Only a re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government has a strong plan to secure Tasmania’s future and support job creation and economic growth in the state’s forestry sector.

We understand that forestry is a vital part of our economy and today I am pleased to announce that if re-elected, we will invest $11.7 million into Tasmania’s forest industries.

This will secure the jobs of the 5,700 currently working in the sector, and create more than 300 new jobs.

As part of our Forestry Policy, we will provide $10 million over 5 years to grow on-island processing and value-adding to attract new business to Tasmania and allow existing businesses to invest and expand, creating jobs in regional areas. This will support our building and construction boom in Tasmania by providing greater access to high-value appearance grade veneers and load bearing timbers.

We will also provide $1.15 million over three years to the Tasmanian Timber Promotions Board to help promote and sell the state’s timber products locally, nationally and internationally to drive demand. This funding will allow for a full-time Wood Encouragement Policy Officer to promote the benefits of using Tasmanian wood, further supporting growth in the state’s building and construction sector.

In order to address the current skills shortage and train the forestry industry leaders of the future, we will commit $150,000 over three years to support the Arbre Forest Industry Training and Careers Hub in Invermay to help promote the industry as a genuine career path and provide the training that will support safe and sustainable work places.

We understand that a successful industry is an inclusive one, and that’s why we will also invest $300,000 to partner with the Tasmanian Forest and Forest Products Network to establish a Diversity Action Plan Project to increase the gender and cultural diversity of the resources sector.

Tasmania’s well-managed, sustainable and job creating forest industry is worth more than $1.2 billion annually to the state’s economy, and only a re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government has the strong plan to secure its future.

Our Forestry Policy can be viewed here.