MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell will demand the establishment of a $20m biomass facility development fund as a non-negotiable condition of support if he holds the balance of power after the state election.
The independent released his comprehensive forestry policy, which includes the establishment of an independent auditor into the conditions of the forward sale of ForestrySA’s rotations, ahead of tonight’s forestry industry candidate debate.
Mr Bell said he would seek the establishment of a $1m grant, partnered with a commercial partner, to undertake a feasibility study to pursue biomass in the South East.
He also supported the development of a $20m Biomass Investment Fund as highlighted in the Australian Forest Products Association 10-point, $77m Building Blocks for Growth Plan, labelling it as a “game changer” for the region.
“Out of every project I have seen, biomass is the most exciting with the greatest potential upside for us,” he said.
“We have a large number of trucks that are coming back to Mount Gambier with no loads, but there are always loads going out, whether it is KCA, timber or freight.
“There are big processing plants that produce 400,000 tonnes of wood product and that could be coming back to Mount Gambier to feed a biomass plant.
“Every truck coming back to Mount Gambier would have a guaranteed back load and that would reduce transport costs by 25pc.
“It would give us cheap, reliable baseload power from renewable sources and that actually drives manufacturing costs down through cheaper power, which in turn can create more jobs.”
Mr Bell said the ongoing viability of the forestry industry was paramount in securing economic and employment opportunities in the Limestone Coast.
“Forestry contributes $2.8b to the South Australian economy each year and employs more than 13,000 people both directly and indirectly,” he said.
“A condition of my support for either party to form government will be the implementation of four key elements from my forestry policy.”
Mr Bell said a key plank of his policy centred around growing domestic timber manufacturing in the South East, including a commitment to reducing log exports.
“I will seek support for a national ombudsman to grow domestic manufacturing,” he said.
“As per AFPA’s Building Blocks for Growth document, my policy includes committing to a South Australian target of doubling the economic value of the domestic timber manufacturing sector by 2050 with a focus on regional South Australia.
“I will also seek a $250,000 commitment to investigate impediments to the growth of domestic timber manufacturing by conducting a five-year review of the South Australian Forestry Strategy Vision 2050 and a five year review of the blueprint for the Future South Australian Forest and Wood Products Industry (2014-2040).
Mr Bell said he would also demand a review of the implementation of initiatives identified in the Cellulose Fibre initiative study undertaken by the VTT Technical Resource Centre.
