LOGGING has once again been put under the spotlight as concerns that the upcoming Tolmie Sports Festival may be the last event to feature wood chopping in Victoria.
VicForests were forced to stop logging in November after the Victorian Supreme Court found that the company failed to protect threatened species of gliders and its methods to check for them before logging are inadequate.
They were ordered to carry out full surveys of areas for greater gliders and yellow–bellied gliders before logging, stopping logging activities while this work was undertaken.
The pause put pressure on the construction industry, raising the prices of building materials further in Victoria, with many companies having to import the materials from outside of the state.
The ban came just after the start of the competitive wood chopping season, not significantly impacting the competitions scheduled through 2022.
However, as 2023 approached, supplies dwindled and calls for a solution increased.
VicForests has not completed the surveys as per the court order, meaning that logging has not resumed.
This has hit Australia's oldest sport hard.
Victoria Axemen's Council President Brad Meyer told the Herald Sun, "We have had great dealings with VicForests up to now supplying competition logs at a price we can afford.
"Buying off private companies, it becomes too expensive for us to even think about.
"There is no timber in private areas (of the variety they require)."
The issue has far–reaching consequences, with crucial tourism trade important for shows in much of the state.
North East and Border Axemen's Association vice president Fabian Harding said, "If you go to any show you'll see the wood chop draw the biggest crowd."
Politicians have stepped in to advocate for the sport.
Speaking in parliament, State Liberal Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish called on the State Government to support the sport and offer a solution to the shortage of logs.
Ms McLeish said, "With the constant issue and litigation around timber harvesting, access to the essential part of the sport has been closed to axemen, with the surety of log supply no longer provided.
"I have been contacted by the Victoria Axemen's Council who are concerned that if logs are not sourced soon, it will be the end of the much–loved Australian sport.
"Although there's enough logs available for the Tolmie Sports Festival on March 4, the woodchop at the Alexandra Truck Show in June is at jeopardy with many more to follow, including the Royal Melbourne Show."
Many wood chop organisers are worried that, if things continue to be delayed, wood chop may not be able to draw the crowds it currently does in Victoria.
Mr Meyer said preparations for the Alexandra and Melbourne shows are already underway, with no wood available for the competition to go ahead.
"We have no timber for the Melbourne Show," he said.
"This time of year I usually get the timber in so we have it in storage.
"There is no sign of getting any timber for that event.
"I do not have a stick at all to put towards the Melbourne Show.
"The timber shortage across Victoria will continue to impact availability of logs.
"VicForests will seek to meet its contracted obligations according to the agreements once they resume harvest operations," he said.
VicForests has appealed the court decision with the matter listed for March 23.
