WATTLE Range Council chief executive Ben Gower believes more discussion around pulp log is needed to capitalise on forest industry potential.
Mr Gower raised the issue when representatives from Mount Gambier’s OneFortyOne (OFO) Plantations addressed elected members this month.
OFO executives Cameron MacDonald and Paul Hartung updated council on the timber processing company’s progress.
Mr Gower said it was important for elected members to question the representatives following council’s call for an inquiry into the industry.
He said council wanted to increase the amount of log available to local processors to further boost the industry.
“We want to make sure the whole industry is as productive as it can be and is supporting local jobs,” the chief executive said.
“I personally would have liked to have seen more discussion around pulp log.
“That is what is affecting some of our producers and I would have liked to have seen more conversation around that.”
Following the presentation, Councillor Peter Dunnicliff questioned the company’s replanting program, asking whether OneFortyOne was “up to date” with its re-planting.
Mr MacDonald said a set of crows had settled in the seedlings, resulting in a set back.
Cr Dean Burrow asked about the current supply of pulp logs, with Mr MacDonald assuring council the company had enough for what is contracted.
Cr Rick Paltridge also questioned Mr MacDonald about current water allocation issues.
Mr MacDonald said the company was looking to purchase land over the border as a result of the state laws.
