James Hyne, Timber Queensland Chair, Bruce Saunders MP, Member for Maryborough, Tony Perrett MP, Member for Gympie, and Mick Stephens, Timber Queensland CEO, officially launch the Network at Parliament House.
More than 40 state parliamentarians joined more than 100 industry stakeholders to launch the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of the Forest and Timber Industry Network at Parliament House in Brisbane. Timber Queensland’s Chair James Hyne said this landmark event provided industry an opportunity to showcase its diversity and for MPs to gain a greater appreciation of its bright future. Source: Timberbiz
“Queensland’s $3.2 billion forest and timber industry delivers 25,000 direct and indirect jobs predominately in rural and regional communities,” said Mr Hyne.
“We gathered last night to celebrate our contribution and to show we’ve got room to grow. There are exciting trends in timber innovation and we have significant forest resources that can play a greater role in the state’s economic future.
“This growth potential strengthens our position as Queensland’s third highest value agricultural industry, with significant downstream processing and manufacturing that supports the state’s $44 billion building and construction industry.”
The event was co-hosted by Labor MP for Maryborough Mr Bruce Saunders and Liberal National MP for Gympie Mr Tony Perrett, who are both co-chairs of the new network. They were joined by the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mr Mark Furner, and the Leader of the Opposition Mrs Deb Frecklington.
In their remarks, the co-chairs emphasised the importance of the industry to the state’s historical past as well as its future.
“The sustainable production of timber and fibre products plays an important role within the Queensland economy delivering benefits to Queensland communities. The object of this group is to familiarise Members of the House into the practices engaged to deliver sustainable products from this important industry,” Mr Saunders said.
Mr Hyne said he was pleased with the overwhelming response from industry participants and members of parliament who attended the event.
“The wide attendance from all sides of politics was a clear demonstration of their support of our renewable and carbon friendly industry,” he said.
The Parliamentary Friends of Queensland’s Forest and Timber Industry Network will strengthen the industry’s engagement with parliamentarians and state policy makers, and build awareness of the multiple economic, social and environmental benefits it delivers for Queensland.
