Gary Fleming has been jointly appointed by the Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board (TTPB) and the University of Tasmania. Mr Fleming will collaborate with industry stakeholders including project design teams, government agencies, and suppliers to identify and facilitate project opportunities that increase the use of timber and wood products. Source: Timberbiz
This appointment is supported by $150,000 from the Tasmanian Government and delivers on a 2021 election commitment.
With a background in architecture and having worked on multiple projects involving the use of timber, Mr Fleming has a passion for seeing Tasmanian timber used in the built environment.
He will be based at the University’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood, an industry-funded research facility of the School of Architecture and Design.
Mr Fleming will also help the TTPB leverage further benefits from its marketing campaign, which is being supported by an additional $1 million in Tasmanian Government funding.
TTPB deputy Chair Shawn Britton said part of Mr Fleming’s role would also be to encourage the public and the private sector to consider the use of Tasmanian wood, timber products and bioenergy, particularly in construction, fit out, and building and construction projects.
“The timing of this new role is perfect as the need for timber and wood is increasing, as we know wood has multiple benefits from environmental, health and wellbeing, and creating a circular building sector in the State,” Mr Britton said.
While the forestry sector is worth about $1.2 billion to the economy annually, growth through the Wood Encouragement Policy will provide more benefits to the economy and local communities and support more regional jobs.
