It was great to host forestry Ministers and officials from around the country in Launceston today.
Today’s meeting was held at the Design Centre in Launceston, a fantastic venue which allowed us to showcase products made combining expert local craftsmanship with Tasmanian special timbers.
Discussions at the meeting focused on a number of forestry topics, including Tasmania’s Wood Encouragement Policy, the first state-based policy of its type in Australia.
This policy means Tasmanian wood will need to be considered for use in future public building projects, thereby supporting the local industry and regional jobs. I encouraged my fellow Ministers to consider adopting similar policies in their jurisdictions, which would help deliver greater use of wood products right across the country.
Only recently the Tasmanian Liberal Government and the Commonwealth signed a 20 year extension on the Regional Forest Agreement (RFA), the first state in the country to do so. This important agreement helps to secure Tasmanian forestry jobs and ensures Tasmania’s forest management system is delivering biodiversity and conservation outcomes.
Confidence is rising and production growing in the industry under the Hodgman Liberal Government after the disastrous mismanagement by the Labor-Green Government.
As part of our Building Your Future plan, we have set a target to continue this growth over the long term by doubling the forest, fine timber and wood fibre industry value-add by 2036.
We are committed to Tasmania’s forestry industry and the workers and families this vital sector supports.