The Queensland timber supply chain has welcomed Tony Perrett’s appointment as the state’s new minister with responsibility for forestry – a position which, according to Mick Stephens, Timber Queensland’s CEO, is essential in meeting the state’s housing shortage.
“We have previously briefed LNP Shadow Ministers on the issues and opportunities in the State’s $4 billion forest and timber industry, which contributes essential timber building materials for the housing and construction sector,” Mr Stephens said. “We particularly congratulate Tony Perrett as the Minister for Primary Industries with portfolio responsibility for forestry. As the member for Gympie, Tony has a sound grasp of the sector.”
Minister Perrett’s appointment comes after Bruce Saunders, Labor’s long-time member for Maryborough, was swept out of the office from the timber-friendly regional seat with a 14.6% swing to the Crisafulli-led Liberal National Party (LNP).
“We also thank and acknowledge the contribution of former ALP member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, who championed the timber industry as a local member and co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of the Queensland Forest and Timber Industry.”
Timber Queensland wants to “break down the barriers to building”
As part of its ‘breaking down the barriers to building’ policy, the LNP committed to delivering a landmark Queensland Timber Action Plan to ensure the State has access to the timber required to build one million homes over the next 20 years.
“We are therefore keen to work with the Government on boosting timber supply chains to better meet these building needs,” Mr Stephens said.
Leading up to the election, Wood Central revealed Timber Queensland’s election policy statement and five-point plan for industry growth.
New ministers with responsibility for forestry, timber, housing and construction
Premier of Queensland; Minister for Veterans
- The Hon. David Crisafulli MP
Deputy Premier; Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning; Minister for Industrial Relations
- The Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP
Treasurer; Minister for Energy; Minister for Home Ownership
- The Hon. David Jenetzki MP
Minister for Primary Industries
- The Hon. Tony Perrett MP
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines; Minister for Manufacturing; Minister for Regional and Rural Development
- The Hon. Dale Last MP
Minister for the Environment and Tourism; Minister for Science and Innovation
- The Hon. Andrew Powell MP
Minister for Housing and Public Works; Minister for Youth
- The Hon. Sam O’Connor MP
Minister for Sport and Racing; Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
- The Hon. Timothy Mander MP
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
- The Hon. Ros Bates MP
