Clare Scriven
South Australia’s Opposition Forestry Minister Clare Scriven has called on the State Government to provide a support package to the forestry industry following China’s export ban on all timber leaving from Victoria. Source: The Border Watch
Ms Scriven said last week’s announcement will threaten thousands of jobs in the region, with close to five million tonnes of timber exported through Portland each year.
She urged the government to collaborate with the industry and safeguard the sector, warning 1000 jobs could be lost if no action was taken.
“The first hit will be the harvest and hauling sector, which is already being affected,” Ms Scriven said.
“If this is to continue, 500 jobs will immediately go and could double in a short period of time.
“Protection of local jobs should be a top priority and the industry should receive immediate assistance.”
The Labor parliamentarian expressed disappointment the State Budget did not include support for the forestry sector to help deal with potential export bans, which she claimed “have been on the cards for weeks”.
“It is vital that the State Government engages with Industry and provides a support package to ensure there are no job losses to the region.
“We don’t need to be prescriptive in what a support package would look like, it could be assistance with diversifying the market or providing subsidies so exports can go from Port Adelaide instead of Portland.
“It is really important the government engages with the industry and it is really the industry that can tell the government what is needed.
But Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham struck back, saying Labor has “no credibility” when it comes to forestry following the forward sale of the plantations.
Mr Basham said the State Government was working with industry and the Federal Government to find a way through the “concerning” situation with China.
“South Australians can support the local timber industry and jobs by supporting use of value-added timber products from our sustainably grown plantations,” he said.
“The more timber we can process and value-add here rather than exporting as woodchips the greater benefit for the whole state.”
