The Grand Rapids City Council has officially acknowledged support for a state proposed incentive program for the wood pellet production industry, recognizing that investments are required in expanding such businesses locally at this time.Â
According to the quarterly census of employment and wages, from 2008 to 2019, the seven counties of northeast Minnesota saw a loss of 1,466 jobs, 34 businesses and $28 million in wages from the forest product industry. This same data shows that between 2013 and 2018, Itasca County saw a loss of 20% of its independent forestry and logging operations and 12% of its independent truckers.Â
Despite these losses, a 2017 study by the University of Minnesota-Duluthâs Labovitz School of Business found that the forestry sector still contributes nearly 3,000 jobs, $160 million of labor income and more than $800 million in output to the economy of a 10-county region of north-central Minnesota and the sector still presents opportunities for growth.
SafeWork
Construction sites across wider Sydney can expect a visit from SafeWork Inspectors this week who will be targeting unsafe working systems across all building trades.
Better Regulation Divisions’ Executive Director, Compliance and Dispute Resolution, Tony Williams said as part of a state-wide crackdown, Inspectors will be focusing on site housekeeping, height safety, falling objects, electrical, moving plant operations, and controlling risks related to silica and
asbestos exposure.
“From March 9-11, inspectors will be undertaking a compliance blitz on construction sites to make sure those most at risk from workplace injury are protected by safe systems of work,” Mr Williams said.
Date Time
Approval processes to be scrutinised for new drugs and medical technologies
On Thursday 11 and Friday 12 March 2021 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Sydney as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.
The Committee will hear evidence from numerous stakeholders including patient advocacy groups, clinician and research bodies, and industry. Witnesses will include rare disease advocates from Rare Voices Australia, and representatives from the Medical Technology Association of Australia. The program for the hearings is available at the Committee’s website.