Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government recognises the value of Tasmania's honey and pollination industries, which is why we committed $750,000 over three years for the Bee Industry Futures actions and remain committed to ensuring the maximum practical access to Leatherwood.
Today the government welcomes Tasmanian Beekeepers Association and Sustainable Timber Tasmania signing an agreement on the management of apiary values on Permanent Timber Production Zone land.
This is a great example of Tasmania's primary industries working together for mutually beneficial, sustainable outcomes.
This agreement formalises the existing strong working relationship that has been ensuring Tasmanian bee keepers have access to apiary resources in our public production forests.
The agreement will guide Sustainable Timber Tasmania's planning and management of the production land going forward.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania takes a very considered and careful landscape management approach. For example the Guidelines mean that we will continue to exclude areas of commercial leatherwood from our harvesting operations.
Suzette Weeding, General Manager Land Management, Sustainable Timber Tasmania said Tasmania has significant apiary resources, including leatherwood and manuka, some of which occurs on Permanent Timber Production Zone land. Sustainable Timber Tasmania recognises the value of these resources and the importance of them for the apiary industry.
This agreement is a reflection of the very positive relationship between the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association and Sustainable Timber Tasmania, which is working to facilitate access to the apiary resource and meet wood production requirements.
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government remains committed to continue working closely with the industry to create a clear vision that ensures a strong, sustainable future for the Tasmanian honey and pollination industries.
