally for camping, fire pits/braziers, secondary heating & ambiance • Stops the market for illegally harvested firewood and the inevitable environmental damage

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria guarantee a secure sustainable supply of Victorian firewood for residential heating and cooking from State reserves that have been sustainably managed for decades.

Ordered that the petition be considered tomorrow.