A Landscape Demonstration Site Program launched in Tasmania will help plant 212 hectares of shelterbelts and woodlots on seven Tasmanian farms over the next year. Source: Timberbiz
The $600,000 initiative is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments through Private Forests Tasmania.
“This initiative is great news for our farmers and primary producers because it will allow them to integrate trees into existing farming enterprises including prime lamb, wool, grass seed, cereal grains, forestry, aquaculture, dairy, beef, cropping, seed growing and potential future horticultural crops,” Tasmania’s Minister for Resources Guy Barnett said.
Private Forestry Tasmania has also launched Tree Alliance, which aims to raise awareness of farm forestry and encourage farmers to plant more trees.
“The campaign highlights the benefits that trees deliver such as increased farm productivity, while simultaneously growing high value timber products, delivering biofuel, improving water quality and efficiency, and storing carbon,” Mr Barnett said.
“With the demand for timber expected to quadruple by 2050, the Tree Alliance will help meet these needs, while benefiting farmers and landowners.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Forestry Jonno Duniam said planting trees on farms with the intention of harvesting and replanting is a win-win for the environment, society and landowners.
“This is a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way for landowners to expand their businesses,” Senator Duniam said.
“Tasmanian timber is world-class, and with the demand for high quality, sustainable timber ever increasing, this program will be essential.”
These initiatives confirm the strong support from both the State and Federal Governments for Tasmania’s world-class and sustainable forestry industry that employs thousands of locals and injects more than $1.2 billion into our economy, while supporting regional communities and families.
