Forester and industry analyst Gavin Butcher with Matt de Jongh at the Leschenhault Timber Industry Club dinner at Dardanup in Western Australia.
In a recent visit to Bunbury and Perth, Western Australia, Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, embarked on a journey to explore and understand the various facets of sustainability within the region’s forestry sector. Source: Timberbiz
One of the highlights of Mr de Jongh’s trip was his participation in the Brunswick Show, a prominent event showcasing the region’s agricultural and forestry sectors.
He emphasized the importance of such events, saying it was vital to engage with local communities and stakeholders to create awareness about responsible timber sourcing and sustainable forestry practices.
Attendance at the Leschenhault Timber Industry Club dinner provided an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders in the industry.
During his visit, Mr de Jongh had the opportunity to witness sustainable forest management in action and caught up with Wespine, the Forest Products Commission (FPC) and the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
This included a close examination of pine plantation trials and karri and jarrah thinning trials.
These trials provide essential insights into the long-term sustainability of timber resources, which Mr de Jongh described as “crucial for preserving our natural environment while meeting the demands of a growing timber industry.”
Mr de Jongh also visited the Source Certain facility, where he delved into the concept of traceability within the timber supply chain. Responsible Wood places a strong emphasis on ensuring the traceability and provenance of timber products.
“Knowing where your timber comes from is a fundamental aspect of responsible sourcing, and initiatives like Source Certain help us achieve transparency,” he said.
A significant part of Mr de Jongh’s visit involved conducting a workshop at the Western Australian Plantation Resources (WAPRES) office in Bunbury. He shared his expertise on sustainability and responsible sourcing with local stakeholders, further strengthening the commitment to sustainable practices in the region.
“Education and collaboration are key drivers of change in the timber industry,” Mr de Jongh said, underlining the importance of sharing knowledge and fostering a sense of responsibility among industry participants.
As part of his exploration of the Western Australian timber industry, Matt met with Bunnings staff to discuss sustainability and responsible sourcing within their supply chains. Bunnings, a major player in the retail industry, holds significant influence in promoting responsible wood sourcing practices.
“Engaging with retailers like Bunnings is pivotal because they have the capacity to drive market demand for sustainably sourced timber products,” Mr de Jongh said.
Mr de Jongh’s journey to Bunbury and Perth brought to the forefront the essential elements of sustainability in the timber industry. With an emphasis on community engagement, forest management, traceability, and collaboration, his trip serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure a responsible and sustainable future for the timber industry in Western Australia and beyond.
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to preserving our natural resources for future generations, and every step we take toward responsible sourcing makes a significant impact,” Mr de Jongh said.
