South Australia’s Malinauskas Labor Government will invest $19million to help grow and develop the state’s forest and timber industries, one of the most significant contributors to the economy in the south-east. Source: Timberbiz
As part of the State Government’s investment of more than $130 million in the Limestone Coast, sustainable forest industry initiatives will maximise the state’s capacity to produce vital fibre for Australian construction and manufacturing and support South Australian jobs.
“We made a promise to the Limestone Coast before the election and we are now delivering on crucial funding to our forestand timber industries,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“These aren’t just investments for the industry now, but projects that will deliver benefits to the future of our industry and community for years to come.
“This is all part of my government’s investment of more than $130 million in the Limestone Coast.”
Measures include:
- $15 million for a new Centre for Excellence to secure a long-term Forestry Research and Development capability at Mount Gambier – funded over 10 years
- Supporting and expanding the role of the Forest Industries Advisory Council (FIAC-SA) as an ongoing platform for government and industry to work together
- $2 million over three years to develop a Forest Products Domestic Manufacturing and Infrastructure Masterplan, including a focus on future skills needs
- $2 million to replace fi e towers with new technologies to provide landscape level fire detection, while ensuring existing towers are serviceable during the transition
- Development of the Trees on Farms initiative to quantify and promote the environmental and economic benefits of on-farm plantations
- Investigating the feasibility of incentives to ensure that arrangements favour local processors who may be locked out of contracts with the larger forest growers
“Forest industries are among the most significant contributors to our state’s economy, and these investments will help ensure they continue to grow,” said South Australian Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven.
“I know these commitments will support growth in our housing, skills and jobs for our state, and represent important investments into our state’s ongoing prosperity.”
