Forestry Tasmania celebrates the end to raw log exports from Hobart

Forestry Tasmania’s Managing Director Bob Gordon today announced the end to the shipment of raw logs from the Port of Hobart.


“Today we are celebrating the end of the shipment of unprocessed wood fibre from Hobart, as the level of value-added manufacturing in Tasmania continues to grow. The last shipment of raw logs has already left and you will not see any more commercial log shipments by Forestry Tasmania through this wharf,” said Mr Gordon

“Another shipment of Ta Ann rotary peeled veneer flooring is being shipped out of Hobart this week. This is important because it is further proof that our long-term strategy is working.


“Our goal has been to see more and more value-added manufacturing taking place here in Tasmania. That means more jobs in Tasmania and greater value generated from the same sustainable volume of harvest. FT log exports had been a necessary means to obtain value-added domestic processing.

“We continue to build a demand for eucalypt peeled veneer in key Asian markets. In the near future, a second mill at Smithton will come on-line, providing even more jobs and more value-added manufacturing in Tasmania.

“I am pleased to say that we have taken 165 000 tonnes of logs off the streets of Hobart, which means there are 5890 fewer trips by logging trucks.

“As an added bonus, with more manufacturing happening in Tasmania, logging trucks will be travelling shorter distances, reducing the impacts of trucks on highways and streets, and the amount of carbon dioxide being released through fuel consumption.

“Today, we know that we are on the right path. On November 8 we celebrated the first shipment of 8 000 tonnes of veneer flooring out of Hobart, and we celebrated the fact that the Ta Ann facility in the Huon Valley is employing 70 Tasmanians.

“We also celebrated the fact that Ta Ann veneer has received Chain of Custody certification under the Australian Forestry Standard, and is recognised by the international Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes. Our customers can be assured of a sustainable supply chain.

Forestry Tasmania uses the best available science to make decisions on the management of the state’s forests for multiple benefits. We believe that harvesting less than 1% each year of the state’s forests is responsible and sustainable.

FT regenerates native forests following harvest, while the wood is used to create valuable products and provide employment throughout the state. In most cases, the carbon in these wood products is stored for decades or even centuries.

FT’s strategy for retaining carbon stores is being guided by science, and by continuing on the path that will see Tasmania’s state forests absorb an average of 700,000 tonnes of carbon per year over the next 43 years.

“I would like to thank the many companies that have been involved in this transition and for the role that they have played. May our success together continue.

ENDS
31 January 2008

Media inquiries:
David Tuck,
Corporate Relations
6233 8249
.