25 July 2013

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam and Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh have today welcomed funding from the Prime Minister’s Jobs and Growth Package.

The funding, which has come as a result of the Tasmanian Forest Agreement, will see more than $17 million invested in the Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard area.

The key projects are

• Circular Head Council and TasGas, Gas Extension to Smithton ($6 million)
• $7.5 million of funding to Ta Ann to build a plywood mill in Smithton.
• Haulmax, Advanced Manufacturing Business for the North West Region ($3 million); and
• Britton Timbers Processing Expansion ($1.19 million).

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said it was expected that a number of Circular Head businesses would benefit from the $11.3m gas pipeline project.

“This is great news for Circular Head, with the gas pipeline acting as an added incentive to possible developments in the area,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“The pipeline will also provide opportunities for Tasmanian Dairy Products, Murray Goulburn, Greenhams and McCain.”

Mayor Quilliam said the gas pipeline was exactly the kind of infrastructure Circular Head needs following the decline in forestry and timber processing sectors.

“I would like to thank TasGas, Tasmanian Dairy Products and the Department of Economic Development for their cooperation on this project and of course Sid Sidebottom for his role,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“I also wish to congratulate Brittons Timber and Ta Ann for successfully gaining funding for their projects, which will have a significant benefit to the local area not only in terms of jobs, but also providing a well needed economic boost.”

Mayor Walsh congratulated Haulmax on gaining funds, which he believed would be a boost to the local economy.

“The $3 million announced today for Haulmax in addition to funding for projects in Circular Head and indeed the state will have a positive impact,” Mayor Walsh said.

“I welcome this and additional funding for the Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Innovation Fund, Dairy Tas and the Tasmanian Government Industry Innovation Fund, which will all help create the perfect stimulus to our economy.”