Tasmania produces some of the best wood products in the world, and the Hodgman Liberal Government is dedicated to a sustainable forestry industry and helping it reach its full potential.
Last week’s budget confirmed the development of a policy which would see Government projects encouraged to use more timber products, which will promote a shift towards viewing wood as a first choice for construction, interior design and daily living.
Creating more demand for timber will encourage the use of local timber, which will support jobs and growth around the state.
The recent changes to the National Construction Code to allow for timber products such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) to be used in building projects, coupled with the Government’s Buy Local Policy allows local industry to view Tasmanian timber as a primary choice for construction and associated projects.
Tasmania’s potential for sustainable and innovative forestry management has received a further vote of confidence after the Turnbull Government announced funding of $2 million to go towards a National Institute for Forest Products Innovation research hub at the University of Tasmania Launceston campus.
This important development will explore innovative ways to grow the forest and forest products industry. This will provide opportunities for jobs and growth in areas such as forest management, timber processing, wood fibre recovery, and advanced manufacturing.
The previous Labor-Green Government attempted to destroy our successful forestry industry, and the Liberal Government is proud to stand up for local products and jobs.