Tasmania promises local sawmillers access to logs in Forestry Tasmania's Burnie log yard otherwise destined for export; resources minister says company will regularly schedule days for sawmillers to inspect, purchase logs

Allison Oesterle

HOBART, Tasmania , February 14, 2013 (press release) – Resources Minister Bryan Green said today he would ensure sawmillers had every opportunity to inspect and purchase logs otherwise destined for export from Forestry Tasmania's Burnie log yard.

"While this has been the case for many years, and numerous inspections have occurred, I am advised that sawmillers have to date decided that the actual export logs did not meet their required specifications," Mr Green said.

"The Government and Forestry Tasmania are however very keen to maximise the economic return on all logs that are harvested, and therefore Forestry Tasmania has reiterated today its open offer that any sawmiller is welcome to inspect and buy any potential export logs.

"I have also been assured that Forestry Tasmania will arrange access to the yard for inspection of the logs.

"If anyone wants to look at the current logs and buy them they should contact Forest Tasmania's North West District Manager immediately.

"For the future, Forestry Tasmania will also set aside a regularly scheduled day where any sawmiller can inspect potential export logs.

Mr Green said Forestry Tasmania would also be writing to all sawmillers with a registered sawmill, or other people who have previously bought blackwood logs, reminding them of the standing offer to inspect and buy the export logs.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.