Timber and Building Materials Association (TABMA) National Vice President and South Australia Chairman Andrew Bone, alongside South Australia Manager Jim Dickens, met with the Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) to discuss the issue of continued engagement with the timber industry.
Following the meeting with PIRSA, it was decided that TABMA will be the channel of communication between the government and the associated timber industry retailers, TABMA Chief Executive Officer Colin Fitzpatrick said earlier this month.
This follows the announcement last month that there will be a $7.1 million injection into the South East Partnerships Program, an initiative from PIRSA to support the development of innovative new products and technologies.
The State Government has committed the funding to stimulate jobs and investment opportunities in the forest and wood products industry, predominantly in the State’s South East.
Forests Minister Leon Bignell said the program presented real opportunities to build a sustainable and productive forest and wood products industry in the South East.
“Continuing to build a sustainable industry is fundamental to the economic future of the region,” Leon said.
“The South East Forestry Partnerships Program supports new and existing businesses in the region to retain and create new jobs, and to also develop new markets and opportunities.
“Successful projects will be required to match Government funding, which means the total regional investment will be more than $14 million,” Leon added.
