PASIN CALLS ON LABOR TO GROW GREEN TRIANGLE PLANTATIONS

Member for Barker Tony Pasin has welcomed the opening of applications for $3 million in grant funding for research proposals to develop forest and wood products industries in the Green Triangle.

The funding will be delivered though the Mount Gambier Centre of the National Institute of Forest products Innovation (NIFPI), a key initiative of the former Coalition Government.

The $3 million in grant funding was a commitment from the former Coalition Government announced in January this year.

“While I’m pleased this funding is being delivered, I’d encourage Clare Scriven and Murray Watt to focus on new measures to help grow our industry rather than seeking credit for rolling our former Coalition Government funding initiatives to get themselves in the media,” Mr Pasin said.

In February, the former Coalition Government announced an $86 million fund for timber plantation grants.

To support the establishment of new plantations, in partnership with state and territory governments and industry, the Australian Government committed to $86.2 million over five years from 2021-22 as part of the 2022 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO).

The program was to offer matched grants (50/50) to foresters to fund the establishment costs of new plantations, in participating states and territories.

The Australian Government will fund 40% of the government contribution to the grants program in each state or territory, and the participating state or territory would be expected to fund 60% of the government contribution.

Following the negotiation of appropriate arrangements with participating states and territories, it was expected the funding would be available in the 2022-23 financial year.

“What would be useful for our local forest and forest products industry is for Ministers Watt and Scriven to commit to partnering to grow the Green Triangle’s Forestry estate through this fully budgeted $86 million fund. I’m yet to hear anything about South Australia signing up to the program,” Mr Pasin said.

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730