7 December 2012

Circular Head Council has welcomed the commitment by Ta Ann Tasmania to further value add in Tasmania as a result of the forest agreement.

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said today the region and Smithton has been host to a range of forest industry processing plants including important sawmills and is the home to many forest related businesses. Ta Ann Tasmania opened its rotary peeled veneer mill in 2008.

 “The forest industry has been hit hard in the last two years with the loss of both large and small businesses,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“There is no doubt its future has been threatened by loss of markets.”

Mayor Quilliam stated that the current peace agreement has the potential to create certainty for both log supply and for investment and market security as long as legislation properly reflects the spirit and intent of the agreements that has been signed by all parties.

Circular Head Council has been a major supporter of investment and believes the creation of local jobs, a plywood mill in the north of the state using veneer sheets will secure the future of the Smithton veneer mill.

 “The decision to further value add is a positive result of the certainty created by what has been a very difficult process.” Mayor Daryl Quilliam said.