Tasmania Forestry Hub GM steps down

Media Release

Thursday 9 February 2023

Simon Talbot

Simon Talbot, who has led the Tasmania Forestry Hub since September 2021, will transition out of the general manager role in the coming months, working part time until a replacement is appointed.

Simon will join a new executive team leading the build of a world-scale hydrogen and methanol production plant in Tasmania – a joint project by Spanish company Iberdrola and green-focused developer, Abel Energy.

“I have enjoyed my time working with the Tasmanian forest industry over the past 18 months and look forward to continuing the relationship as I move into a field that is intrinsically linked to our forest and agricultural sectors,” he said.

Hub Steering Committee Chair, Penny Wells said Simon’s contribution has strengthened the Hub’s relationship with the sector and furthered opportunity for progress and growth of the forest industry into the future.

“The Hub has four strategic priorities: climate and carbon policy, workforce skills and training, resource and land access, and supply chain and infrastructure,” Ms Wells said.

“Simon has been a great asset to the Hub, working with industry to implement a roadmap which addresses the sector’s priority areas.  Simon has brought great energy to the role and a unique skillset which has focussed on fostering an innovative and forward-looking industry,” Ms Wells said.

The Tasmania Regional Forestry Hub (Hub) was established in 2019 by the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network (TFFPN) and is funded by the Commonwealth Government as part of the National Forest Industries Plan.

The Hub exists to provide information to assist the Commonwealth in future policy development regarding pathways for growth, and removal of barriers, for the forestry industry through stakeholder engagement and consultation.

The Hub General Manager role will be advertised in the coming days.

Media enquiries: Romany Brodribb, TFFPN – 0438 368 079.