Paul Toole MP
New South Wales Government Minister for Forestry Paul Toole announced that the Government is investing almost $40 million to support innovation and training for NSW’s forestry industry and has allocated $4.6 million to support the development of a training and certification scheme for forestry contractors that will focus on environment, safety and best practice. Source: Timberbiz
The training and certification scheme will be jointly developed by industry and the NSW Government in partnership with the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA).
The Scheme will provide opportunities for improved access to training, along with formal recognition of the skills, proficiencies and the professionalism of forestry contracting businesses.
Nationals candidate for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said round two of the $34 million NSW Forest Industries Innovation Fund (FIIF) loan scheme had opened this week.
“The scheme aims to support innovative projects that improve efficiencies, sustainability and invest in smarter processes or ways to deal with future forestry opportunities and challenges,” Mr Singh said.
“Round two of the NSW FIIF will close on 3 May 2019, with potential loan sizes of up to $3 million.”
The NSW FIIF loan scheme is administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority. Information on the scheme and how to apply is available at www.raa.nsw.gov.au
“We recognise the important role forestry plays in NSW in providing jobs, wood products and supporting manufacturing industries,” Mr Toole said.
Mr Toole said in addition to the FIIF, $4.6 million would be used to support a training and certification scheme for forestry contractors that will focus on environment, safety and best practice.
“The Nationals recognise the long-term value to the wider forestry industry of facilitating access to training, recognition of skills, proficiencies and professionalism of forestry contracting businesses,” Mr Toole said.
“We want to promote best practice operations in our State’s forests for forestry contractors that will enhance environmental and safety practices and compliance.”
AFCA chairman Adan Taylor said the scheme would create professional development opportunities for forestry contracting businesses while recognising and rewarding those with good practices.
“The development of the scheme will not only be positive for industry in promoting best practice, it also gives the community greater confidence that contracting businesses are operating safely and meeting the necessary compliance requirements,” Mr Taylor said.
