
Senator Colbeck has unique insight into our industry and the challenges we face. The Senator is a qualified carpenter, and until 1989 worked in the building industry before being elected to parliament. The Government is finally recognising forestry as an important industry that employs around 70,000 Australians, and tens of thousands more people in supporting jobs. The industry generates $23 billion of economic activity in Australia.
The Federal Government also recognises the importance of other timber products that will be generated under this plan, including engineered beams and CLT. Senator Colbeck highlighted the importance of planting the right trees, in the right place, with the right volume, to ensure economic stability. The Plan will also establish 30 regional areas as key hubs, vital for the creation of new jobs.
Looking to the future, we can take heart that we have a carpenter in Parliament who is working with us to build the future of our industry.
This article was written by FTMA Australia Board Member, Arthur Potter (pictured right with Senator, the Hon. Richard Colbeck)
