Natasa Sikman now acting CEO at AFPA said the industry welcomed Labor’s supportive position.
The Labor Party has rejected an internal push to ban native forest logging, instead committing at its 49th National Conference to rewrite the three decades old national forest policy statement this term. The forest policy statement will be revamped to “ensure the application of national environmental standards to Australia’s native forests”. Source: Timberbiz
Acting Australian Forest Products Association CEO Natasa Sikman said AFPA and the broader forest products sector welcomed this continued supportive position.
“Australia’s native forestry industry is the most sustainable in the world and active forest management, including sustainable harvesting, is critical to maintaining the health of our forests and for fighting climate change,” she said.
“This is Labor’s endorsement of a sector that Australia and the world needs and loves. Managed native forestry plays an important role for the economy and for jobs in many regional communities. The products Australia’s native forestry creates are essential and unique, from floorboards to decking and home furnishing products to specialist packaging items.
“We also welcome Labor’s refreshed commitment to expand Australia’s plantation estate to meet the demand for sustainably sourced timber and wood products into the future. Australia desperately needs more timber tree plantings with local and international demand for timber and wood fibre growing rapidly as plastics and other less climate friendly products are phased out.
“Recognition of the skills, knowledge and competencies of timber workers along with the central role First Nations communities play in restoring country and delivering benefits from forest management activities, is also welcomed.
“AFPA will continue to work with the Albanese Government on its delivery of the $300 million, 2022 election commitments. The forest and forest products sector look forward to playing a key role in helping Australia to meet its decarbonisation ambitions in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, while also providing skilled jobs and strong economic activity, and continuing to create the essential products Australians and the world need and love,” Ms Sikman said.
Australian Forest Contractors Association General Manager Tim Lester said the policy position adopted by the ALP at the 49th party conference in Brisbane was an acknowledgement of the role that positive, practical forest management played in maintaining and protecting forest assets while optimising benefits for the environment and people.
Labor passed this motion:
Labor supports the sustainable future of Australia’s forests and forest products industry and recognises the value and role of our forests in storing carbon and protecting biodiversity. Labor will work with states and territories to update the 1992 National Forest Policy Statement to ensure it is contemporary and fit for purpose. We will:
- Expand Australia’s plantation estate to meet domestic and international demand for high-value, sustainably sourced wood products, and will develop an industry plan that facilitates regional job growth and vibrant sustainable communities.
- Deliver the management and restoration of native forests, recognising and rewarding carbon and biodiversity values and the need for their active and on-going management.
- Consistent with current government policy, ensure the application of National Environmental Standards to Australia’s native forests.
- Harness the social, environmental, and economic benefits that our forests can provide.
- Recognise the skills, knowledge and competencies of timber workers and their communities, as well as the central role First Nations communities play in restoring country and determining social, economic and environmental benefits flowing from forest management activity.”
“The Labor Party’s statement makes clear the recognition of the skills, knowledge and competencies of timber workers and their communities in the management, protection and enhancement of native forests, a recognition that is often sorely lacking in debates about the future of the industry,” Mr Lester said.
“Forest contractors are committed to the sustainability and viability of their industry, and this includes the successful management of the native forest estate.
“Sustainable productive forest management by industry means the government can deliver on its environmental goals while supporting quality jobs in regional areas and not increasing costs for the taxpayer.
“And we should not forget the risks that an unmanaged forest presents in terms of real threatening processes such as bushfires, feral animals and weeds. The small, highly regulated and well managed areas of forest harvest pale in comparison to the vast areas impacted by fire, pests and weeds.
“Contractors are rightly proud of the work that they do and take a generational view. Sustainability is not just words on a page, it is our way of life. We welcome the on-going commitment of the Albanese Government to our world-class forest management and look forward to working with them to deliver world-class results.”
