Published Tuesday, 04 September, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
NEW FUNDS TO BUILD QLD HARDWOODS PLANTATIONS
Queensland’s commitment to building a sustainable forest and wood products industry received a boost today with the announcement of a new $2.6 million research and development grant scheme.
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund would support research and development projects that helped with the State’s transition from native forest harvesting to a plantation-based industry.
“The future of Queensland’s industry relies on growing and processing plantation timbers rather than using timber resources from our precious native forests,” Mr Mickel said.
“Unlike the mature plantation softwood sector, the plantation hardwood sector is an emerging industry in Queensland. The Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund represents seed funding that will accelerate the sector’s development and bring forward the benefits of a sustainable hardwood industry.
“Projects eligible under the Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund could encompass the spectrum of industry activities, from growing hardwood plantations through to processing and manufacturing.
“The development and evaluation of hardwood processing technologies and trials will be vital in generating industry growth. Activities such as improving hardwood species through genetics and biotechnologies, for example, and creating treatments that guard against pests and diseases, are also important.
“The new fund is basically about expanding and innovating Queensland’s hardwood base, and it’s essential that we support innovative companies working with industry to achieve this.
“Investment and collaboration in research and development projects will help achieve a commercially viable, yet green and sustainable timber industry for Queensland.”
Mr Mickel said the Queensland Government was working to establish the Smart State as an attractive location for investment in hardwood plantation establishment and processing.
“The forest and wood products sector makes a significant and growing contribution to the Queensland economy and livelihood of regional communities,” Mr Mickel said.
“It comprises some 2200 businesses that directly employ more than 19,000 people.
“The direct annual turnover of the Queensland forestry industry is estimated at around $2.7 billion. Value added activities, related to manufacturers’ use of wood products, is estimated to generate a further $1 billion per year.
“Export sales contribute around $215 million annually to this overall industry turnover.”
Mr Mickel said the Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund was an important component of the Statewide Forests Process, established by the Queensland Government as a blueprint for ensuring the security and sustainability of Queensland’s timber industry.
Applications for this one-off round of Plantation Hardwoods Research Funds close on November 5, 2007.
For information on how to apply, please visit: www.sd.qld.gov.au/hardwoods.
For further information, please contact Project Development and Facilitation – Timber, Department of State Development, (07) 3224 6516. Email: hardwoods@sd.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund would support research and development projects that helped with the State’s transition from native forest harvesting to a plantation-based industry.
“The future of Queensland’s industry relies on growing and processing plantation timbers rather than using timber resources from our precious native forests,” Mr Mickel said.
“Unlike the mature plantation softwood sector, the plantation hardwood sector is an emerging industry in Queensland. The Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund represents seed funding that will accelerate the sector’s development and bring forward the benefits of a sustainable hardwood industry.
“Projects eligible under the Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund could encompass the spectrum of industry activities, from growing hardwood plantations through to processing and manufacturing.
“The development and evaluation of hardwood processing technologies and trials will be vital in generating industry growth. Activities such as improving hardwood species through genetics and biotechnologies, for example, and creating treatments that guard against pests and diseases, are also important.
“The new fund is basically about expanding and innovating Queensland’s hardwood base, and it’s essential that we support innovative companies working with industry to achieve this.
“Investment and collaboration in research and development projects will help achieve a commercially viable, yet green and sustainable timber industry for Queensland.”
Mr Mickel said the Queensland Government was working to establish the Smart State as an attractive location for investment in hardwood plantation establishment and processing.
“The forest and wood products sector makes a significant and growing contribution to the Queensland economy and livelihood of regional communities,” Mr Mickel said.
“It comprises some 2200 businesses that directly employ more than 19,000 people.
“The direct annual turnover of the Queensland forestry industry is estimated at around $2.7 billion. Value added activities, related to manufacturers’ use of wood products, is estimated to generate a further $1 billion per year.
“Export sales contribute around $215 million annually to this overall industry turnover.”
Mr Mickel said the Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund was an important component of the Statewide Forests Process, established by the Queensland Government as a blueprint for ensuring the security and sustainability of Queensland’s timber industry.
Applications for this one-off round of Plantation Hardwoods Research Funds close on November 5, 2007.
For information on how to apply, please visit: www.sd.qld.gov.au/hardwoods.
For further information, please contact Project Development and Facilitation – Timber, Department of State Development, (07) 3224 6516. Email: hardwoods@sd.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784