Contact: Lyn Sullivan {03} 6264 2766 or Peter Pepper (03) 6297 0012

Ta Ann Tasmania has completed the construction of the mill building and are in the process of installing the machinery at the Southwood site.

TAT has secured the services of Mr Jim Bellamy as the Operations Manager. Jim commissioned the ITC Timber Limited [formerly Neville Smith Tasmania ] regrowth sawmill at Southwood and managed Stage 1 of the Portas Timber operation at Bridgewater. Jim’s experience will be an asset to Ta Ann Tasmania.

STEPS Employment and Training Solutions services have been used by Ta Ann Tasmania to recruit the work force for the Rotary Veneer Peeler. The mill will employ approximately 52 people over 2 x 12 hours shifts 5 days per week. Information sessions have been held and letters of offer will be sent to information session participants in January.
Selected employees will be offered training to gain a qualification in Forest & Forest Products. Ta Ann is committed to the training and up - skilling of its employees. TAT hopes to have the mill operational by the end of February 2007.

• construction of the catchment drain around the perimeter of the site to capture any storm water run off and conveying this through a settlement pond to storage
  
• construction of a 20ML storage dam that will hold stormwater run off and recycle the water to the site – mainly in to be evaporated through the boiler emission control system being used by Ta Ann, excess water is being irrigated on nearby plantation areas
  
• construction of the sewer system and sewage treatment plant on the site
  
• installation of fire main pumps and distribution pipework
  
• installation of process water pumps and distribution pipework.
  

All of the services on the site are continuously monitored through a SCADA system that communicates any malfunctions by telephone to service personnel.

Transmission Power Line construction
Work has been started by Transend on installation of the 110kV transmission spur from Castle Forbes Bay to the Huon wood centre. The line is being constructed by Transfield Services with design being undertaken by the Hydro.

Merchandising Yard
Forestry Tasmania is building a merchandising yard at the Southwood site. Murray Kirkwood has been appointed Operations Manager. The yard will use the latest technology to scan and assess the logs that are brought into the yard and sort them for the processing mills.

For more information visit the wood centre shop, 11 Main Rd, Huonville or phone Lyn Sullivan on 6264 2766