Sarah Courtney,Minister for Resources
I welcome today's announcement by the Australian Government of the establishment of a pilot regional forestry hub in the North and North-West of Tasmania.
The forestry industry is growing again in Tasmania, supporting 5700 direct and indirect jobs, with opportunity for continued growth and economic benefit to many Tasmanian communities.
The Tasmanian forestry industry will play its role in meeting a projected quadrupling of demand for timber products over the next 30 years.
While there have been set-backs such as this summer's bushfires, our forestry industry workforce is strong and resilient.
The Australian Government's announcement is a recognition of Tasmania's natural, competitive advantages in forestry and will support our strategy to grow jobs and investment.
Northern and North-West Tasmania are ideally suited for national forest hub with established processing plants and export ports, a skilled workforce and an expanding plantation estate.
The Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to work closely with the industry and all levels of Government to make the most of this opportunity.
