50 years ago
The Express, November 3, 1976
Forest is in danger
ABOUT 80 people attended a meeting in Morwell on Thursday night to discuss the effects of wood pulping and other forestry practices on native flora and fauna.
Three guest speakers addressed the meeting held at the Ronald Reserve hall, following the opening of an “ecology art exhibition” that afternoon in the gardens opposite the Morwell Post Office.
Mr Ian Penna, project officer for the Conservation Council of Victoria, spoke about projected demands for wood for pulping. He pointed out that because Acts of Parliament set out minimum annual supply (MAS) guaranteed by the Forestry Commission and prescribe penalties for companies not taking up 80 per cent of MAS, the provision of logs for pulping is likely to be first priority in forestry.
Mr Penna said the danger was that current projects for pulping needs will require more wood than is now available.
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30 years ago
The Express, November 4 , 1996
Hopeful outlook for regional Australia
DURING a visit to Gippsland last Friday, Federal Primary Industries and Energy Minister John Anderson claimed regional Australia “had a lot to be hopeful about in the budget”.
Mr Anderson was in the region to address a Liberal Party dinner in Traralgon and first inspected the logging supply company site of IJ Crawford and Sons in Morwell.
Later at the dinner function, attended by around 110 people, Mr Anderson said interest rates had already fallen in response to this year’s federal budget.
“This will deliver better opportunities for farmers, small business and of course, jobs for the unemployed,” he added.
Liberal MHR for McMillan Russel Broadbent praised his colleague for his role in producing a forest industry outcome which “delivered greater certainty and sense”.
“It will preserve an industry that is so important to local families, while maintaining the government’s commitment to the National Forest Policy Statement,” he added.
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10 years ago
The Express, November 3, 2016
Batten down the hatches
VICTORIA has entered the storm season and RACV is warning householders to be vigilant to reduce the risk of damage around the home.
While other areas in Gippsland experienced a less damaging storm season in 2015-16, storm-related insurance claims in Baw Baw Shire jumped about 29 per cent, new RACV data reveals.
RACV Insurance paid more than $335,000 for damage and loss in Baw Baw, almost 39 per cent more than the previous financial year.
Overall, Gippsland storm-related damage claims dropped from 484 to 358, with the largest fall in Wellington, which recorded 80 claims, down from 125 the previous year.
South Gippsland registered the highest average cost of claims in the region for the second successive year.
South Gippsland’s average claim was $5480, followed by $4605 in Wellington and $3846 for Bass Coast.
During the danger period, there are several basic actions residents can take to reduce the risk of storm or flood damage.
These include securing loose objects around the property, keep gutters, downpipes and drains clear and checking your roof for any holes or loose tiles that need repair or replacement.
