FFIC Forest Industry News

Increased Fees for Tasmanian Beekeeping Industry

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:58:00 GMT

Increased Fees to Help Provide Essential Infrastructure for Tasmanian Beekeeping Industry

Forestry Tasmania is increasing fees for beekeepers using state forest. Forestry Tasmania has been in discussions with the beekeepers for several months and has decided to increase the amount it recovers from the beekeeper industry.

 Peter Volker, Manager Field Services said the apiary industry is worth approximately $180 million to the state economy and Forestry Tasmania recovers only $32,317 for apiary services on state forest.

“The proposed new schedule of fees was forwarded to the beekeepers to be phased in over three years which allows time for further negotiations,” he said.

“The new fees will raise an extra $0.30 per hive and $12.90 per site in the first year.

“We understand that nobody likes to pay higher charges but the fact is that even with the new fees it won’t cover Forestry Tasmania's costs.”

Forestry Tasmania charges beekeepers minimal fees for access to a range of infrastructure to allow them to undertake their beekeeping operations.

“Forestry Tasmania allows beekeepers to access leatherwood stands on roads that were previously used for harvesting operations,” Dr Volker said.

“Without these roads, the beekeepers would not have access to leatherwood sites, greatly affecting the sustainability of their businesses.

“Furthermore, if we are able to recover more money it gives us option of keeping some roads open for beekeeper access on roads that are no longer used for forestry operations.”

“These fees are used to help Forestry Tasmania service the industry adequately and assist with administration costs associated with managing and liaising with the beekeeper industry in relation to apiary management.”

The majority of Tasmania’s leatherwood-rich forest is located within the World Heritage Area, and is largely inaccessible to beekeepers as no new roads may be constructed into these areas and some existing roads have been closed.

State forests are therefore a pivotal resource for the production of leatherwood and other types of honey.

Approximately 360,000 hectares of leatherwood-rich areas are in state forest.

Where practical, leatherwood is excluded from forest harvesting and since 1993, less than three per cent of leatherwood-rich state forests have been harvested, preserving the resource for the Tasmanian beekeeping industry.

“Access to commercial stands of leatherwood on state forest is extremely important to the local beekeeping industry to make their businesses sustainable,” Dr Volker said.

END 
10th August, 2010 Media inquiries: 
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6235 8249

Findings of the George River Water Quality Panel

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:31:00 GMT

The George River Water Quality Panel has found there are no water quality issues in the George River, giving a clean bill of health for treated drinking water to the local community and ruling out fears of a cancer cluster in the St Helens area, pesticides in the water as well as Eucalyptus nitens toxicant issues for local oyster growers.

However, the Panel has recommended to the State Government that improved and coordinated management and administration of the waters in the St Helens catchment area should be implemented as a priority.

Further information on the use of chemicals should be recorded and made available to assist with monitoring and the security of the water.

In releasing the findings of the report, Panel spokesperson and water quality expert, Dr Graeme Batley said the bottom line is that there is no indication that the treated water is not safe to drink at St Helens.

“In essence the panel found that the river foam samples that were referred to in the Australian Story report broadcast by the ABC in February this year were not representative of the naturally occurring water in the Georges River,” Dr Batley said.

“The method that was used to sample the foam concentrated the sample so much that it became toxic when tested on sensitive water organisms.

“There are very minor levels of naturally occurring toxicants in the George River like any other catchment area, but at naturally occurring levels they pose no health risk to the community.

“All water bodies have a very thin film of less than 0.3 mm on the surface which contains ‘insoluble’ organic matter including surfactants and when mixed with air held in the water and rising to the surface they can form foam bubbles. The foams were what the Scammell Bleaney report said were a major source of toxicants.

“So, yes there are toxicants in the water, but at naturally occurring levels they pose no health risk to the community.”

Other findings include:

Community health records from 1993 to 2007 show no abnormal cancer rates within the St Helens drinking water area and there are no characteristics of a ‘cancer cluster’.
Oysters growing in Georges Bay are subject to a number of stressors, such as water temperature, toxic algae, oyster stocking densities as well as antifouling ship paint. Contaminants associated with river or bay foam may also be a minor stressor to oyster health.
There is no evidence of pesticides in the water supply that could pose a health risk to the community. Insecticides have never been detected, while only traces of herbicides have been detected only during high water flow periods; the concentrations has been well below safe human health guidelines.

Dr Batley said the findings of the report have been handed to the Premier, David Bartlett, earlier today and a number panel members would now travel to St Helens to meet with members of the St Helens community.

“Once the consultation process is complete, unless further investigations are requested by the Premier, then the panel will disband.

“I would like to thank all those who assisted in this investigation, particularly Drs Bleaney and Scammell for their efforts in cooperating with the panel.”

Included in the release of the report are the other reports which helped make up the study, which will be placed by close of business today on the George River Water Quality website. The community is encouraged to examine the findings at: www.georgeriverwater.org.au.

The George River Water Quality Panel is an independent scientific panel convened to investigate claims that toxicants from eucalypt plantations are having an adverse affect on both human health and the health of oysters in oyster farms in St Helens.

It was convened at the direction of the Premier of Tasmania in March to investigate information reported on Australian Story in February 2010.

For further information: Deborah Vaughan, Font Public Relations 0409 709 062

Forestry Tasmania Exploring New Export market

Mon, 24 May 2010 23:44:00 GMT

Forestry Tasmania is today loading a trial shipment of lower quality peeler logs for a potential new market in China.

Managing Director Bob Gordon said the shipment is part of Forestry Tasmania's ongoing program to find alternative markets for lower grade wood to counter the effects of the temporary international downturn in the woodchip market.

“While these logs are not good enough for the Ta Ann rotary peeled veneer mill, our Chinese customers see potential in using these logs for laminated veneer,” Mr Gordon said.

“The export shipment is also helping FT to meet increasing demand for sawlogs. In order to supply sawlogs economically, FT must have customers for lower quality wood.”

Mr Gordon said the shipment had a number of other benefits including:

Providing much needed work for contractors during the downturn
Providing an additional revenue source for FT
Potential for the shipments to lead to further downstream processing in Tasmania

Mr Gordon said it is not dissimilar to the approach Forestry Tasmania took to encouraging Ta Ann to invest at Southwood.

“Exporting the logs will help familiarise new markets in China with the suitability of eucalypt for LVL and the good news is that in the longer term will lead to more export opportunities for timber processed in Tasmania.”

“Just as we supplied logs for Ta Ann to trial, we are hoping that the Chinese trials will in time lead to further downstream processing of this resource in Tasmania.”

“The logs to be exported are lower grade than those currently suitable for Ta Ann’s processes and markets.”

“Instead of becoming woodchips the logs will now be turned into a higher value product”

However, Mr Gordon said in the meantime, the shipment and hopefully, shipments will ease some of the pressure on contractors.

The Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association welcomed the trial shipment of lower quality peeler logs.

TFCA Executive Officer, Ed Vincent said TFCA members, were delighted in FT’s success in establishing the Chinese peeler trial.

“Hardwood contractors, who have been greatly impacted by the downturn in international markets, applaud any initiatives that help underpin the forest industry. ” Mr Vincent said.

“The sales will assist contractors who have been operating at historically low levels over recent months.”

“We all hope the trials are successful and lead to establishment of additional processing options for lower grade logs within Tasmania.”

Mr Gordon said overall there would be no overall increase in truck movements through Hobart than there would have been, had the logs gone to the Triabunna woodchip mill.

“However, it does mean that while the ship is being loaded, there'll be more trucks on the road for four or five days.”

“To minimise impact on traffic flows, the trucks intend to operate outside peak hour.”

ENDS

www.forestrytas.com.au

New Special Timber Zone To Deliver Resource Security

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:07:00 GMT

A 100,000-hectare Special Timbers Zone will deliver resource security and benefit the more than 10,000 Tasmanians who are involved in the special timbers sector, Managing Director Bob Gordon said today.

The zone has been established as part of Forestry Tasmania’s Special Timbers Strategy, which will underpin management and sale of special timbers for the next decade.

The strategy sets three key objectives for the management of Tasmania’s special timbers:

Sustaining the resource
Maximising value recovery
Promoting Tasmania’s special timbers to the world

Mr Gordon said the highlight of the strategy, which was launched today, was the 100,000-hectare Special Timbers Zone.

“This strategy recognises the significant contribution the special timbers sector makes to the state. The Special Timbers Zone will ensure the long-term supply of this resource to the Tasmanians who depend on it for their livelihoods.

“Special timbers are an integral part of the Tasmanian ‘brand’, and are renowned around Australia and the world for their quality and beauty.

“The special timbers sector is characterised by a significant degree of downstream processing, such as fine furniture making, joinery, boat building, giftware and musical instrument making.

“The manufacture and sale of high value products from special timbers provides employment for more than 2,000 Tasmanians and generates about $70 million for the state each year.

“A further 8,500 people use special timbers in woodcraft activities as a hobby or on a limited commercial basis."

Mr Gordon said Tasmania’s special timbers were among the last premium timbers being produced from public forests in Australia.

“As they are sourced from forests with many conservation values, predominantly old growth forests, it is essential that this resource is managed to maintain a balance between biodiversity and production values.

“This strategy will ensure biodiversity and habitat are maintained through conservation reserves on state forest, which include 25 per cent of Tasmania’s one million hectares of reserved old growth forest.

“The zone will ensure maximum resource recovery and continued presence of special timbers within regenerated stands, which will be regrown for at least 200 years.”

Mr Gordon said non-clearfell harvesting methods would be used within the zone as much as possible, although healthy forest regeneration and the health and safety of forest workers would remain the primary objectives.

“The strategy will also maximise the value of special timbers through the training of Timber Classification Officers to recognise ‘feature grade’ specifications, increasing contractor skill levels, and improving harvesting practices.

“Increased knowledge of market trends and identification of commercial opportunities are also central to the strategy, as they will ensure that special timbers are marketed to their maximum value.”

The Special Timbers Strategy was released in draft form in 2009, and the document released today incorporates feedback from stakeholders and the broader community.

Download the Special Timbers Strategy

ENDS

For more information:

Corporate Relations

Tel: 03 6235 8249

www.forestrytas.com.au

Colbeck: New Forest Industry Plan A Real Positive

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:14:00 GMT

The Federal Coalition's Spokesperson for Forestry Richard Colbeck has welcomed the release of Tasmania's New Forest Industry Plan - a document outlining the high importance of the sector to the State.

The Plan, devised by the Forests and Forestry Industry Council of Tasmania, outlines the multi-billion dollar contribution the sector makes to the economy, the potential for thousands of new jobs over coming years and the environmental benefits the industry provides.

"The New Forest Industry Plan is clear and positive in displaying the benefits of the forestry and forest products industry to Tasmania and Australia," Senator Colbeck said.

"Importantly, it also outlines six key areas which will be crucial to the future of the sector including community engagement, climate change and wealth creation.

"The forestry sector has a strong track record of responding to innovation, working with local communities and taking into account new scientific data and research. These qualities will continue to help the industry grow.

"There is no doubt that times are currently tough for some in the sector, in particular forestry contractors, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"It is important, therefore, both State and Federal Governments work positively and cooperatively with the forestry industry to deliver opportunities for growth and remove unnecessary regulation.

"This is certainly an approach the Federal Coalition has taken in the past and will continue to do so in the future," Senator Colbeck said.

ENDS

Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Senator for Tasmania

For more information:

Patrick Clancy (Media Contact)
Tel: 03 6424 5960 or 0402 641 170

FFIC: Tasmanian New Forest Industry Plan Launched

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:43:00 GMT

Tasmania’s forest industry today publicly launched its New Forest Industry Plan - a blueprint for future growth, innovation and wealth creation.

The Chairman of the Forests and Forest Industry Council of Tasmania (FFIC) Mr Rob Woolley, said today the Plan outlined the way forward for the industry and that it would ensure it maintained its leading role as an iconic Tasmanian success story into the 21st century.

“The Plan identifies new investment opportunities requiring $2.5 billion in private capital, with the potential to create 2,000 highly-skilled career opportunities. Combined with existing businesses, these investments would broaden the economic contribution by the industry to the State to $4 billion annually-double its current contribution.”

In summary the Plan identifies the following opportunities:

New Investments in Wood Manufacturing and Waste Minimisation

More than $2.1 billion of private investments in new processing opportunities is identified in the Plan. These investments would benefit Tasmania by directly creating up to an additional 850 long term, highly-technical jobs and generating an extra $1.26 billion annually in wealth for the state.

Increased Income and Employment through New Processing Investments

Investments over ten years in new harvesting and transport machinery of $365 million will support over 650 careers and generate revenues of $240 million annually.

Reconstituted Wood Products

An internationally competitive engineered strand lumber (ESL) mill would require investments of $225 million and utilising pulpwood, generate 240,000 cubic metres of product, provide 150 direct career opportunities and $290 million in direct income annually.

Energy from Biomass

Opportunities include the use of biomass residues to produce bio-energy, wood pellets and briquettes. Biomass energy production creates wealth from waste products. A single wood pellet plant would require an investment of $25 million to establish, use 200,000 cubic metres of waste wood annually and , employ 15 people and generate 44 million in annual income.

1,000 New Jobs

Applying standard forestry employment and income multipliers, additional support and service investments would generate at least an additional 1,000 jobs and around $1billion in income for the state.

Mr Woolley said the Plan and the benefits it identifies were based on research undertaken for the FFIC by independent international consulting firm URS Forestry and on extensive consultation with the Tasmanian forest industry.

“The Plan is designed to provide a catalyst for positive government and industry initiatives. Ultimately the forest industry’s future will be determined by investment decisions which are driven by innovation and supported by equitable government policies and regulations.”

“The Plan enables the industry to continue to create opportunities for employment while protecting our cultural heritage and environmental values.”

Mr Woolley said that through the Plan, the industry would cement its place as one of the ‘big four’ contributors to the State’s economy alongside agriculture, mining and tourism.

“Sustainable, internationally-accredited forestry that creates wealth and employment opportunities for all Tasmanians, is here to stay. By maximising the opportunities contained within the plan, we will continue to prosper.”

ENDS

For more information:

Mr Rob Woolley
Chairman Forests & Forest industry Council
Tel: 0414 508 130

www.ffic.com.au

FT: New Forest Industry Plan Welcomed

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:11:00 GMT

Managing Director Bob Gordon has welcomed today’s launch of the New Forest Industry Plan by the Forests and Forest Industry Council.

Mr Gordon said the plan would set a new direction for Tasmania’s forest industry, based on increased value added manufacturing as the sector transitions from harvesting mature forests to the use of regrowth native forest and plantation timber.

“Forestry Tasmania contributed to the development of the plan, and fully endorses the objectives it sets.

“Most importantly, it builds on the solid foundation of sustainable forest management already in place in Tasmania, provided by the Regional Forest Agreement, Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement, and certification of our state forests and major privately-owned timber production forests under the independent Australian Forestry Standard.

“It will deliver increased investment and employment opportunities, which will provide direct economic and social benefits to the Tasmanian community.

“Our state’s mix of sustainably managed regrowth native forests and plantations provides us with a significant competitive advantage in what we offer. Our ability to supply both native forest and plantation timbers ensures that we can meet the needs of different markets and end users.

“Plantations will increasingly supply bulk timber needs, as without them, there will be too much pressure on our native forests.

“However, timbers derived from native forest will increasingly become premium products, as Tasmania’s native forests are grown and harvested in a way that mimics their natural cycle of wildfire and regeneration.

“Without native forest harvesting, we would not be able to supply high quality sawlogs or our iconic special species timbers such as myrtle and sassafras.

“Some 4,500 direct jobs in Tasmania would be lost – including staff that provide essential emergency services such as fire fighting.”

Mr Gordon said he was confident FT would meet the challenges set by the plan.

“FT has always been at the forefront of developing new downstream processing opportunities for Tasmania.

“Most notably, through our development of the investment-ready Wood Centre sites, we attracted significant investment by Ta Ann Tasmania in two rotary veneer mills.

“These mills are now processing logs that may otherwise have been exported as woodchips into a valuable structural product for markets in south east Asia.

“This plan sets the right direction for the industry to continue to grow and create meaningful career opportunities for Tasmanians.”

ENDS

For more information:

Corporate Relations

Tel: 03 6235 8249

www.forestrytas.com.au

Llewellyn: New Forest Industry Plan

Sun, 23 May 2010 12:18:00 GMT

David Llewellyn, Minister for Energy and Resources, today welcomed the completion of the New Forest Industry Plan and congratulated the forest industry on its vision and commitment to innovation.

“The Plan, which has been based on independent advice from URS Forestry, represents an exciting glimpse of what the forest and wood processing industries might look like in Tasmania in ten years’ time,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“If they’re commercially realised, the opportunities outlined in the plan can only mean positive outcomes for all Tasmanians.

“Already we’ve seen $2.4 billion dollars of forestry investment in Tasmania as a result of the certainty and stability provided by the Regional Forest Agreement.

“We now have the prospect of further opportunities with around $2.5 billion of capital investment identified – and the real possibility of 2,000 highly-skilled careers as a result.

“Conversely, without this Plan and with the present storm clouds of reduced woodchip markets, we would not have the certainty we need for the industry into the future.

“It is vital that new development, in particular the proposed $2.6 billion Gunns’ pulp mill, come to fruition to provide that certainty.

“Without a pulp mill the full potential of the forest industry would be difficult to realise.”

Mr Llewellyn said that the plan aimed to:

expand existing pulp and paper production and restructure hardwood sawmilling capacity to include greater utilisation of plantation resources;
establish engineered wood product facilities with an ongoing focus on high-value products for domestic and export markets and sustainable bio-energy production;
increase supply chain efficiencies and increase the use of wood products;
enhance forest management practices and reduce the threat of wildfire; and
adapt to climate change and contribute to a reduction in Tasmania’s carbon footprint.

“These investments, plus the proposed Bell Bay pulp mill, will also provide secure opportunities for forest contractors,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“That security is needed in order to invest over $365 million in new harvesting and transport machinery.

“The Government will work in partnership with the forest industry to make these enormous potential benefits real.”

Mr Llewellyn said that the Plan looks towards a future which is increasingly focussed on native regrowth, plantation resources and a strong softwood sector.

“It also recognises the vital role the management of our managed native forests plays in providing access to world-renowned timbers for high-value products and world-class tourism infrastructure.

“It facilitates the maintenance of fire-fighting resources and provides fibre for papermaking.

“The State Labor Government is focussed on securing a sustainable future for the industry while delivering world-class environmental outcomes and real career paths into the future for Tasmanians.”

Mr Llewellyn said the Plan should give confidence to the Tasmanian community that the forest industry is moving forward with a sense of purpose, a clear plan for future sustainability and an unwavering commitment to world-class environmental outcomes.

ENDS

David Llewellyn, MP
Minister for Energy and Resources

For more information:

Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Tel: 03 6233 6573

Chequered Future for Local Player

Fri, 21 May 2010 11:27:00 GMT

Tasmanian fine furniture specialist Rex Heathcote will further promote its recently released "chequered" range through exposure at the next Australian International Furniture Fair, from 3 - 5 February 2010 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre.

Eponymous founder Rex Heathcote said the brand's return to the New South Wales trade fair after an absence of some years followed a highly successful showing at Furnitex Melbourne in July.

"We made the show the official launch of the chequered range and got a lot of positive feedback on the design and quality of our product," he said.

Following the success of the Melbourne fair, Rex Heathcote would attend the Sydney event with some enhancements to the chequered range as well as a sense of renewed confidence.

"We have three or four stockists across Sydney showcasing a range of smaller products such as trays and boxes, but we're really looking to boost our Sydney presence, particularly in terms of our furniture ranges."

For the Launceston based company, events such as Furnitex and Australian International Furniture Fair also provided invaluable networking opportunities and insights into the latest trends and looks, he added.

Rex Heathcote Furniture provides a comprehensive design service for both residential and commercial environments and works in partnership with architects, interior designers and other furniture designers.

Originally appeared here.

Gunns Thanks Aird For Mill Help

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:13:00 GMT

TIMBER company Gunns has thanked State Treasurer Michael Aird for agreeing to lobby its prospective pulp mill partner.

Gunns spokesman Matt Horan said last night while the Tasmanian Government had always been clear about its backing for the giant pulp mill, "every little bit" of open support helps.

Mr Aird left yesterday for a week-long, $50,000 trip to Europe, during which he will meet the unnamed companies Gunns hopes can be convinced to invest in its controversial pulp mill.

"We are very pleased the Tasmanian Government is reiterating its support in this way," Mr Horan said.

"The Government has always made its support clear in the past but a personal visit from the Treasurer is certainly not going to harm our cause."

Mr Aird conceded on Tuesday he had phoned Gunns management once he knew he was travelling to Europe, to offer to meet any companies it thought might be useful.

It is widely believed Swedish paper and pulp company Sodra may become a joint-venture partner with Gunns in building and operating the pulp mill north of Launceston.

Gunns said while it was confident the state and federally approved pulp mill would soon clear its final financial hurdles, Mr Aird's visit could provide the vital final impetus.

The Forest Industries Association of Tasmania also welcomed Mr Aird's show of support. "Politicians who converse with large stakeholders of projects show Tasmania is committed to projects and show Tasmania is a state that embraces new technology and industry," said FIAT chairman Julian Amos.

But the barrage of political outrage directed at Mr Aird for promoting the pulp mill while on an overseas mission continued yesterday.

Greens pulp mill critic Kim Booth accused Mr Aird of bringing embarrassment on Tasmania by acting as Gunns' "messenger-boy".

"Michael Aird needs to remember that he was elected by the Tasmanian people to represent the community, not just the vested interests of one company," Mr Booth said.

The Wilderness Society wrote yesterday to Mr Aird requesting full disclosure of all aspects of his pulp mill mercy-dash to Europe.

Wilderness Society anti-pulp mill campaigner Paul Oosting called on the Treasurer to disclose to potential investors in the pulp mill there was massive local community opposition to its construction and operation.

Originally appeared here.

Timber Company Bid To Reduce Debt

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:17:00 GMT

The timber company Forest Enterprises Australia is selling off assets and shares in an effort to cover its debts.

FEA posted a $14 million loss for the year to June, blaming a drop of nearly $90 million in sales of Managed Investment Forestry Schemes.

The Tasmanian-based forestry company has revealed it has $240 million in bank barrowings that will need to be re-financed in two years.

FEA plans to raise $39 million through an offer to shareholders.

The company is also selling off $74 million worth of land in Queensland, New South Wales and possibly Tasmania.

Financial Adviser Matthew Torenius says FEA would be under pressure to reduce bank borrowings before they are renegotiated in two years.

"From the banking syndicates perspective they would be looking and have been looking for FEA to perhaps lower its debt load."

"What we're seeing from the capital management is it will get them in a better position going forward to renegotiate their banking facilities and provide them with more flexibility."

"FEA really has been hit by the downturn in the building sector and the double whammy of the managed investment scheme downturn," he said.

There is speculation timber company Gunns could buy up more FEA shares.

Mr Torenius says FEA's equity raising is a one for one share offer that will dilute the shares for all shareholders.

"If Gunns doesn't participate in the current capital management initiative, Gunns shareholding will actually be diluted."

"So if Gunns wishes to maintain the same percentage share in FEA it will need to participate in the offer and at this stage it's unknown whether Gunns will participate."

FEA's equity raising ends in October.

The company's shares rose from 18 to 20 cents immediately after the announcement.

Originally appeared here.

Timber Group Apologises Over Intersex Ads

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:16:00 GMT

A national lobby group has publicly apologised for a advertisement which offended gay, lesbian and intersex Tasmanians.

The controversial advertisements ran in the lead up to the 2007 Federal election.

Timber Communities Australia made the apology in Hobart today and undertook not to use similar ads in the future.

The ad aired on commercial television in Tasmania and attacked Greens' policies on same-sex marriage and legal recognition of intersex people.

TCA's Tasmanian manager, Barry Chipman, says it was never intended to offend.

"We are sincerely regretful that we ran the ads," he said.

"At the time of running the ads in the lead up to the 2007 Federal election it was purely for political purposes.

"We genuinely were not aware or didn't realise that these ads could be offensive to people in the community that have views and have feelings just like our folk do."

Intersex advocate, Martine Delaney, welcomed the apology.

"Today I think is a monstorous step forward I think to have, as I said, to have a national lobby group acknowledge that the tactics used weren't appropriate."

Timber Communities Australia says it will also take part in an educational campaign on intersex issues.

Originally appeared here.

TCA Welcomes World Heritage Centre Report

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:21:00 GMT

Tasmania's timber dependent families welcome the WHC's report prepared following its Reactive Monitoring Mission Tasmanian visit 15 to 20 March, 2008.

TCA members meet with the WHC mission during its March 2008 visit as did other stake holders.

Upon reviewing the Missions just released report it is very clear that the Mission has vindicated that the correct balance between reserving conservation values and productive forest management has been achieved and that forestry is not causing any detrimental impact upon the WHA.

Page 5: The balance between forests assigned to reserves/conservation and for production was struck through the Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) process in 1997, supplemented through the 2005 Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement (TCFA).

Recommendation 7: The area managed under the TWWHA management plan provides a good representation of well-managed tall Eucalyptus forest and there is similar forest outside the property which is also well-managed, but for both conservation and development objectives. The threats to these forests from production forestry activities are well managed and there no need for the boundary of the property to be changed to deal with such threats.

"These findings are very much welcomed by TCA with the Mission providing a very big pat on the back for our states dedicated forest planners and managers. This report also highlights the world class achievements Tasmania has made in the name of conservation." Barry Chipman Timber Communities Australia Tasmanian State Manager said today.

The report presents a very big rejection of past anti forestry activist claims, perhaps the real reason for their weekend dismissive attack on the Missions report is more about their displeasure that the IUCN's vice president of past 2 years, Senator Christine Milne failed to bully the WHC into blindly accepting activist claims.

"This report is a reassurance for all, with the WHC Mission determining that Tasmania has achieved the correct balance between conservation and productive management". Mr Chipman concluded.

ENDS

More Information:
Barry Chipman
Tel: 03 62604442 or 0417 013336

FFIC Climate Change & Forestry Public Forum

Fri, 21 May 2010 02:05:00 GMT

What: Public forum on climate change and the associated role of our forests, with speakers from CSIRO, the Tasmanian Climate Change Office and nationally-known expert Mr Tim Woods.

When: 7:30-9:30pm, Thursday April 23, 2009.

Where: Tramshed Function Centre, Inveresk Railyards, Launceston.

The Forests and Forest Industry Council of Tasmania (FFIC) is inviting the public to attend a forum in Launceston on the hot topic of ‘Climate Change and Forestry’.

A panel of experts lead by CSIRO researcher, Dr Phil Polglase, will discuss the issues surrounding the role of forests as Australia and the world tackles the challenges presented by climate change.

Tasmanian Climate Change Director Wendy Spencer will speak about Tasmania’s greenhouse gas profile and the Tasmanian Government’s framework for action on Climate Change and nationally-known expert on sustainable development Tim Woods, will discuss Australian forestry as -‘part of the global climate solution’.

Dr Polglase will address many of the contentious issues in today’s climate change debate including: the role of forests in carbon and water cycles, deforestation, the role of fire and plantations as carbon off-sets.

Well-known commentator Mr Greg Barns, will moderate the forum which will include a 30-minute public Q&A session.

FFIC Director of Communications Steve Bavage said today that the aim of the forum was to stimulate proper scientific debate on the issue of climate change as it relates to forestry.

“The panel of speakers for the forum will provide the public with its best opportunity to date to hear how sustainable forestry can mitigate the effects of climate change and what policy action the Tasmanian Government is taking on the issue.”

“We hope the public will embrace this opportunity to hear directly from these speakers and voice an opinion on this issue of huge importance to all Tasmanians.”

Futher Information:

Steve Bavage

Forests and Forest Industry Council of Tasmania
Email: sbavage@ffic.com.au
Tel: 03 6233 6510

Florentine Valley Holds Proud Timber Heritage

Fri, 21 May 2010 02:05:00 GMT

Timber workers have been working in and careering for the forests of the Florentine Valley since the 1940’s it holds a strong heritage of timber getting and providing family incomes.

For nearly 60 years the Florentine and Styx Valley’s provided the major supply of wood to the Boyer news print mill for the production of news print for our nation’s news papers.

“Modern forest management involves planning long term harvesting cycles and insuring that special values in the forest are maintained.” Mr Richard Shoobridge Vice President Derwent Valley branch of Timber Communities Australia said today.

Tasmania is leading the World in conservation management with almost half our native forest in reserve, this is almost 5 times the standard set by the WWF to protect biological diversity and other high conservation forest values.

“Tasmania has also 1.9 million ha of high quality wilderness in World Heritage Areas, National Parks and conservation areas, the approved selective harvest and regeneration of the planned 50 ha coupe in the Upper Florentine will have no impact on our important wilderness values.”

“The approved harvesting will maintain employment for timber families and provide high quality timber to our furniture makers and for our first class sawmill industry.”

“The approved harvesting is being restricted to only the 10% of the Upper Florentine Valley that has been identified as available for long rotation selective harvesting.”

“Often overlooked is the fact that the balance between conservation and production has been achieved via the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement and Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement.”

“This balance means 80% of our old growth forest is reserved and all our forest both inside and outside reserves are managed for tourism, for carbon storage and for conservation values.”

After all the World Heritage Mission that inspected these forests last year found:

The area managed under the TWWHA management plan provides a good representation of well-managed tall Eucalyptus forest and there is similar forest outside the property which is also well-managed, but for both conservation and development objectives. The threats to these forests from production forestry activities are well managed and there no need for the boundary of the property to be changed to deal with such threats.

“This finding of sustainable management vindicates timber communities and we now call on these anti forestry activists to respect the work that has gone into achieving this world recognized balance.” Mr. Shoobridge concluded.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Richard Shoobridge TEL: 0409 992 687
Barry Chipman TEL: 0417 013 336