Charlotte Varcoe
THE Federal Government has announced $112.9m to enable timber processors to adopt new technologies.
Grants of up to $5m will be available through the scheme.
The grants aim to accelerate the adoption of new wood processing technologies in the nation’s manufacturing and processing businesses which will maximise log recovery, processing of smaller diameter logs and the creation of new wood products.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin encouraged local timber businesses to apply for the nationwide grant.
Mr Pasin said engineered wood products could be stronger than steel and used for housing and in construction projects.
“It is often said that engineered wood products are the concrete and steel of the century and the point is I want to see those products produced here in Australia rather than imported from overseas,” Mr Pasin said.
“This is a co-investment fund and is about encouraging other businesses such as Borg Manufacturing to apply and invest in their plant and equipment so we can have more of those engineered wood products and sequester more carbon, create more jobs and support the timber industry more generally.”
Borg Manufacturing general manager Greg Kenny said the announcement was exciting for the industry.
“Investment in state-of-the-art equipment is expensive and the current investment is welcome,” Mr Kenny said.
“We need the right scaling and forest in this region to support the expansion that is taking place already but there is a potential outcome.”
He said it was pleasing to have the Federal Government recognise the importance of the industry, specifically for the engineered wood product industry.
