Timber Queensland has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement of the new Ministry tasked with an ambitious growth plan for the timber industry, and in the regions. Source: Timberbiz
Timber Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mick Stephens said the industry was looking forward to the implementation of the new plan which included the reservation of $500 million from Labor’s National Reconstruction Fund for regional agriculture including forestry.
“During the election there was strong bipartisan support for the timber industry, which can help tackle climate change, provide much needed timber supply and support local manufacturing and regional jobs,” Mr Stephens said.
“We would like to congratulate the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt, who has been a passionate advocate for regional Australia.
“We acknowledge his previous role as Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, which will put him in great stead to support the industry in Queensland and across the north. There is large untapped potential for getting more trees into the ground and generating greater value from the extensive area of native forest resources in the state.”
The ALP pledged more than $300 million as part of their plan for research and development, innovation grants for timber processing, plantation establishment cost subsidies and skills and training to support the industry. Labor’s forest industry plan can be found here.
“While welcoming these significant initiatives that will help boost the industry, there will be also be a few state specific issues that will need attention,” said Mr Stephens.
These include the need for:
- tighter controls on non-compliant native log exports that are putting at risk an ability to grow the local hardwood processing sector and jobs;
- an imperative to remove the so-called “water rule” in the Emissions Reduction Fund which is stifling any new plantation investment in Queensland; and
- an urgent need to look at appropriate Commonwealth assistance measures for processors affected by the recent extended wet weather and flooding in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
“We look forward to working with the new portfolio Minister for the industry, Senator Murray Watt, on these issues and the exciting opportunities ahead in Queensland,” Mr Stephens said.
