By Raquel Mustillo
PREMIER Steven Marshall has reiterated the State Government’s commitment to boosting the economic value of the region’s forestry sector, saying a review into the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan was expected soon.
Mr Marshall said a review of the science underpinning reductions in the Lower Limestone Coast’s Water Allocation Plan was currently underway, with the government investigating other ways to recharge the aquifer for the benefit of all water users.
The state leader met with representatives from the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, Australian Panel Products – formerly known as Borg – and Roundwood Solutions executives as part of a visit to the Limestone Coast this week.
Mr Marshall said water access and the availability of water, firefighting capabilities and skills were among the issues canvassed by growers and processors.
“We’re doing research at the moment to see how accurate the model the water allocation relief on and some of that information is coming through very soon now,” he said.
“We’re also looking at other ways to recharge the aquifer that might provide some opportunities for the sector to grow into the future.
“We are 100pc to committed to growing this sector, making it more sustainable and of course, employing new people.
“But there’s plenty more that needs to happen and that is only going to happen by good, two-way respectful negotiations between the sector and the government looking at ways that we can improve the sustainability and long-term employment very, very quickly.”
Mr Marshall’s comments follow the release of Federal Parliament’s Aussie Logs for Aussie Jobs report, which recommended the removal of South Australian water licensing arrangements after growers labelled the restrictions as the single biggest impediment to the timber supply chain in the Green Triangle region.
In a submission to the bipartisan Agriculture and Water Resources Committee, OneFortyOne Plantations estimated losses of more than 25,000ha under current South Australian water allocation limits.
The report said OneFortyOne had questioned the currency of the basis for water allocations and called for government investments in future research initiatives, including groundwater monitoring.
Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub chair Ian McDonnell said the group briefed Mr Marshall into better understanding tree water use, which he said will help the government’s upcoming review of the water allocation plan to ensure the most up to date science and data on tree water use.
“The Premier was very receptive to our plans to explore how to better utilise existing water supply, harnessing drainage water for environmental and industry gain in a partnership with other South East primary producers,” he said.
“We sought a commitment from the State Government that it will support our sector as we embark on $300m of new capital investment, expanding and diversifying our manufacturing base with goals of getting more trees in the ground to expand the fibre base.
“Overall, the Premier was particularly pleased to see our forest and timber sector actively collaborating on a united strategic vision, investing heavily in research and development through the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation, the University of South Australia and its partners to future proof our businesses and further enable its workforce”.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said it was a privilege to host the Premier, saying the meetings provided valuable insight into issues and opportunities facing the sector.
“Addressing the shrinking forestry resources and talking about what should be considered regarding water and groundwater allocation was one of the issues raised by the industry,” he said.
“Greater collaboration between the Country Fire Service and Country Fire Authority and working through a COVID plan to allow industry to continue to function in an emergency was also discussed at the meeting.
“I think the Premier gained a greater understanding of some of the cross-border issues and will consider what the State Government can do to manage those.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell welcomed the Premier to the Limestone Coast and said it was important Mr Marshall understand the issues and opportunities for investment in the region ahead of the 2022 election.
“There were many proactive meetings with the forest industry which canvassed a range of topics,” Mr Bell said.
“A focus for the next 11 months leading up to the next state election will include investment in our region, mental health services, jobs and an increase in tourism spend.”
