The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to backing growth in Tasmania’s resurgent forest industry to create jobs – our number one priority.
Today, I am pleased to announce the 13 successful applicants of grants under our $1.25 million Wood and Fibre Processing Innovation Program, which aims to support the development of new opportunities for the industry.
Focussing on creating value-added products from wood and also plant residues, this program received great interest, with 41 applications.
Our contribution of up to $100,000 for each successful project will make possible a total investment of $7.15 million in our forest industry across regional Tasmania, and help to both sustain employment and create new jobs.
Many of the projects involve biomass, including bioenergy and biofuel, which is not only an important source of renewable energy in Europe, but also has great potential for Tasmania.
East Tamar Maintenance Services, for example, will receive $95,000 to assist with its project of constructing a biomass fuel production facility and also a fabrication facility for the assembly of biomass-fuelled appliances.
The Meander Valley Council, meanwhile, has been allocated $100,000 to help with the development of a business case for the design and operation of a large-scale bioenergy generation and local distribution network.
Together, the 13 projects backed by the Liberal Government through this program demonstrate our commitment to supporting the growing confidence and investment in Tasmania’s forest industry.
The Government is actively encouraging growth in the industry to create jobs and to help ensure Forestry Tasmania is commercially sustainable.
That’s why we are considering whether we need to obtain earlier access to the 400,000 hectares of Future Potential Production Forest, and we will talk more about this in the near future.
There has been a dramatic turnaround since the disastrous Labor-Green forests deal brought the industry to its knees, and we are determined to ensure this continues.
Wood and Fibre Processing Innovation Program – Successful Applicants …
Guy Barnett, Minister for Resources
