November 16, 2021
The South + Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub has received a $900,000 boost in funding from the Federal Government.
The hub, one of 11 across Australia and two in Queensland, aims to foster projects to boost productivity and growth in the timber industry.
The South + Central Queensland hub looks after 23 council areas, including Cherbourg, Gympie, North Burnett, Somerset, South Burnett, Toowoomba and Western Downs.
It received $1 million of seed funding from the Federal Government when it was set up in 2019.
In April this year, a manager and a part-time technical adviser were appointed to the hub team.
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the Federal Government’s latest investment was a “show of faith” in forestry industries and the benefits they deliver to towns such as Kingaroy and Nanango.
“South-East and Central Queensland is a key forestry area with strong potential for growth and innovation,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The hub is assessing production forestry resources, processing capacity and infrastructure needs and limitations and finding ways to support innovation and growth in our region.
“This new funding will secure the future of our forestry hub and its important work with industry, State and Local governments, key stakeholders and the community.
“There is an opportunity for the region to explore options for product value-adding as it has existing softwood and hardwood processing capabilities.”
Timber industry peak body, Timber Queensland, worked with the Federal Government to set up the two Queensland hubs.
The South + Central Queensland hub has a 13-person steering committee which includes representatives from Parkside Group, Hyne Timber, HQPlantations and AgForce.
The regional hubs are part of the Federal Government’s National Forest Industries Plan.
- External link: Queensland Forestry Hubs
