Today’s launch of a Regional Development Strategy by the State Government is welcomed as it renews the spotlight on the critical role our regions play in our state and for our community.
South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Paine, said that this is a positive and welcome step in reinvigorating the focus on the critical role that our regions play in our state and our community.
“From a forest products perspective, our industry creates over 18,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes over $3 billion to the state’s economy annually,” Mr Paine said.
“As an association we welcome the efforts of Minister Basham and Premier Marshall to work to deliver alignment with whole-of-government initiatives to improve the lives of those who live in the regions as well as drive increased investment across South Australia.
“More than ever before, the importance of the forest products industry to South Australia – one of South Australia’s oldest industries – is at the forefront of the minds of decision makers and we will seek to work with Government on this Strategy and to embed forestry into its implementation.
“This report is to be commended and we look forward to working with Government to deliver stronger and better outcomes in the regions including new investment and population growth,” Mr Paine concluded.