Bryan Green announced the policy in Hobart yesterday, stating that he envisages a reliable management plan for the special timbers industry for the next 200 years, providing the state with much-needed longevity.
“It’s critical that we have a vibrant and successful special timbers sector. Through careful management, we can supply our speciality cabinetmakers, wooden boat builders, wood turners and musical instrument makers with sufficient material,” he said, adding; “This all about striking an appropriate balance”.
Mr Green was quick to clarify that the policy promotes the benefit of reaching a lasting, bi-partisan position on the issue of timber harvesting, in order to secure jobs and allow for industry renewal.
“Labor does not believe it is appropriate for industrial forestry or mining to occur anywhere within a World Heritage area.
“We support closely regulated and selective special timbers harvesting that does not threaten the outstanding universal values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area’s (TWWHA) boundary extension, in line with Tasmanian Forestry Agreement (TFA) legislation,” he said.
The state’s opposition said that they will support harvesting from regional reserves and conservation areas within the boundary extension of the TWWHA, as previously allowed under the TFA legislation.
“Tasmania has a proud history of using special timbers, and the industry deserves to be put on a truly sustainable footing,” Mr Green said.
