The Federal and Tasmanian governments have announced a voluntary exit package of up to $45 million to assist forestry contractors to leave the industry.

 

The exit package forms part of the $278 million Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement signed in August. The Federal Government has announced the grants to assist Tasmania’s public native forest sector to adjust to the industry downturn and reduced scale of harvesting.

 

Under the exit plan, eligible companies will be able to apply for up to $3 million.

 

The package will aim to assist contractor businesses to exit he native forest harvest, haulage and silivicultural contracting sectors.

 

Applications for the $45 million exit assistance program close on 23 November 2011.

 

For more information about the package or to register interest, call 02 6272 5079.

More information about the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at www.daff.gov.au/forestry/national/aus-govt-tas-forests.