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The
private forestry industry contributes economic, environmental and social
benefits to the Gippsland region. The private forestry industry includes
forest/plantation management, harvesting and haul, and primary/secondary wood
products processing sectors
In
2003/04 the private forestry component of the timber industry Gippsland
generated a gross value of output of $ 637 million pa. The region’s primary wood
processing sector, including sawmills and the pulp and paper mill, generates the
largest share of the industry’s economic activity.
The
private forestry sector is a significant employer in the region, with 1,500
direct jobs in 2003/04. This employment generated wages totalling $ 77 million
pa.
Gippsland Catchment Management Strategies identify the opportunities for
commercial tree growing on private land to contribute to revegetation and
environmental objectives including:
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salinity and erosion mitigation
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waste water disposal
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water catchment protection
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landscape improvement
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habitat enhancement
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greenhouse gas absorption
Expanding the area of private forestry in
Gippsland can provide additional wood resources for further value adding,
regional industry development, additional employment as well as a range of
catchment and environmental benefits.
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