Future of forestry now live
• DRI Directors L-R: Karen Hall, Dale Jessup, David Hamilton, Michael Brill and Wendy Mitchell with Premier Peter Gutwein (centre).
By Taylor Clyne
October 07, 2020
An exciting renewable development that will underpin the future of forestry in Dorset and breathe new life into the industry was launched successfully on Saturday afternoon.
In front of more than 120 people Premier Peter Gutwein unveiled Dorset Renewable Co-operative Limited’s project to build a wood pellet plant at the Ling Siding site in Scottdale.
DRI has come full-circle after being formed during the last forestry downturn to now sponsoring the new Co-operative to get the industry progressing and growing again.
The proposed pellet plant will compress sawdust waste from local pine sawmills and create biomass pellets, which are a premium renewable fuel source.
The project is seeking a $3 million investment to buy, build and operate the pellet plant, which will employ three or more staff members and create a longstanding investment opportunity for Dorset members.
Chairman David Hamilton said the business model is structured entirely to be owned and operated by the community.
“DRI have sponsored the initial development; we are really delighted to get to this position to open up this opportunity where every voice will have equal stakes and where the profits will pay dividends.”
“History has shown that community and locally owned businesses are more resilient, we’ve set the buy in price from just $250 making it affordable for all.
“We’ve got to this point but now it's up to you the community to invest and take this project forward.”
The Co-operative already have a sale deal in place with Pellet Fires Tasmania to purchase 1500 tonnes of pellets per year and supply agreements from local companies CMPT and Stronach.
“We are shovel ready,” Mr Hamilton said.
Premier Peter Gutwein said he was pleased to see the region and its forestry industry coming back to life.
“You’ve all worked hard and taken positive steps to ensure your own future here,” he said.
“Timber is our best renewable resource and at its heart is a future that is smart and environmentally sustainable; let’s move towards the circular model of make, reuse, recycle – that is the future.
“The Co-operative’s mission is to encourage, promote and develop the sustainable use of renewable resources in a way which benefits the community while protecting the environment; it's a strong project that I wish good fortune,” Mr Gutwein said.
Interested community members are able to view the plans for the pellet plant and the disclosure statement on the DRI website: www.drcl.coop/
“We’re excited because this is the beginning of the process rather than the end, I really encourage the community to read the disclosure statement, fill out a membership form and come and talk to us – let’s make this happen for Dorset together,” Mr Hamilton concluded.
