Timber Queensland welcomes new LNP Government and future forestry agenda

The peak state body for the forest and timber industry in Queensland has congratulated David Crisafulli and the incoming LNP Government on their election victory and recent announcement of the new Ministry.

Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said “We have previously briefed LNP Shadow Ministers on the issues and opportunities in the State’s $4 billion forest and timber industry which contributes essential timber building materials for the housing and construction sector.”

“We particularly congratulate Tony Perrett as the Minister for Primary Industries with portfolio responsibility for forestry. As the member for Gympie, Tony has a sound grasp of the sector,” said Mick Stephens

“We also thank and acknowledge the contribution of former ALP member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, who championed the timber industry as a local member and as co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of the Queensland Forest and Timber Industry,” he said.

As part of its ‘breaking down the barriers to building’ policy, the LNP committed to delivering a landmark Queensland Timber Action Plan to ensure the State has access to the timber required to build one million homes over the next 20 years.

“We are therefore keen to work with the Government on boosting timber supply chains to better meet these building needs.”

The Timber Queensland election policy statement and five point plan for industry growth can be found here.

Key industry priorities to work with Government include:

· resource security for the native hardwood sector;

· new investment drivers for plantations and farm forestry;

· wood processing innovation and supply chain efficiency;

· workforce development and training; and

· indigenous forestry opportunities.

Timber Queensland welcomes all new Ministers and particularly recognises key Ministers with portfolios in the forestry, timber manufacturing, housing and construction sectors as follows:

· Premier of Queensland; Minister for Veterans

The Hon. David Crisafulli MP

· Deputy Premier; Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning; Minister for Industrial Relations

The Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP

· Treasurer; Minister for Energy; Minister for Home Ownership

The Hon. David Jenetzki MP

· Minister for Primary Industries

The Hon. Tony Perrett MP

· Minister for Natural Resources and Mines; Minister for Manufacturing; Minister for Regional and Rural Development

The Hon. Dale Last MP

· Minister for the Environment and Tourism; Minister for Science and Innovation

The Hon. Andrew Powell MP

· Minister for Housing and Public Works; Minister for Youth

The Hon. Sam O’Connor MP

· Minister for Sport and Racing; Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Hon. Timothy Mander MP

· Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training

The Hon. Ros Bates MP

Further information on the full LNP Cabinet can be found on the Queensland Government website here.