tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052593945054595675.post2665964997228303358..comments2024-03-28T14:16:10.498+11:00Comments on Dr Kevin Bonham: Legislative Council 2017: MurchisonKevin Bonhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06845545257440242894noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052593945054595675.post-41190595102471789992017-04-06T16:21:10.808+10:002017-04-06T16:21:10.808+10:00Ruth Forrest comment on forestry referred to above...Ruth Forrest comment on forestry referred to above:<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Yet again I need to turn to social media to clarify my comments on this matter.<br /><br />Please read and share.<br /><br />It seems the only thing of interest to some is the upcoming election is forestry - I would like to discuss education, health and employment (and will do so via social media if not through mainstream media in coming days/weeks).<br /><br />I am and continue to be a strong supporter of a sustainable forestry industry. I welcome the growth in the plantation sector and do not want to see unnecessary job losses as a result of a policy position that was announced late last year without any consultation with the timber industry as a distraction from other events at the time.<br /><br />I was asked if subsidies to Forestry Tasmania should continue - I said the evidence was clear that subsidies were needed through the transition period as identified by other experts. I would like to see these end of course but not at the expense of jobs in the sector and so much pressure on the industry that it cannot continue to operate as this would further threaten the forestry industry.<br /><br />Yes the subsidies to FT must cease - actions as proposed by the Government will not make FT's job any easier. My comments regarding the subsidies were based on other reports and FT's own financial position that is available for all to see. If the Government want to close them down and subsume them into the Department they should say so. The reality is FT are being supported (or subsidised) through money being transferred from other Government Businesses so the Government can pretend it isn't giving additional financial support. This is still financial support courtesy of tax payer money.<br /><br />The welcome growth in the forest industry has been in the plantation sector and I have spoken to major employers in Circular Head who operate in the native timber sector and they have told me they do not want these additional areas opened up at the moment and they do not need this timber. They also won't buy it. Other major timber employers around the State are saying the same thing!<br /><br />The Premier has said 'they don't have to but it!' so I ask why open up these areas if no-one is seeking it - are we just starting another forestry fight for the sake of it? I don't think anyone really wants to see this especially as it risks threatening jobs in our regions!<br /><br />The last thing I want to see is protesters interfering with forestry workers or operations going about their lawful business that threaten the viability of their business. This is a real concern raised with me by employers and workers in my electorate. Perhaps the mayor and Member for Braddon are not concerned for these jobs - I am - I have heard these concerns raised directly with me - not second hand - direct from those who would be impacted.<br /><br />As said above - I am and continue to be a strong supporter of a sustainable forestry industry. I welcome the growth in the plantation sector and do not want to see unnecessary job losses as a result of a policy position that was announced late last year without any consultation with the timber industry as a distraction from other events at the time. <br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------Kevin Bonhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06845545257440242894noreply@blogger.com