Good and bad in economic diversification funding

GOOD & BAD IN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION FUNDING

For Comment: David Reilly, Senior Communications Advisor, 0428 510 641
mps.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens said the majority of projects offered Commonwealth assistance today would bring genuine, long-term benefits to the Tasmanian economy.
Greens Leader Nick McKim said the Greens did not support the payment of further $7.5 million to Ta Ann, which had already received significant restructure money through the Tasmanian Forests Agreement.
“It’s important to stress that there is a lot of good news in this announcement for a lot of great Tasmanian economic initiatives,” Mr McKim said.

“These funds will help to create positive and lasting change in the Tasmanian economy, helping regional economies to diversify and create new jobs in sustainable sunrise industries.”

“While there is a lot of great stuff in this announcement, the Greens do not support the payment of a further $7.5 million to Ta Ann for a project the company had previously contemplated being self-funded.”

“This money should be used only for projects that will genuinely diversify the economy, and not for further assistance to the timber industry.”

“The forest industry has already received tens of millions of dollars to restructure through the Tasmanian Forests Agreement, and this money is there for creating jobs in sustainable, sunrise industries.”

“It is vital that none of this money should flow until the first Reserve Order currently before the Upper House is passed and those forests receive legislated protection.

“The durability requirements of the TFA make it clear that the conservation outcomes must be delivered hand in hand with the money set aside to stimulate and grow jobs in Tasmania.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader Thursday, 25 July 2013