Mount Gambier would be established as a high-status recognised centre of forestry research in Australia should the Labor Party win government at next weekend’s South Australian state elections. Source: Timberbiz
Labor says a new Centre for Excellence would be funded by $15 million over 10 years to create a long-term Forestry Research and Development capability incorporating the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation and other forestry funding streams.
If elected a Labor Government would also contribute $2 million over three years to develop a Forest Products Domestic Manufacturing and Infrastructure Masterplan, including a focus on future skills needs and provide $2 million to replace fire towers with new technologies such as camera technology to provide a landscape level fire detection program, while ensuring existing fire towers are serviceable during the transition period.
The South Australian Forest Products Association has hailed the forest products policy as a “transformative plan”.
“This comprehensive and detailed policy, backed up by significant financial investment, shows that the Labor Party has listened to the industry and recognises the vital importance our sector plays in South Australia and the contribution of the more than 18,000 direct and indirect South Australians employed across the value-chain,” SAFPA CEO Nathan Paine said.
The policy also promises:
Development of the Trees on Farms initiative to quantify and promote the environmental and economic benefits of on-farm plantations (including soil protection, shade and shelter for livestock, income diversification) and guide appropriate partnerships between timber processors and landholders.
Investigating the feasibility of incentives to ensure that arrangements favour local processors who may be locked out of contracts with the larger forest growers.
Supporting and expanding the role of Forest Industries Advisory Council (FIAC-SA) so that there is a clear, ongoing platform for government and industry to work together. This will include clear KPIs, a revised charter that embeds a collaborative approach with other key agencies (DTF, Transport & Infrastructure, DEW), workforce and all sectors of the supply chain.
“The commitment to long term investment in research and development, headlined by a new Centre for Excellence based in Mount Gambier, along with a focus on domestic manufacturing through the development of a domestic manufacturing master plan are crucial; this will supercharge the industry not just creating more jobs in the South East but securing a cleaner and greener future through increased use of Green Triangle produced fibre,” Mr Paine said.
“In addition, we are pleased the Labor Party listened to the industry about the need to invest in fire detection and prevention assets, technology that will benefit the entire landscape in the Limestone Coast from plantation owners to local communities.
“The industry has come together through the South Australian Forest Products Association to develop a broad policy platform and we commend the Labor Party for the way that it has embraced the industry, our platform and our proposals. Their recognition of the importance of the industry is impressive and their commitment to investing in our future and the regional community is to be congratulated,” Mr Paine said.
