The Federal and Tasmanian Governments have announced a co-funded $102 million funding package to support the new Tasmanian Forests Agreement.

 

Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, said the funding would provide certainty for the state’s forestry industry, while supporting local jobs and communities and protecting Tasmania’s iconic forests.

 

Further Federal support for the agreement will consist of:

  • $28 million to support industry restructuring including support for workers and contractors
  • $25.0 million to support regional structural adjustment, sustainable residue solutions and encourage innovation in the use of plantation timber.
  • A further $2.0 million additional per year ($6 million 2014-17) to support the ongoing management of additional reserves, bringing the total to $9 million per year in perpetuity.
  • $3.5 million to support implementation of the Signatories Agreement including the establishment of the Special Council; forestry industry certification; and securing the durability of the Agreement.

 

Deputy Premier Bryan Green said the Tasmanian Government would provide an additional $39.5 million to assist industry to transition to the new operating environment and support for the Special Council and securing durability of the agreement.

 

The funding brings the State and Federal Governments total contribution to the Tasmanian Forest Agreement to $379 million.