The Liberal Government is delivering on our promise to rebuild the forestry sector and we are already laying the foundations for the future, with legislation to repeal the jobs destroying forest peace deal to be debated by the Legislative Council this week after passing the House of Assembly.
As part of our Plan to rebuild the industry, we are establishing a new Ministerial Advisory Council on Forestry.
Unlike the so-called “Special Council” set up under the former Labor-Labor Green Government’s job-destroying forest deal, the group will be focussed on growing the industry, not shutting it down.
This council will work directly with the Government and provide important advice in order to increase the value of Tasmania’s forest industry and create jobs.
Its responsibilities will include informing the Government on issues within the industry, identify what obstacles there are to growing the sector, what future opportunities exist and provide support for the industry in markets and the community.
A strategic forest industry growth plan will also be developed to address critical issues relating to both wood supply and future demand for forest products.
Members of the council will be committed to growing the industry, supporting the role of Council and working within the context of the legislation.
Membership will initially include;
• Forest Industries Association of Tasmania
• Tasmanian Sawmillers Association
• Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association
• Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association
• Tasmanian Special Timbers Alliance
• Forestry Tasmania
• Private Forests Tasmania
• National Centre for Future Forest Industries (UTAS)
I will chair the committee as Resources Minister, while former President of the Legislative Council Sue Smith will be Deputy Chair.
Paul Harriss, Minister for Resources
