Kim Booth MP
Greens Forestry Spokesperson

The Tasmanian Greens today said the announcement by New Forests Pty Limited (“New Forests”) of its successful tender  for Gunns Ltds’ radiata pine  sawmilling, sales and distribution business, including the Bell Bay and Tarpeena sawmill is good news and heralds a brighter future for Tasmania’s softwood sawmilling.

Greens Forestry spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that the decision by New Forests to invest in Tasmania’s forestry industry bodes well for our industry’s future and is great news for Christmas as the contract of sale will provide for continued employment and entitlements of the approximately 380 staff.

“New Forests has also announced that the business will be managed locally which will ensure that indirect jobs in Tasmania will be maintained,” said Mr Booth.

“New Forests have a different corporate culture than Gunns and are interested in a long term investment strategy rather than the slash, burn and pillage mentality displayed by Gunns.”

” Not only that,  New Forests  are using their own money rather than robbing the public purse like some of the mendicant beggars in the hardwood sector.”

“This is exactly the type of industry that Tasmania needs: one that adds value rather than taking away and I look forward to New Forests being part of Tasmania’s new forest industry.”

“Tasmanians want to move on from destructive native forest woodchipping and conflict.  We want an industry that is ahead of the game, has differentiated products, understands the demands of the global market and is able to sell our forest products at a profit.”

December 21, 2012