Landmark partnership way of the future

A LANDMARK partnership between Forestry Tasmania and the Gumatj clan of north east Arnhem Land will foster a range of exciting and innovative sustainable business, employment and community housing opportunities.

The partnership was sealed this week when Gumatj Corporation chairman Galarrwuy Yunupingu and I signed a memorandum of understanding through which Forestry Tasmania will work with the clan to create sustainable development opportunities.

Under the memorandum traditional owners will harvest and process timber from within a Rio Tinto Alcan mining lease on Gumatj land.

The first project will involve the selective harvesting and milling of timber that will be used to build much-needed houses for the community.

The mill has already been established with assistance from the Jack Thompson Foundation and the housing will be designed by the Gumatj people in conjunction with the University of Tasmania to suit local needs. Tasmanian company Fairbrothers will help with construction.

Not only will the MoU package provide housing for the Gumatj community, it will:

•  enable Forestry Tasmania to share its expertise in sustainable forest management
•  facilitate local job skills training
•  create employment through downstream processing from a sustainable timber industry
•  develop ongoing business opportunities
•  promote ongoing economic growth in the area.

The project is the first of many to be delivered by Forestry Tasmania through its new consulting arm, FT Technical Services which we believe will have ongoing community and business benefits both within Australia and internationally.

It is an opportunity for us to help communities become more autonomous by developing their forest resources and economic growth.

Other projects could centre on sawn timber, rotary peeled veneer, firewood for cooking and hot water and renewable energy.

Bob Gordon 
General Manager

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