New research from the University of Tasmania highlights the potential opportunity to salvage high-quality submerged timber resources from the state’s Hydro water storages.
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is backing Tasmania’s specialty timber industry by working closely with Hydro Tasmania to develop a framework that enables the harvesting of submerged timbers, providing the certainty industry needs to invest with confidence.
Hydrowood has been successfully recovering timbers from the depths of Lake Pieman for a number of years, and it is expected that opening up other Hydro managed lakes for harvest can provide a unique opportunity to expand this industry, driving local investment and creating regional jobs.
Recovering timber from lakes is technically difficult, but this niche industry has the potential to bring significant economic benefit to the state with recovered timber highly prized by skilled craftsmen and women who use it to create unique, long-lasting high-valued items.
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government has a Strategic Growth Plan for Tasmania’s forests, fine timber and wood fibre that is built on four pillars – resource security, financial sustainability, job security and a stronger role for the private sector.
A new suite of tools has been released to help grow the industry and guide our dedicated forest managers, these are available at www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/specialspeciestimber.