Annastacia Palaszczuk
Thousands of hectares of native forest north of Noosa, which had been due to become national park, will now be kept open to the timber industry in order to save hundreds of jobs. Source: Timberbiz
The Queensland Government made the decision to extend the current harvesting permits in the Wide Bay-Burnett region until 2026 but would not say how much land would be accessed.
The current permits were due to expire in 2024, threatening up to 500 workers.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Cabinet decided to back “sustainable” jobs in the region.
“These are good, decent jobs,” she said. “Some of those hardwood plantations didn’t work in the areas they were designated to, so where else is there the possibility that they can?
“If you want to have an internationally competitive industry, if you want to have sustainable jobs, you need to make sure you look at the whole industry as it stands.
“This announcement will help secure the employment of 500 Maryborough and Wide Bay locals working in the industry.
“It’s also a win for hundreds more people and businesses who indirectly rely on the timber industry.”
Instead, about 20,000 hectares of state-owned land south of Noosa will now be slated for conservation by 2024.
Ms Palaszczuk said environmental groups had no reason to be concerned.
“I think the environmental groups should look at our record,” she said. “We introduced nation-leading vegetation management laws in this state. We introduced the sustainable Ports Legislation in relation to the Great Barrier Reef. We banned plastic bags.
“We are going to introduce — very shortly — our land-restoration program, we’ve introduced Clean Co., we’re looking at a renewable hydrogen industry.
“We’ve actually proven our environmental credentials.”
