14 February 2022

NSW forest industries congratulate Nichole Overall on her election as the Member for Monaro at the weekend’s by-election, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) NSW, Victor Violante, said.

“Forest industries are a major employer in the electorate of Monaro, and we are confident that we will have another strong Nationals advocate in the NSW Parliament in Nichole Overall,” Mr Violante.

“I was pleased to catch up with Nichole last week and it was encouraging that she understood the important of the industry to the region, and had already taken the time to visit timber towns such as Bombala.

“The region is part of NSW’s significant ‘softwood’ pine plantation-based industries, which employ thousands of people to produce essential products such as timber for our houses and packaging for our everyday goods.”

Mr Violante acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing Member for Monaro and former Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his support for NSW’s forest industries, both in the electorate and in Cabinet.

“Our industry was fortunate to have such a passionate and influential voice in John Barilaro for many years.

“The Government’s support for forest industries across the state under his leadership after the 2019-20 bushfires was significant. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his next challenge.

“Nichole is already well known in Monaro and we are fortunate to have another strong voice in the Parliament representing the region. We look forward to working closely with her,” Mr Violante concluded.

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