Labor decision increases our bushfire threat
Labor’s plan to lock up another 176,000 hectares of forest as national park will shut down the timber industry, cost thousands of jobs, and increase the risk of catastrophic bushfires.
Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan spoke again in Parliament today, warning that removing forestry crews from the landscape will leave communities more vulnerable.
“Labor’s new national park is a double blow for our communities – it destroys local jobs and puts more people at risk when fires hit,” Mr Hogan said.
“Their decisions will allow forests to become overgrown and fire trails will not be managed to the same level, exponentially increasing the risk of destructive fires.
“Our timber workers are often deployed during bushfires. They operate heavy machinery, create firebreaks and stop blazes before they spread.
“When you shut down those operations, you lose skilled crews, maintained fire trails and essential equipment – the very tools that keep our communities safe.
“This is yet another example of Labor severely underestimating the impact of its decisions and how it will affect our communities.
“This is ideology over practicality. We can protect our environment and keep people safe, but not by abandoning active land management and shutting down industries that support regional towns.”
ENDS
27 October 2025
Kevin Hogan – 0428 291 307
Dylan Butcher – 0411 822 990
