Tasmania's forestry sector is a critical contributor to our State's economy and provides vital employment and opportunities for many regional communities.
More so than ever before, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is passionate about protecting and growing the forestry sector as every job counts as we rebuild our economy from COVID-19.
Today I had the opportunity to visit Oakdale Industries Timber Products at Warrane to see first-hand the nation-leading partnership between Neville Smith Forest Products (NSFP) and Possability Group, which is creating employment for people with disability.
This unique venture uses the skills of both NSFP and the Oakdale team to produce high-end decorative Tasmanian Oak products for markets across Australia.
This is a perfect example of Tasmania's sustainable native forestry sector creating jobs for Tasmanians, with the partnership generating 12 full time jobs for supported employees.
The flow on effects are huge for Tasmania, with skills, training and support being provided, delivering greater employment opportunities for people with disability and supporting all layers of a sustainable native forestry supply chain.
Demand is high for sustainably produced Tasmanian Oak and other native species products, particularly this type of production which uses on-island processing and value adding.
Given Tasmania's environmental protection is some of the most stringent in the world, it is vital that we produce sustainable products here in Tasmania rather than import them.
Tasmanians should be proud of our responsible, sustainable Forest Management System and the Government's commitment to continually improve practices while supporting the sector that employs thousands of Tasmanians, injects more than $1.2 billion into our economy and supports regional communities and families.