The Softwoods Working Group recently convened in Tumut, NSW following the announcement of a $13 million forestry funding package for a critical meeting with major stakeholders including Forest Corporation NSW, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Rural Fire Service as well as major growers and processors within the South West Slopes of NSW. Source: Timberbiz
This funding, aimed at protecting essential timber supplies in the Murray region ahead of the 2024/25 bushfire season, will support key fire prevention, detection, and response initiatives.
“It’s absolutely critical that we get all the stakeholders involved to understand what we have, where our risks are, and where are the vital assets that need protecting,” SWG Executive Officer Carlie Porteous said.
The funding package, developed through consultation with local communities, forestry industry groups and government agencies, reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthening and safeguarding the State’s softwood forestry industry.
“The infrastructure and assets that were considered by the group involved both physical capital expenditures and digital infrastructure such as IT integration and communications, with a focus on securing much of it by the beginning of the fire season,” Ms Porteous said.
SWG chairman Peter Crowe said the initiative was key to enhancing the region’s overall safety and resilience.
“By investing in critical fire prevention and response infrastructure, the project aims to protect not only the forestry industry but also the homes, livelihoods, and well-being of the people living in the Murray region,” he said.
During the meeting, stakeholders discussed various critical aspects, including the current state of play and the region’s fire risks related to fuel load, terrain, and the location of essential assets such as future wood supply, mills, orchards, and critical infrastructure.
They also evaluated the existing infrastructure, its locations, and the human resources available to operate it, identifying gaps and prioritising new infrastructure needs.
The meeting concluded with a prioritisation of infrastructure and assets to maximise their contributions to fire detection, management, prevention, and suppression. Discussions also touched on opportunities for future studies, including piloting and research on the effectiveness of the infrastructure on fire-related risk and outcomes.
The next steps will involve further prioritisation within the funding rules, detailed cost considerations, and procurement processes.
