Laurie Hein (MD, Green Triangle Forest Products), Ian McDonnell (NF McDonnell and Vice Chair of GTFIH), Linda Sewell (OneFortyOne and Chair of GTFIH), Ian Tyson (CEO, Timberlink), Tony Pasin MP, Russ Hughes (CEO, Australian Bluegum Plantations)
The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub — a group of nine forestry companies including OneFortyOne — has launched a $1 billion sustainable growth plan with the aim of planting an extra 200 million trees by 2030. Source: Timberbiz
The hub aims to increase economic output by more than 65%, making forestry a $2.5 billion sector for the Green Triangle region.
As well as boosting industry, an extra 200 million trees would sequester 3.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, Senator Jonathon Duniam, and Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the plan would protect and grow the Green Triangle’s vital forestry industry.
“Australia’s forestry sector is vital to our regional communities, directly employing around 52,000 people and many thousands indirectly,” Senator Duniam said.
“We want the sector to continue to grow, and the strategic plan being launched today will help to identify the key priorities for the Green Triangle Regional Forestry Hub.
“The assessments that come out of the Forestry Hub will provide the industry with data not currently available, which will then assist in removing barriers affecting the productivity and efficiency of the sector.
“This in turn will lead to more investment and create jobs, which is great news for the region and the regional economy.”
Hub chairwoman Linda Sewell said that while an extra 200 million trees is an ambitious plan a key component would be ensuring the right trees were grown at the right scale, with no waste. One of the main drivers behind this growth will be research and development, allowing for improved species selection.
“Demand for the product is growing, so we need supply to grow at the same rate,” she said.
Mr Pasin said the Australian Government was providing $1.1 million to support the work of the Green Triangle Regional Forestry Hub.
“With 329,000 hectares in total plantation area and a forestry workforce of more than 2,300 people, the Green Triangle’s contribution to Australian forestry is significant,” Mr Pasin said.
“Local communities, growers, processors, transport and training providers—and the Forest Industry Advisory Council of South Australia—will be working together on the issues and opportunities for forestry in our region
“The result will be better returns to business, more investment, and greater economic security to major timber processing communities in my electorate like Mount Gambier, Tarpeena and Millicent.”
Hub deputy chairman Ian McDonnell said the forestry industry offered great job opportunities in the regions, particularly for school leavers.
“There’s a commitment by industry to provide training programs, to attract the right people into the industry,” he said.
Mr McDonnell said the hub would work collaboratively with governments, communities and landholders on implementing the plan and members will invest up to $300 million in local processing and manufacturing equipment upgrades to boost efficiency.
“The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub is planning for growth. Without action, we will not be able to meet future demand for timber products and there will be an overall reduction in Australia’s national plantation estate, which will negatively impact the industry and communities that rely on it,” he said.
