Tasmanian distributor explains why his firewood stock has already run out this winter
Small-scale Tasmanian firewood distributors are facing severe supply shortages during winter. They claim they cannot compete with large-scale woodchip exporters for access to plantation timber.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between local resource needs and the economic pressures of global export markets on essential commodities.
Some small Tasmanian firewood distributors have run out of dry firewood in the middle of winter.
They say it's because they can't compete with woodchip exporters for plantation timber.
Firewood distributor Mark Brown tells Hobart Breakfast presenter David Reilly he's worried what this means for customers trying to keep warm.
"Local markets don't compete with overseas markets, unfortunately," he says.
"People need to keep warm, you know? They can't just go down to Shiploads and buy blankets all the time."
Mr Brown shares some advice on how to secure firewood at this point in the season.
Distributor Mark Brown says he's run out of dry firewood in the middle of winter. ( ABC Northern Tasmania: Rick Eaves )
Hobart, Heating and Cooling, Forestry, Logging and Timber Industry Transcript Mark Brown We just got lack of supply because, you know, local markets don't compete with overseas markets, unfortunately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in