MEDIA RELEASE 9th September, 2011
Timber security welcome - but more needed The Cradle Coast Authority has welcomed the State Government’s move to legislate to provide secure and ongoing resource for veneer and specialty timbers. The Authority’s Executive Chairman Roger Jaensch said the move would go part of the way to providing the certainty required for a continuing industry, which local government leaders in the region have supported strongly. However, Mr Jaensch said the same legislated certainty was required for value adders of high quality sawlogs for the furniture and fine timber sector in the State – which contributes significantly to the economy and character of the region. “The Representatives of the nine councils making up the Authority have recently thrown their unanimous support behind the timber industry, requesting a greater level of security for all those who want to remain in production,” Mr Jaensch said. “At their request I have written to Premier Lara Giddings asking for that security to be extended to the quality sawlogs which can be an important part of the new look industry for Tasmania,” Mr Jaensch said. Mr Jaensch said in the letter he acknowledged that the changes to the industry were unavoidable and driven by forces largely beyond the control of industry and governments. “What our businesses and communities need now is a clearer picture of a new forest industry that they can plan to be part of, and regain control of their future,” he said in the letter. The councils of the Cradle Coast believe that commitments of future supply of timber should be equivalent to those protecting areas from further harvesting, and the areas for supply should be mapped and protected for wood production. “Legislation is the most appropriate mechanism to ensure that any commitments made through this process survive in the longer term.”
Media contact Roger Jaensch
Cradle Coast Authority
0438 316 285 rjaensch@cradlecoast.com