Up to 20 Australian sawmills may face closure following drastic logging cutbacks in the state of Victoria.
The Victorian government announced the 31% cutback across the state after a study found timber resources to be overstated and logging rates unsustainable. One forest area will see a 79% cutback.
Job loss estimates range from 500 to 1,500. An A$80m compensation package is being offered by the state government for loggers and sawmills affected.
Australian green groups have welcomed the cutbacks.
