[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Federal $ Freed Up from Gunns Should go to Scottsdale Initiatives_K Booth MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

PREMIER MUST SECURE $2 MILLION FOR SCOTTSDALE SAWMILL INITIATIVE

Funds Should Be Set Aside For NE Timber Jobs and Training

Kim Booth MP
Greens Shadow Forests spokesperson

Thursday, 7 August  2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens have welcomed the news that the remaining
Scottsdale Industry and Community Development Fund money will now not
flow to Gunns Ltd and called for the $2 million to be made available for
the Greens proposed Diversified Wood Processing and Training Centre in
Scottsdale, or any other job creating community based initiative, and
again called on Premier Bartlett to release the terms of reference of
the promised $100 000 feasibility study so that industry stakeholders
and others could contribute ideas to ensure that the remaining jobs in
the north east timber industry could be secured and further jobs
created.

Greens Shadow Forests spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that money to kick
start any job creating community project was no longer an excuse with $2
million now available and said that the Premier must back his words on
ideas and innovation in the area with action.

"The Greens have been proactive in putting forward our idea of a
Diversified Wood Processing and Training Centre for Scottsdale and we're
keen to contribute to the Premier's promised feasibility study yet it
has been weeks since the Tonganah Mill closure and still we are waiting
for further details," Mr Booth said.

"Now we have $2 million that's been freed up and that's serious seed
capital for any job creating community initiative and it's critical that
we seize the day and get moving on a proposal for the north east, as
Mayor Partridge today has again voiced concerns for further job losses
in the region."

"There is hardwood, softwood and minor species timber that collectively
represents a great resource for the north east and a retooled mill that
can efficiently process a variety of timbers and produce a whole range
of products represents a great combination of employment and training
for the area."

"Scottsdale is ideally placed for a diversified wood processing and
training centre owing to strong community support, resource availability
and dedicated skilled workforce and the Greens want to make this a
reality,"  Mr Booth said.



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