forestry INDUSTRY — SUPPORT
124. Hon
STEVE MARTIN to the minister representing the Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the released native
forest transition group support package.
(1) Does the
minister intend on providing any support to other sectors within the forestry
industry, including but not limited to lumber yards, firewood suppliers and
furniture manufacturers?
(2) If yes to (1), when will this
be communicated with these sectors?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the
question. The following information has been provided by the Minister for Forestry.
(1)–(3) The
state government is providing supports to help businesses and their workers
transition out of native forestry by 2024. A
draft of the proposed business support packages has been provided to industry
stakeholders. The draft packages are out for public consultation until
28 February 2022. The programs are also being discussed and refined through the
native forest transition group and its subgroups. Eligibility for these support
packages will be finalised through this process. Separate programs to support
communities and attract new industries to the south west region are currently
being developed. The programs will be funded through the state government's
$50 million Just Transition plan that was announced in September 2021.