Guy Barnett
Tasmanian forestry industry stakeholders have been encouraged to provide feedback into the process to extend the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement, following the Australian and Tasmanian governments’ commitment to extend the Agreement for another 20 years. Source: Timberbiz
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston, highlighted the achievements of the Agreement and appealed for interested parties to provide feedback online or attend a drop-in centre, during this additional round of stakeholder consultation.
“For the past 20 years, the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement has enabled the sustainable management of Tasmania’s forests,” Minister Ruston said.
“The Australian Government recognises the industry’s significant contribution to Tasmania – and Australia as a whole – and we want to provide the right environment for the industry to continue to flourish.
“Stakeholders have an opportunity to put their views forward on potential improvements to the Agreement ahead of the governments negotiating a rolling 20-year extension.”
Tasmanian Minister for Resources, Guy Barnett, said it was important to ensure the Agreement is delivering the right balance of environmental, economic and social outcomes for Tasmania.
“Tasmania’s forest industry plays a vital role in driving employment and growth in many regional communities,” Minister Barnett said.
“Extending Tasmania’s Regional Forestry Agreement will provide ongoing resource security and investment certainty to our forestry industry, and maintain the comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system”.
Initial feedback on extending the Agreement was received throughout April to June 2015, with the Independent Reviewer’s report to the Australian and Tasmanian governments on the third five-yearly review of the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement informing the focus of this additional round of consultation.
Stakeholders can provide feedback up until 12.30pm AEDT on Friday, 23 December 2016. To have your say, or find out more about drop-in centres, visit the Tasmanian Government Department of State Growth website at www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/forestry/rfa.
