Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Forestry is an important and sometimes underappreciated contributor to our national economy. Locally, in forest regions like that of my home town in the Green Triangle, there's an innate sense of how important the forest industry is, which is why I was thrilled to hear that Timberlink is investing in the region again. The company is investing $90 million over the next three years in upgrading its mill at Tarpeena and will increase both the volume of the renewable plantation pine logs process and the yield per log. This is fantastic news for the region in the long term, helping to ensure the mill remains internationally competitive. Currently, the mill supports over 680 jobs directly and many more indirectly and contributes over $180 million to the local economy. This investment will help create and secure an addition 210 permanent full-time positions.

Forestry is an industry with enormous potential to meet domestic and global demand. It is an industry that will continue to provide the economic backbone of many communities Australia-wide, including that in the green triangle. I welcome this investment in our region. I look forward to seeing the upgrade completed. Not only is it contributing to the economic vibrancy of my region but it is growing our national forest industry.

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