The Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) has today congratulated the Tasmanian Labor Party for backing forestry in its 2024 election policy platform.

Speaking at the launch of Labor’s forestry plan, TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said the plan will back Tasmanian workers, the economy and build on the important work forestry does to meet the State’s lofty climate ambitions.

“This plan does offer our industry, and the 5,500 Tasmanians employed in forestry, a secure, productive and responsible future,” Mr Steel said.

“I thank the Tasmanian Labor Party for working directly with the TFPA and industry to develop a plan that ticks off many boxes in our election wish list.”

Mr Steel said grants to encourage on-island processing, increasing the local benefit weighting to 25 per cent on all Tasmanian timber contracts, ensuring our private foresters are included in the TasGRN rollout, and continuing to fund the Tasmanian Timber Promotions Board will all make a big difference to industry.

“By backing our Home-Grown Timber Future Policy, Labor is ensuring that our businesses can compete with interstate operators,” Mr Steel said.

“Improving the quality of our wood on-island will not only support thousands of jobs but will also give a significant boost to the Tasmanian economy,” Mr Steel said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Tasmanian Labor Party to ensure that all facets of our 2024 Election Wishlist are implemented – helping our businesses employ Tasmanians, contribute to our state’s economy and continue to sequester carbon.

“Regardless the result of the election, the TFPA is pleased that both major parties are backing our industry, and we’re confident forestry has a strong future after 23 March,” Mr Steel said.

The TFPA Election Wishlist can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/4bPyfDF