Mr LYONS (10:16 PM) —I rise to speak about the need for development in the north-eastern part of Tasmania. Too often the potential of areas in regional Australia is not utilised and business opportunities are missed. The north-eastern part of Tasmania is home to pristine beaches and to rich soil that produces top quality vegetables. It is also home to the world renowned Barnbougle Dunes golf course—Australia’s No. 1 public golf course. Yet this area is struggling. As a result, there have been a number of business closures. Bonlac dairy manufacturers closed in 2000 and the Simplot vegetable factory in Scottsdale closed in 2003, followed by the Auspine sawmill in 2008. This saw the loss of many jobs in the area, which had a widespread impact on the local community.

Today Gunns announced the imminent closure of their Ling Siding sawmill at Scottsdale, within four months. Gunns’s decision is most disappointing and further places unacceptable hardship upon the Scottsdale community, which has shown commitment to that company. It is inexcusable that commitment has not been forthcoming from Gunns, who now expect those workers to move to Bell Bay. We should expect such companies to act in a more acceptable and committed manner to the communities in which they operate.

I would like to ask: where are the businesses of Australia? Where is the white knight that is needed to ride in and save this community? It is time that Australian business widened their view and invested in and made the most of the opportunities that regional areas like Tasmania’s north-east have to offer.

Tasmania’s north-east has so much to offer. It has been identified as a key food production region in the state of Tasmania. Agricultural enterprises flourish, such as dairying, dryland grazing and horticulture including rhubarb, carrots, potatoes, onions, poppies and fodder crops. Other more specialised crops that are grown in the region include hops, wasabi, lavender and stone fruits. With a range of climate and soil types, it is suitable for a range of agricultural production, being the recipient of a significant and reliable rainfall each year. Forestry is another major sector for the region. In fact 26 per cent of the region’s employment comes from the agricultural and forestry sectors alone. The Armed Forces Food Science Establishment is at Scottsdale, where food is researched and developed for the three services. This is another example of the range of extensive skills and opportunities available in the area.

North-eastern Tasmania has so much to offer, including rich ‘red’ soil, quality farmland, forestry, strong communities and hardworking people. This region must be attractive to businesses in Australia and around the world—but why is it that none have come to the area to establish themselves and make the most out of what is on offer? The National Broadband Network has been connected in the area, increasing business opportunities and connecting this region to the rest of the world. Not only have business opportunities been increased but educational opportunities, including new ways of learning, will be developed. It will also lead to improved access to health facilities and services such as e-health, which will modernise the way that health services will be delivered.

The fact that Scottsdale was one of the first three towns to be connected to the National Broadband Network and the advantages that this brings with it speaks for itself. Scottsdale will be one of the first to experience the benefits of the NBN. Businesses should recognise that they will lead the field by investing in Scottsdale. They should think about moving to the infrastructure that already exists rather than waiting for the NBN to come to them. Make the most of the head start. Make the most of the wonderful opportunity and advantages on offer.

 Broadband is just one of the drivers that will advance this region. It is not possible to list all of the positive aspects that this region has to offer; otherwise I would be here all night. As I mentioned at the start of this speech, this regional area has excellent farmland with quality soil and climate, a world famous golf course, the armed services food science laboratory, forestry, and strong and welcoming communities—so many positives yet so few businesses. Tonight, I call on businesses of Australia to take up the challenge to invest in this area and to support the people of north-eastern Tasmania and the people in their businesses.

Question agreed to.