The way has been cleared to deliver our plan to secure jobs into the future in our world-leading forestry industry, with our red tape busting Bill passing the Parliament.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said the passage of the Forestry (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill 2024 through the Legislative Council was a clear sign that common sense had prevailed in ensuring the future of the sector.
"The legislation passed the lower house two months ago and with it having now passed both houses we can look towards implementation," Minister Abetz said.
"This is important legislation to grow the forestry sector by streamlining processes and modernising and simplifying the administration of private timber reserves and Private Forests Tasmania (PFT)."
The suite of reforms includes removing the requirement for the private forest service levy to be paid on establishment of new plantations on areas of previously cleared land and a streamlined application process for minor boundary changes to private timber reserves.
Minister Abetz said the changes would also see the Board of PFT given powers to waive the private forest service levy under special circumstances such as flood or fire.
"Making these important changes will reduce administrative costs and time for landowners seeking to increase timber production," Minister Abetz said.
"Sustainable, job-rich forestry management is an essential part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future for balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
"With these reforms we are ensuring that these renewable resources continue to provide livelihoods for generations to come.
"I thank the Legislative Council for their efforts and astuteness in passing these important reforms." he said.
