Senator Richard Colbeck has asked what the Labor Government intends to do about the devastating impacts of proposed forestry changes on stocks of Tasmanian special timbers. Source: Timberbiz
“The Special Timbers Study of 2009 found there were 2000 full time jobs in the Tasmanian special timber sector, with a further 8500 engaging as a hobby or to a limited commercial extent,” Senator Colbeck said.
“That’s more than 10,000 Tasmanians who will be impacted if our concerns about the forestry process come to fruition.
“Beyond the direct impact, there will be flow-on effects through to the tourism industry, and it could wipe out high-value activities, such as Tasmania’s wooden boat building sector.”
Senator Colbeck asked if the Minister for the Arts and for Regional Australia, Simon Crean, had called for an examination into the impact on the arts and artisans if supplies were cut.
The verification process used as the basis for Tasmania’s forestry talks identified 12,500m3 of timber, comprising 10,000m3 of blackwood, and the balance having all other species including Huon Pine, King Billy, Celery-top Pine, Myrtle, Sassafras and Musk.
“Forestry Tasmania’s analysis of the original greens claim under the IGA was that it would deliver 6700m3 of blackwood and 500m3 of non-blackwood species – a reduction of 80%,” Senator Colbeck said.
He said this was a critical issue for those engaged in activities with special timbers.
“The nature of this is that a Huon Pine boat is a Huon Pine boat,” Senator Colbeck said. “There is no alternative. Without the material there is simply no industry.
“We’re well into the end game on this process and the Government should have an understanding of these issues.”
