Peter Malinauskas will travel to Mount Gambier—in the heart of Australia’s commercial plantations—to celebrate the 150th anniversary of South Australia’s $3 billion forest and timber industry. Premier Malinauskas – a strong supporter of the industry – will join with the timber industry, politicians and members of the community for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand behind an industry that has shaped regional communities, driven economic growth and delivered environmental benefits, according to Nathan Paine, CEO of the South Australian Forest Products Association.
“From the first hectare of trees planted in 1875 in the Bundaleer Forests in the Mid-North, the industry has grown to 176,000 hectares, directly and indirectly employing over 21,300 jobs, processing fibre that builds our homes, the pallets that move consumer products from manufacturer to shop, the pulp and appear products that are used in our everyday lives from toilet paper to cardboard boxes, to the potting mix that grow our fruit and vegetables.”
Nathan Paine, CEO of the South Australian Forest Products Association ahead of the 150th celebratory dinner tommorrow night in Mount Gambier.
According to Paine, forestry plantations are the foundations of the state’s success: “Our State has long been at the forefront of innovation and sustainable forest management. (Therefore) The 150th celebratory dinner reflects the industry’s enduring success and growing importance to the State’s economic value chain, regional development and environmental sustainability.”
“Along with the environmental and sustainable benefits of the industry, the 150th-anniversary dinner also highlights the importance of those who have dedicated their career to the industry. Their commitment, passion, drive and innovative practices have shaped South Australia as a leader in forest management, timber production and research”, he said. “A special thank you to our major partner, OneFortyOne, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions for their generous support of this event. South Australia has an incredible community of forest and timber managers, employees and supporters, and it’s a milestone opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the legacy and future opportunities of South Australia’s forest industries.”
