The Green Triangle forestry industry of South Australia and Victoria is being boosted by Australian Government backing to drive investment and grow jobs.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, Senator Jonathon Duniam, and Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Green Triangle strategic plan—launched today in Mount Gambier—would protect and grow the Green Triangle’s vital forestry industry.
“Australia’s forestry sector is vital to our regional communities, directly employing around 52,000 people and many thousands indirectly,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“We want the sector to continue to grow, and the strategic plan being launched today will help to identify the key priorities for the Green Triangle Regional Forestry Hub.
“The assessments that come out of the Forestry Hub will provide the industry with data not currently available, which will then assist in removing barriers affecting the productivity and efficiency of the sector.
“This in turn will lead to more investment and create jobs, which is great news for the region and the regional economy.”
Mr Pasin said the Australian Government was providing $1.1 million to support the work of the Green Triangle Regional Forestry Hub.
“With 329,000 hectares in total plantation area and a forestry workforce of more than 2,300 people, the Green Triangle’s contribution to Australian forestry is significant,” Mr Pasin said.
“Local communities, growers, processors, transport and training providers—and the Forest Industry Advisory Council of South Australia—will be working together on the issues and opportunities for forestry in our region
“The result will be better returns to business, more investment, and greater economic security to major timber processing communities in my electorate like Mount Gambier, Tarpeena and Millicent.”
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