25/5/02
Funding to help secure the future of fine wood and studio furniture industries in Western Australia has been announced today by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens.
"The WA Government recognises the importance of fostering the fine wood and furniture sectors within the WA timber industry and the need to help revitalise an industry in transition," Mr Stephens said.
Funding of $90,000 will be provided to the Craftwest Centre for Contemporary Craft for their Designing Futures project, which focuses on the development of the professional fine wood and furniture industry.
The Minister applauded Craftwest executive director Lynda Dorrington on her vision and commitment to raise the profile of the State's wood craft and design industry, the first major step to be a major designing forum.
The Designing Futures project, to be held in Perth from August 16 -18, will bring together international and Australian designers, fine wood artists, furniture manufacturers and business leaders in their respective fields.
"Designing Futures is a long-term strategy, which presents remarkable possibilities to add value to forest products and create new jobs in the South-West region," Mr Stephens said.
"Fine wood furniture and gallery craft can generate up to $4,000 and $10,000 per cubic metre of forest respectively. This compares with $100 per cubic metre for wood chipping.
"Our local fine wood and furniture industries produce innovative, world-class products and we need to develop the marketing and export of these products in order for the industry to thrive."
Other aspects of the project include an international fine wood exhibition, fine wood residency programs and design consultancies to develop new products and export markets. This will be complemented with training packages for those in the industry and an Internet-based industry portal.
The project is funded under the WA Regional Initiatives Scheme (WARIS), part of the $75million Regional Investment Fund which is providing new money targeted specifically at regional WA.
"Government support of almost $1million will be shared by 17 organisations in recognition of the importance of regional WA,"
Mr Stephens said.
"The project creates opportunities for employment and training in the South-West and will stimulate growth and assist in the development of small and medium-sized businesses.
"This project demonstrates the potential in our South-West to develop a sustainable industry which makes the optimal use of our unique natural timber resources."
Designing Futures is a collaborative venture presented by Craftwest and supported by the WA Government, Wesfarmers Ltd, Lotteries Commission, Market Equity, Australia Council, Australia Post, Craft Arts International and Reb Design.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
