Gippsland Logging and Earthmoving has made the successful transition into plantation timber haulage thanks to a grant provided by the Allan Labor Government’s Timber Innovation Fund (VTIF).
The Traralgon based business took the initiative last year to transition to plantation timber haulage but needed to modify and purchase new equipment in order to do so.
Gippsland Logging and Earthmoving applied for a $330,000 VTIF grant to redesign and repurpose a prime mover and purchase a crane unit that is suitable and compliant for haulage of plantation timber.
The decision by the business to transition into plantation timber haulage has also supported the retention and training of six existing fulltime employees.
The move to plantation timber haulage also means employees who previously would have been working away from home for extended periods are now back with their families most nights.
Native timber haulage often required workers to travel long distances, whereas the plantation timber is located closer to Traralgon.
Gippsland Logging and Earthmoving has been operating since 2004, and whilst most of its work is in timber haulage, the business also specialises in earthworks and roading.
The Victorian Timber Innovation Fund Grants Program Round 3 has grants of up to $1 million for eligible businesses to access.
As part of Round 3, support will include a Grant Application Assistance Service for the first time. Businesses can apply for vouchers of up to $7,500 which will provide them with access to a panel of Registered Service Providers. These Providers will help businesses to prepare and submit strong submissions for the grants program.
VTIF supports businesses to transition away from the native timber industry and diversify their business operations to pursue opportunities in other industries that will support jobs and the communities that depended on the native timber industry.
It is a key part of the Forestry Transition Program to support timber businesses to explore, invest and implement new opportunities. For more information visit .
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“We are providing crucial support to empower businesses and workers to take advantage of new opportunities and I look forward to seeing more exciting projects coming to life in the next round of the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund.”
As stated by member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Gippsland Logging and Earthmoving’s work is a really great example of the funding and support that’s helping businesses across rural and regional Victoria to transition to new opportunities that drive jobs and prosperity.”
