10 Oct 2005

Timber firm in Fiji wants use of portable sawmills encouraged

7:17 am on 10 October 2005

A timber processing firm in Fiji says the government should drop its policy of discouraging the use of portable sawmills.

A recent regional conference has heard that moveable plank-cutting equipment can make felling small plantations economical for landowners throughout the Pacific.

Jack's Handicrafts' factory near Nadi in western Fiji, operates the only portable sawmill in the country.

The general manager, Michael Chand, says such log-slicing machines are ideal for maximising the yield of usable timber.

"Portable sawmills in various locations could help and assist in getting the sort of finished timber to the various manufacturers."

Mr Chand says his business enjoys what he describes as a close relationship with government.

Mr Chand says he's been granted a licence to operate a portable sawmill 'because of his operations'.