Growing the value of our forestry industry

Tasmania’s $1.2 billion forestry industry is set for further growth, with four projects securing funding from Round Two of the Forestry On-Island Processing Program.

Neville Smith Forest Products, Western Junction Sawmill, Forico and Britton Brothers will each receive $2 million as part of the program.

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis, said the funding would unlock more than $50 million in private investment for modern processing and production facilities.

“Seizing opportunities further up the value chain in forestry creates jobs for Tasmanians and helps keep our economy strong,” Minister Ellis said.

“These new projects will convert plantation hardwood logs into high-value products such as solid timber panels, glue-laminated timber, staircase components, pallets and sawn timber.

“We are working together to move our state forward, and this funding backs in the future of the industry and the 5,700 jobs it supports right across the state.”

The expansion complements Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s current plantation hardwood sale which will provide 125,000 cubic metres of plantation hardwood logs each year for the next decade.