The parliamentary select committee inquiring into the exporting of wood fibre and other Limestone Coast timber matters has been re-established and recently met in Adelaide for the first time.

A sub-committee of the Legislative Council, it was originally established in May 2019, but work was delayed for a period because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The committee did not have sufficient time to finalise and table a final report before the March 2022 state election.

Its cross-party membership comprises Liberals Dr Nicola Centofanti and Heidi Girolamo, Labor MLCs Ted Ngo and Russell Wortley and crossbencher Frank Pangallo.

“The committee had heard a substantial amount of evidence and received a number of submissions,” Dr Centofanti said.

“Forestry is a growing business, a key contributor to economic activity in South Australia, and a significant employer in the South East.

“It is vital that we continue to explore opportunities to support and grow this important sector.

“Plantation forestry also provides significant environmental benefits and is the only primary industry sector that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits.

“It draws carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and carbon is locked into trees and continues to remain locked in the timber products produced.

“More than 13,000 people are employed in the sector either directly or indirectly, with forestry employment making up around 35% of total employment in the South East.

“All South Australians benefit from a strong forestry industry, with it producing more than $2.8b of economic activity for the state annually.”

Dr Centofanti said she was pleased to have received the support of the parliament to continue the important work of the committee.

“The committee has received cross party support to continue, with all members recognising the importance of this sector to South Australia for both job creation and environmental sustainability,” she said.