Forestry Tasmania allowed a small group of forest contractors to test the quality of some logs that had been sitting on the Burnie wharf, destined for export to China. Source: ABC
The timber, including sassafras, blackwood and myrtle, is being processed at a Sheffield sawmill.
Greens MP Kim Booth said the trial already shows the timber’s quality and value is high and should remain in Tasmania.
“It has proven beyond doubt that those logs should not be on an export yard,” he said.
Private contractor Nick Bennetto agreed.
“They’re far better off to be put through this process than sent to China at no return to Tasmania,” he said.
The timber from the trial will eventually be given to local craftspeople.
Forestry Tasmania said it welcomes any demonstration of improved returns from the trial.
