Gippsland’s sustainable timber industry is essential for local jobs and to bolster the local manufacturing and construction industries according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester toured Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) with Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt and ASH Managing Director Vince Hurley.
Mr Chester said he was always happy to show off Gippsland and the world class manufacturing capabilities of ASH in Heyfield.
“As Gippslanders we are proud of our timber industry and the extraordinary innovation that is happening here at ASH,” Mr Chester said.
“ASH employs almost 200 locals and has invested heavily in new technology that allows it to maximise the value from our renewable timber resource.”
“The Minister was able to inspect the facility and see firsthand crews at work preparing products for construction jobs around Australia.
“He also had the opportunity to see an example of the outstanding manufactured timber products during a visit to the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon.
“I hope the new Minister will pass on his positive experience to the State Labor Government which is hellbent on destroying the native hardwood industry.”
