The Hodgman Liberal Government has outlined a vision to double the forest, fine timber and wood fibre industry value-add to $1.2 billion by 2036, an ambitious target backed by industry.
To achieve this target the Government is helping timber businesses to invest in new ways of creating high-value products.
Value-adding in Tasmania will see the creation of more jobs in the sector, meaning more people will be able to earn a living and support their families.
Howard Heritage Furniture is a great example of this, producing high-quality fine furniture and wood products from Tasmanian timbers.
With the assistance of a $100,000 grant received from the Liberal Government’s Wood and Fibre Processing Innovation Program last year, Howard Heritage Furniture have purchased new equipment and are looking to crack into lucrative mainland markets for high-end timber products.
They have recently put on several new employees with more expected next year, and have secured contracts to supply high-value products internationally.
Last year we awarded $1.2 million in grants to Tasmanian businesses through the Wood and Fibre Processing Innovation Program, resulting in projects with a total value of more than $7 million, making the program a resounding success.
Following on from the success of the Wood Fibre Innovation program, the Government is also offering similar grants to southern sawmills who have been receiving Government subsidies to transport sawmill residues to the north for export since the closure of the Triabunna Port under the previous Labor-Green Government.
A total of $620,000 will be made available to three sawmills to assist them to develop new uses or markets for their sawmill residues which will ultimately put an end to the need for ongoing Government assistance.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is backing the forest industry, and our Plan will create more jobs through innovation and value-adding here in Tasmania.