Victorian businesses say they’re being forced to bear the brunt of the government’s controversial decision to shut down Gippsland’s paper mill industry.

Jacqui Felgate spoke with several business owners on Thursday, who said printing paper had not only got harder to buy, but also increased in cost.

Victorian Forest Productions Association Chief Executive, Deb Kerr, said she was sympathetic with them all but was “unsurprised” by the current situation.

“I can’t see a situation where and imported product is going to be cheaper than the product that was produced here domestically,” she said.

“Victoria no longer produces any of it.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about the situation