With reference to Commonwealth funding to the Tasmanian forest industry as part of the 1997 Regional Forest Agreement (RFA):

(1)   $6 million was allocated to ‘roading to increase productivity’ (clause 101, p.33, RFA 1997): on what roads were those funds spent.

(2)   $3 million was allocated to tourism infrastructure: can a breakdown be provided of how those funds were spent (i.e. what amounts and on what projects).

(3)   $57 million was allocated to ‘new intensive forest management initiatives’: can a breakdown be provided of how those monies were spent (i.e. an amount per project/initiative).

(4)   $13 million was allocated to ‘the implementation of employment and industry development initiatives’ (p.3 RFA, clause 101 and Attachment 12): can a breakdown be provided of the expenditure of those monies.

(1)   Upgrading of the Mathinna Plains/Mt Albert road in northeast Tasmania, constructing a new major link road between the Huon and Derwent valleys and upgrading of the Paradise Gorge section of the Tasman Highway west of Orford.

(2)   $1.6M - The construction of the Freycinet centre and associated works. (Natural Heritage Trust Nature-Based Tourism Grant $382,000 and State funds $400,000). $100,000 - Enhancement of the King Solomon’s Cave (State funds $180,000) $100,000 - improving the Alum Cliffs walk $100,000 - Improved visitor facilities at the Mersey River White Water Forest Reserve $150,000 - Tasmanian Devil Education Research Centre at the Trowunna Wildlife Park $300,000 - Improving the YARNS artworks in silk display in Deloraine in partnership with the Deloraine Folk Museum and Meander Valley Council. (Tasmanian Community Fund $250,000, Meander Valley Council $50,000) $250,000 - A Sculpture Trail including sculptures at key attractions sites $50,000 - An Aboriginal tourism project developed in partnership with the local Aboriginal community $300,000 - A comprehensive signage, marketing and regional branding strategy for the region $200,000 - Planning and project management costs Total $3.15M

(3)   $43.95M on plantation establishment $2.55M on Blackwood Plantation enrichment $350,000 on Silver wattle and Special Species Plantations $3.1M on thinning of existing forests $7.05M on supervision and support services Total $57M

(4)   Specific funded initiatives include: $10M for Eucalypt plantation development including; $6.35M on Eucalypt plantation development $2.35M on in coupe roading and equipment for thinning $1.3M for non-chemical pest management $3M for specific industry development initiatives as follows: $1.6M was provided to the Forests and Forest Industry Council to facilitate strategic industry research and development for new sawing and seasoning techniques, technologies for manufactured wood products and commercialisation of new technologies and processes. $0.4M to Forestry Tasmania for planning and implementation of long rotation supply of special species timbers including a review of special species timbers location, potential resource and access. $0.6M to Private Forests Tasmania for resource enhancement on private land $0.4M to the Forest Practices Board for implementation of the Permanent Forest Estate monitoring requirements Total $13M