SA Premier Peter Malinauskas talks to Fennell Forestry driver Ben Hicks on this critical industry role during the premier’s visit to the South East this week. Picture Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub
Mount Gambier MLC Clare Scriven has been appointed South Australia’s Forest Industries minister following the ALP’s win in last weekend’s State Elections. Ms Scriven also picks up the Primary Industries and Regional Development portfolios. She is from the South East and was at one stage Australian Forests Products Association state manager. Source: Timberbiz
Ms Scriven said her appointment was an “amazing honour” and she looked forward to serving the people of South Australia.
Her appointment came the day after new Premier Peter Malinauskas stuck by his commitment to visit the South East within 72 hours of being sworn in.
Mr Malinauskas surprised many on his arrival in Mount Gambier by apologising for Labor privatising the South East’s forests.
A State Labor Government in 2012 sold the future harvesting right for forests in the South East to OneFortyOne for a reported $670 million.
“I think selling the forests was wrong, but we can’t go back in time, we can only go forward,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“I think this part of the state has been ignored by previous governments of both sides and I’m seeking to put an end to that.”
Among other sites Mr Malinauskas visited the NF McDonnell and Sons mill for a hands-on look at local manufacturing.
Prior to the election Labor promised Mount Gambier would be established as a high-status recognised centre of forestry research in Australia.
Labor said 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.
It also promised $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 lev-el fire detection program, while ensuring existing fire towers are serviceable during the transition period.
Labor’s promise also included:
- 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 live-stock, 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.
