MEDIA RELEASE
A new wood fibre processing facility in southern Tasmania will inject much needed investment, enhance industry efficiency, and create sustainable long-term job opportunities, CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Mr Ross Hampton, said today.
“AFPA is pleased to back Neville-Smith Forest Products’ announcement of the creation of the new Southwood Fibre forest products export facility,” Mr Hampton said.
“This new facility in the south of the state will complement the Bell Bay facility in Tasmania’s north by creating another access point for the export of wood products.
“The Southwood Fibre facility could potentially unlock value in private plantations that currently are distant from viable export processing facilities,” Mr Hampton said.
A KPMG report expects the project will generate 135 jobs during construction and support 145 jobs when operational, while projections are for $55 million to be generated annually once the facility is up and running.
“This is an important announcement for a region which has suffered a decline in forestry related employment and I urge anyone concerned about jobs and industry in Tasmania to support it,” Mr Hampton concluded.
AFPA welcomes new Tasmanian wood export facility