The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to building Tasmania’s future, and we are literally doing just that through our support for the University of Tasmania’s Northern Transformation Project.
Today, I am pleased to open a symposium promoting the opportunities for the use of Tasmanian timber products in the construction of the University’s new buildings in Burnie and at Inveresk.
The Liberal Government will shortly release a Wood Encouragement Policy to promote a shift towards viewing wood as a first choice for low to medium rise construction and interior design, which we hope will benefit both our forestry and building industries.
Changes to the National Construction Code allowing the greater use of wood products and our own Buy Local Policy are closely aligned to this new emphasis on Tasmanian wood in building and construction.
The shared objectives and principles between our $90 million Northern Cities Major Development Initiatives and the University’s Northern Transformation Project also require the “use of Tasmanian timber and timber products where possible during the construction and fit-out stages of infrastructure developments”.
The symposium today is aimed at facilitating the Tasmanian timber and wood fabrication sector’s contribution to the design and construction of the University’s planned new buildings.
This is about maximising the benefits to local industry – and local jobs, our first priority – from the $300 million investment in our northern university campuses.
The new buildings should also showcase Tasmanian wood products and help to attract further interest for construction interstate and overseas.