Mr Bartlett said the Gunn's announcement shows the company has made ''real progress'' and it is a major vote of confidence in the Tasmanian economy. Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke last week strongly endorsed Gunns' plans for the mill that the timber industry says will create 1,600 jobs. Timber Communities Australia spokeswoman Eva Down says the statement would lift confidence in an industry hit by a slump in demand which prompted production halts over Easter.