The Australian Forest Products Association has submitted a proposal to the Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Senator Jonno Duniam for an increase to the forest growers levy rates and the introduction of a new threshold. Source: Timberbiz
At the request of forest growers, AFPA undertook extensive consultations in accordance with the Levy guidelines: How to establish or amend agricultural levies (2020) with potential forest grower levy payers. The issues covered were a new RD&E levy, increasing the PHA biosecurity levy and the introduction of a 20,000m3 exemption threshold.
A massive 90% of all voters responded positively to a call by the AFPA to show their support for a new RD&E levy component, an increased biosecurity levy component, and a 20,000m3 exemption threshold.
AFPA is also seeking the removal of the regulatory cap on voluntary matched funding.
Since 2015, the forest and wood products industry has been the only rural industry subject to a regulatory cap on voluntary matching funding, currently set at $1.659 million per annum.
AFPA members are seeking to have this cap removed so that additional research, development, and extension projects can be funded within the limits of the 0.5% of Gross Value of Production of the sector, in line with other primary industries.
As part of the process to increase the levy, AFPA must hold a minimum 30-business day objection period.
This period will run from the 14 July to 28 August 2021.
If you are a potential forest growers levy payer and you have any objections to the proposal, you can provide your feedback via three options below:
- AFPA (02) 6285 3833 or [email protected]
- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment [email protected]
- Assistant Minister Duniam [email protected]
Any feedback can be provided anonymously if preferred or it will be responded to directly. If submitting an objection include the reasons for an objection to part or all of a proposal.
