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- 17 September 2002
Tumbarumba Economy
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Page: 4820
Mr BROWN: My question without notice is to the Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs. What is the latest information on the economic situation in Tumbarumba in the State's south?
Mr WOODS: I thank the honourable member for Kiama for his interest in regional development, particularly in the southern area. Tumbarumba is a small town on the southern slopes that is currently experiencing exceptional economic growth. Last Friday the Wagga Daily Advertiser stated:
Booming town economy leads to shortage of rental properties.
On 29 August the Border Morning Mail led its report with the statement:
Tumbarumba is desperately short of housing for its workers from the booming timber, winery and horticulture industries.
The town's demand for workers is outstripping its supply of housing. Tumbarumba's unemployment rate has dropped to 2.8 per cent and employment in the region has grown by 23 per cent since 1994. This success story is due to specialisation, innovation and the not so invisible helping hand of the State Government. It has also been assisted by a hardworking council, led by long-time mayor George Martin. Tumbarumba Blueberries, a company established six years ago, exports fresh, frozen and processed berries to niche markets in the United Kingdom, Europe and Japan. It is selling blueberries to west Tokyo for $50 a litre. The berries are unique in their production: no chemicals are used, all trees are irrigated and spring mountain water is used. Two of the company's farms are now undertaking organic conversion.
Also, the timber industry has long been associated with Tumbarumba's past. Last year Hyne and Son purchased the Boral timber mill. At the time a $20-million investment to modernise and expand the plant was committed, securing 157 jobs in the region. This long-term investment was secured by a 20-year sawlog supply agreement with State Forests. The investment has now reached some $65 million, and timber harvesting and processing has increased from 200 cubic metres to 600 cubic metres within three years. That means more jobs for Tumbarumba and the region. The softwood industry has made an enormous contribution to the region in recent years. Visy's $400 million investment in its pulp and paper mill in Tumut has led to the creation of 150 full-time jobs for the region, 800 during the construction phase. The growth does not end there. The wine industry in Tumbarumba continues to grow. With the support of the State Government the Tumbarumba wine industry has been successfully promoted through the Hume Murray Development Bowl.
Companies such as Black Range, Excelsior Peak and Tumbarumba Wine Estates have participated in such events as Regional Flavours New South Wales, the Taste of Canberra and the Albury-Wodonga Food and Wine Festival. Tumbarumba has come a long way, and with a little help from the State Government it is positioning itself for further extraordinary growth. But we know the job is not complete and we do not take what has happened for granted. As the Premier said, the band of prosperity is growing and we are pushing it down into the southern slopes in Tumbarumba, into the Riverina, up to the North Coast, out onto the Tablelands, down to the South Coast and up to the far North Coast. We have the plans, developed through our experience, to ensure that that band of prosperity and the jobs that go with it expand throughout New South Wales.
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