Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is the strongest support of our forestry sector and we are committed to protecting and building this industry as the economy recovers.
COVID-19 has created significant challenges for many industries, including forestry, and today I met with industry representatives to discuss these issues in a Forestry Roundtable.
We are pleased to announce that the Forestry Contractor Resilience Program will be extended from 31 July 2020 to 29 January 2021 to further support Tasmanian forestry contractors.
Both the Australian and Tasmanian Governments have also announced stimulus packages, many of which can be accessed by forestry companies, and will work with them during this time.
Tasmania's forestry contractors can apply under the $500,000 Forestry Contractor Resilience Program for funding to improve their business practices, which is being delivered through Rural Business Tasmania.
Under the program, Tasmanian forestry harvest and haulage contractors have the opportunity to work with specialists in business and financial management to identify future opportunities and build stability and resilience into their operations.
Eligible applicants will receive five hours of professional business coaching and may also be eligible for up to $15,000 to deliver agreed business improvements.
The Program's guidelines and application form are available from Rural Business Tasmania at www.ruralbusinesstasmania.org.au or by calling 1300 883 276.
The Tasmanian Government will continue to stand with our forestry sector which supports thousands of jobs in rural and regional Tasmanian communities.
