November 26, 2009The State Government has today released the Queensland Timber Plantation Strategy 2020, which sets out the way forward for the industry post the sale of Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ).
The strategy comes as Treasurer Andrew Fraser confirmed in Parliament the formal sale for FPQ is in fact underway.
"FPQ is one of five State-owned businesses that we are selling in response to the global financial crisis and its impact on our budget," Fraser says.
"We need to build infrastructure and to protect jobs, and if that means tough decisions then my government's up for it,” he says.
The process will reportedly involve: receiving indicative non-binding bids by late January, conducting due diligence and binding bids in March, and contractual finalisation by June.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin says the strategy signals a fundamental change of role for the government from direct ownership of timber plantations, to one of leadership and direction-setting.
He says the strategy features five key planks:
- Improved land-use planning framework for timber plantations
- Supportive legislative and policy frameworks
- Facilitating new investment in timber plantations
- Targeted industry development support
- Strengthening community support for timber plantations
"There are inconsistent planning and assessment processes across Queensland, with disproportionate levels of assessment being adopted. These inconsistencies have generated uncertainty for potential investors,” Mulherin explains.
"In response a mandatory timber plantation assessment code under the Queensland Planning Provisions will be developed, in conjunction with local government, to deliver regulatory consistency and certainty for new timber plantations,” he says.
With Queensland’s timber industry incorporating the involvement of more than 2,000 businesses, the strategy is aimed at providing stakeholders and potential investors with the certainty required to attract further investment and growth.
The strategy is now available for viewing at
www.dpi.qld.gov.au.