Recent polling in regional seats in both southern and northern Queensland have identified an overwhelming response by voters for more Government action to grow the local forest and timber industry. Source: Timberbiz
The uComms poll conducted in five regional electorates in the last week of September 2020 found that 9 out of 10 voters agree or strongly agree that the Government should be doing more to support and grow local timber industry jobs.
More than 3000 voters were surveyed across the electorates of Warrego, Morayfield, Gympie, Maryborough and Cook. These electorates have forestry and timber production businesses that supply into forest product and building and construction markets, with strong potential for growth.
The polling of over 600 voters in each electorate also found:
- across the electorates, an average 88% of voters surveyed believe the timber industry is important to regional Queensland, ranging from more than 83% and up to 93% by electorate; and
- voters more likely to support a party or candidate with policies in support of the timber industry outnumber those less likely by an average 3 to 1, with 24% unchanged.
“We are not surprised by these results. We know that many local towns and communities understand and value the benefits and jobs created by forestry and the timber industry in their regions,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said.
“This is a strong message to all parties and candidates in the upcoming state election that these communities want Government to proactively grow and support the industry.”
The timber and forest products industry generate $3.8 billion each year and supports around 25,000 jobs, mostly in regional areas.”
Timber Queensland has identified a five-point plan for Government to create greater resource security and a policy environment to generate new investment in the regions.
‘We believe the industry could generate an extra $300 million in annual output and generate an additional 2000 jobs with the right policies in place,’ Mr Stephens said.
The Timber Queensland election policy statement and five-point plan can be found here.
http://www.timberqueensland.com.au/Docs/News%20and%20Events/2020%20State%20Election/TIMBER-QUEENSLAND-2020-STATE-ELECTION-POLICY_compressed.pdf
