SOUTH Australian political parties and their candidates were yesterday urged to adopt a 10-point, $77m plan to double the economic value of timber manufacturing in the state and create thousands of jobs in the South East forestry industry.
Officially launching its “Building Blocks for Growth” plan in Mount Gambier, the Australian Forest Products Association (SA Branch) urged local candidates to adopt its recommendations in the lead-up to the state election on March 17.
In what is effectively an “ask of government” document, AFPA seeks a commitment of $40m over four years for infrastructure improvements in regional forestry areas with matching Commonwealth funding.
AFPA said the infrastructure request follows a $40m Victorian Government commitment to upgrade similar infrastructure on its side of the border, making upgrades in South Australia necessary to enhance safety and increase productivity.
In addition, AFPA wants $10m for “last mile” productivity enhancing infrastructure such as power upgrades or heavy vehicle turning lanes.
In terms of reducing their reliance on high emission energy sources, AFPA seeks the establishment of a renewable energy fund with $10m in grants and $10m in loans over four years.
It also wants $2m to support a 10-year forest industries skills plan and $2m over four years to support growth in the Mount Gambier National Institute for Forest Products Innovation Hub.
A further $2m is needed for a softwood timber plantation development project between government, industry and landowners to identify future investment opportunities.
“Back this plan and you will effectively get our support,” AFPA chief executive officer Ross Hampton told candidates during his launch presentation at the OneFortyOne Plantations Jubilee Highway Sawmill.
“The idea will turbocharge SA’s forestry industries, which are so important for regional economies and jobs across the state, but particularly in the electorates of Mount Gambier, Mawson and MacKillop,” he said.
“The South East is a special region and it is high time policy makers in Adelaide dedicated real attention and allocated specific support to the area based on its ability to grow income for the state.
“Given the right political and policy attention, we are convinced our industries can become a much-needed job generation engine for the state.”
Mr Hampton stressed the importance of innovation and commitment to a “domestic manufacturing first policy”.
“This election is a once in a generation opportunity for the next State Government to stand up for regional jobs and domestic manufacturing by supporting SA’s sustainable and renewable forest industries,” he said.
Mr Hampton said inaction at state and national level to implement policies to ensure softwood plantings kept pace with population growth meant Australia was experiencing a shortage of softwoods.
He said sufficient softwood supply was the foundation for thousands of jobs in sawmills and frame and truss-making plants across the state.
In addition to infrastructure development, energy generation, plantation development, skilled workers and research and development, the 10-point plan focuses on national resources, domestic timber manufacturing growth, timber industry promotion, bushfire mitigation and the establishment of a governmental advisory committee.
AFPA will host a Mount Gambier candidate debate regarding the forestry industry on February 22 at 6.15pm at the University of South Australia campus.
Those that want to attend can indicate their interest at www.mountgambierdebate.com.au
