In a positive sign for Tasmania’s forest industry, the company that is purchasing the former Gunns plantation and wood chipping business has said it plans to significantly grow the business.
The Minister for State Growth, Matthew Groom, and I had an extremely positive meeting with the CEO of New Forests, Dr David Brand, in Hobart recently.
New Forests will not only secure ongoing employment for 32 direct employees and over 150 harvesting and haulage contractors, it will aim to more than double the existing output by capitalising on new market opportunities in Asia.
Strongly backed by long-term international investors, New Forests’ plans will, if realised, create new jobs.
This prospect of growth in forestry on the back of New Forests’ investment stands in contrast to the efforts of Labor and the Greens in trying to shut the industry down.
The Liberal Government is getting on with the job of delivering our plan for the long-term future of Tasmania.
Paul Harriss, Minister for Resources
