Timberlink has welcomed the announcements from both the Liberal and Labor Parties that they will provide $3.5 million to complete their Bell Bay Softwood Mill upgrade. Source: Timberbiz
“This bipartisan support from both sides of politics is great news for our employees and the broader George Town community,” Timberlink’s David Oliver said.
“The Bell Bay Softwood Mill employs nearly 200 people and provides a value-add of $150 million to the George Town economy.
“I want to pay particular thanks to Bridget Archer and Senator Richard Colbeck from the Liberals, and Ross Hart and Shadow Forestry Minister Joel Fitzgibbon from Labor for advocating for our project.”
Over the past six years Timberlink has invested more than $27 million in upgrades to ensure the mill becomes internationally competitive, environmentally and financially sustainable. This final $3.5 million will allow Timberlink to complete the expansion.
These funds will be used to purchase a new Green Mill Vision Scanning System, helping the Bell Bay Mill to remain globally competitive by maximising the use of the softwood plantation resource while delivering productivity to ensure the long-term future of the mill and its 200 jobs.
This laser vision scanning system identifies quality timber for high-grade applications, and is required to protect mill viability as log sizes reduce and less pruned log is available.
Timberlink’s plantation softwood processing operations are environmentally sustainable, provide vital local jobs and economic expenditure, and produce timber locally for use in the housing and construction industry.
“The fact that both major parties have committed to this funding commitment provides certainty to our organisation and will ensure that local softwood processing also remains strong, competitive and vibrant in Tasmania for many years to come,” Mr Oliver said.
