What would it cost?
This plan has the potential to save the state Government millions of dollars, due to the current financial loss to the state the native timber industry is making. Forest Products commission annual reports show a combined loss of $34 million between 2013-2016.
The Plan would generate millions of dollars in additional product and tax revenue, through the creation of a new timber industry and an expanded honey and tourism industry supported by a healthy forest system.
An indicative estimate of $35.5m including:
- $15m as initial start-up funding for 40,000 hectares of new farm forestry
- $3.5m to establish a certified carbon credit methodology for native forests
- $5m to establish a forest carbon research centre.
- $10m to establish a sustainable timber building materials production and innovation hub
- $2m to develop a forest management plan