Senator Richard Colbeck
Senator Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture,, reminded stakeholders about the opportunity to help shape the future of Australia’s forest products and forest industry. Source: Timberbiz
In March the Forest Industry Advisory Council (FIAC) launched Meeting future market demand: Australia’s forest products and forest industry – a strategic directions issues paper.
With just one month before submissions close, Senator Colbeck is encouraging all interested stakeholders to put forward their ideas.
“If you feel as passionately as I do about this important industry, then don’t miss this opportunity to help shape its future,” Senator Colbeck said.
“The issues paper explores a range of challenges and opportunities for Australia’s forest industry and invites contributions from stakeholders on the way forward. “The issues paper will feed into an industry-led discussion paper that will make recommendations on the future of policy and investment in the industry – and stakeholder input here is crucial.
“It presents a range of key themes on which you can provide ideas including market trends and pressures, research and development, emerging uses and markets, innovation, infrastructure, community engagement and more.
“Australia’s forest products and forest industry have an important role to play in a more prosperous and sustainable future for all Australians.
“The Australian Government is committed to revitalising the Australian forest industry and it is my expectation that FIAC’s work will influence future forestry initiatives.”
The final industry-led discussion paper is expected to be released later in 2015. It will capture stakeholder feedback and make recommendations about how best to position Australia’s forest industry for the future.
The issues paper and guidance on how to make a submission to FIAC are available at the Department of Agriculture’s website at www.agriculture.gov.au/fiacissuespaper Submissions close on 5 June 2015.
