A NEW $14 million forestry training centre at the University of Tasmania is a significant vote of confidence in one of the state’s major natural resources, says Federal Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson.
“This is a fundamental step on the way to supporting this important industry into the future,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
Mr Hutchinson told Federal Parliament today he shared the university’s view that there is huge potential for Tasmania’s forestry sector to be transformed from the commodity driven, low-technology industry of the past into something very special.
The Federal Government last week announced funding of $3.6 million for the University of Tasmania which will be matched by industry and university contributions to provide the $14 million required for the centre.
The training centre aims to build the capacity to transform the Australian forest products sector by providing advanced training and research.
It plans to train a workforce capable of improving use of the resource which should allow the sector to exploit emerging markets in the use of renewable materials.
The centre’s partners range from forest managers to architects and engineers to ensure a flow of information from forest to design and manufacture.
Mr Hutchinson said that the Federal Government’s support for the project recognised the use of timber and wood fibre as a product for the 21st century.
“There is so much that is possible from downstream manufacturing from laminated timber to plastic alternatives,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.
“Tasmania is really good at growing trees and this is about looking forward to support our industry into an innovative future.’’
Federal Lyons MHR Eric Hutchinson
