The Australian Forest Products Association has congratulated Tasmanian hardwood sawmiller Neville Smith Forest Products on its announcement it is increasing production at its Huon Valley facility. Source: Timberbiz
NSFP announced last week that it would soon be expanding its workforce at its Southwood site by 30 full time positions, a move which AFPA CEO Ross Hampton said showed the innovation and growth potential of Australia’s sustainable native hardwood timber industry.
“I am pleased to see that the demand for NSFP’s quality, renewable timber products is such that they are growing their workforce to increase production, and creating many more downstream processing jobs across Tasmania,” Mr Hampton said.
“NSFP has been operating in Tasmania since 1924, and as it approaches its centenary there, this move shows it is confident about the state’s renewable forest industries, which is underpinned by the state’s world-leading, best practice forest management.
“I also commend the Tasmanian Government and Resources Minister Guy Barnett for continuing to support the sector and recognise its role as an employer, particularly in regional areas, and the economic contribution in excess of $1.2 billion the industry makes to the state.”
Private Forests Tasmania CEO, Penny Wells, said the expansion of the mill’s operation would enhance domestic processing in Tasmania and provide an additional market for timber grown on private land in the Huon Valley.
“This will provide a much-needed boost for the sustainable forestry sector, and many local timber growers will welcome the opportunity to sell their timber into the local market,” Ms Wells said.
Doubling the facility’s operation will be a major lift for private landholders who own plantation lots and/or commercial native forests in southern Tasmania. This is particularly good news following the devastating fires in 2019, the closure of the Ta Ann Mill at Southwood in 2020 and in the current constrained export market.
