Prime minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the Federal Government has invested $24M to secure the future of the Boyer Paper Mill in Tasmania.
“This is a win for Tasmanian timber and manufacturing workers,” said Michael O’Connor, the soon-to-be-established national secretary of the Timber Furnishing Textiles Union (TFTU).
“Only Labor has a plan to back timber and forest products manufacturing and secure a future made in Australia.”
The funding is set to ensure that Australia does not have to rely on imported papers and that the Boyer Paper Mill – the last producer of newsprint and communication paper located in North-West Hobart won’t close.
“It shows this Labor government gets it – they understand that backing local jobs matters,” said O’Connor.
The funding is a vote of confidence in the workers at Boyer and workers in the Tasmanian forestry and timber sector including more than 100 harvest and haulage workers in the mill’s supply chain.
“Boyer is part of the beating heart of Tasmania’s forest products and timber industry.”
“This investment means real jobs, in real communities, with a real future,” said O’Connor.
Additionally, electrifying the site will cut emissions and future-proof the mill’s operations, ensuring that it keeps delivering the forests products that Australians rely on – sustainably.
“Rebecca White has always backed forestry, timber and manufacturing jobs – her strong advocacy has helped make this possible, and that’s a good sign for Tasmanians if she’s elected,” said O’Connor.
“This announcement shows what’s possible when government backs local industry – a strong forestry sector and a strong future for pulp, paper and bioproducts manufacturing right here in Tasmania.”