Forestry's contribution to Tasmania's economy and regions is set to grow as Sustainable Timber Tasmania's hardwood plantation logs are made available to the industry.
Decades in the making, STT will release around 350,000 cubic metres per annum of wood to the industry, including 125,000 cubic metres per annum of pruned and unpruned millable logs with a greater than 30cm small end diameter.
Minister for Resources, Felix Ellis, said these logs are being made available for processing with the objective of increasing the economic contribution of the forestry and forest products industry in Tasmania.
"In line with Government policy, a key focus of STT will be growing on-island processing and value adding of timber in Tasmania. This will mean increased opportunity for regional investment and regional jobs in forestry across the State," Minister Ellis said.
"STT will undertake a three-stage allocation process for plantation logs and will commence Stage 1 of the process, which will allow interested parties to qualify for participation in Stage 2. The qualification period will remain open until the end of January 2024.
"STT have worked diligently to ensure that the allocation process for plantation logs provides a level playing field and complies with relevant Federal laws relating to competition.
Importantly, in recognition of the capability and significant contribution made over decades by STT's current customers, they will be provided with:
A fast track to qualification as part of STT's planned allocation process for plantation logs;
Opportunity for continued long-term access to available native forest sawlog; and
Access to Round 2 of the Liberal Government's On Island Processing Program which will be dedicated to supporting Tasmanian businesses intending to process the hardwood plantation resource.
Further, STT advise that a 30 per cent weighting will be applied for 'Contribution to the Tasmanian economy' as part of its planned process. This is above the 25 per cent set for Government departments through the 'Buy Local' policy.
Minister Ellis said that with Labor Governments across the country closing their native forestry sectors, Tasmania stands as a beacon for balanced and sustainable mixed use forest management.
"As a Liberal Government we have helped rebuild the Tasmanian forestry sector after the devastation of the Labor-Green Tasmanian Forest Agreement," Minister Ellis said.
"Under our approach, wood production, exports, investment and jobs are all up.
"Today's announcement creates an opportunity for forestry's contribution to Tasmania to be super-charged.
"In contrast to Labor Governments both here and on the mainland, we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our forest industry and leave no stone unturned in our efforts to deliver the best possible support and platform for growth," Minister Ellis said.
