Aug 11, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Senator the Honourable Eric Abetz, minister for fisheries forestry and conservation, and Tasmania’s acting minister for economic development and resources, Michael Aird, announced on August 11 details of over $2 million in grants. Over $7 million has now been allocated since the TCFA was announced in May 2005. NAFI’s chief executive officer, Catherine Murphy, said the grants are essential in assisting the Tasmanian forest industry in adjusting to changes in the type of logs they are processing. “As a result of the Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement, many sawmills will now process smaller logs. This funding will enable operators, such as McKay timbers, retool their regional mills,” said Mrs. Murphy. “McKay timbers will cover most costs involved in retooling their Glenorchy and St Helens mills, and the added TCFA funding will make these upgrades feasible. NAFI looks forward to the government’s future announcements of further allocations of funds in coming weeks,” Mrs. Murphy said.