The Institute of Foresters of Australia and Australian Forest Growers has changed its name to Forestry Australia. Forestry Australia CEO Jacquie Martin said the new name better represented the broad scope of forest and land management work undertaken by its members. Source: Timberbiz
The name change comes as more than 400 scientists, researchers and professional forest land managers in Australia will come together in Launceston this week for what is now the Forestry Australia national conference to share knowledge and ideas about the future of forestry in Australia.
“The name Forestry Australia is more representative of our membership, which is made up of Australian scientists, professionals and growers who manage, study and care for our forests,” Ms Martin said.
“The interactions that humans have with forests are changing every day, and the way our members manage forests is always evolving, alongside the most up-to-date science and research.
“That’s why it’s important our identity keeps pace with these changes in approach, and the public understands what Forestry Australia members do and what they stand for.
“Our skilled and knowledgeable scientists, professionals and growers who manage, study and care for our forests offer nature-based solutions for some of society’s most significant challenges, including catastrophic bushfires, biodiversity decline and climate change.
“We consulted widely with our members and the general public in arriving at this name, and we’re very proud to be able to announce it at our national conference with so many of our members and other forestry stakeholders in attendance both in person and online.”
President Bob Gordon said the conference’s theme Your Forests, Our Future aimed to highlight that Australia’s forests are for the benefit of everyone, and should be managed as such.
“Forests deliver many social, cultural, financial and environmental benefits, but their continued ability to provide these benefits depends on effective management and conservation,” Mr Gordon said.
“There’s been heated debate about elements of forestry for many years, but its time we move past the politics and look towards what’s needed to look after them so society can continue to benefit from forestry for generations to come.
“Through improved collaboration, sharing information, knowledge and skills and with the innovative use of technology and engagement of communities, forest scientists, managers, owners and other stakeholders will be better equipped to manage all types of forests across all tenures, including urban and farm forests,” he said.
“Building on the successes and lessons of recent IFA and AFG national conferences, the program will facilitate both structured and informal dialogue and networking and will incorporate a day of field sessions to explore the conference themes.”
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said that despite recent challenges, the future of the forestry industry is bright.
“The Black Summer bushfires, ongoing trade interruptions and the global pandemic have posed significant challenges for the industry over the last three years,” Senator Duniam said.
“In response, the industry has shown ingenuity and resilience, and is on track to deliver $2.4 billion in gross value of production this financial year.
“I am incredibly optimistic about the future of Australia’s sustainable forestry industry and the interest in this conference only confirmed my position.
“I look forward to working with the private sector and state and territory governments to secure the future of this world-class industry.”
