Forest Products Industry

The Tasmanian Government has abandoned plans to open up 40,000 hectares of protected forest for logging in a major policy shift that Labor is calling a “humiliating backflip.  Sources: Pulse Tasmania, Timberbiz Liberal Member for Braddon Felix Ellis announced that the government would no longer proceed with making forest from the Future Potential Production Forest “wood bank” available for timber harvesting. “We have made this decision in line with community expectations and further consultation,” Mr Ellis said. The wood bank comprises 356,000 hectares of land previously set aside for potential future forestry operations. Mr Ellis said the government would instead “focus on maximising value from existing resources, including private forests, and ensuring growth in the industry through more innovative on-island processing.” Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel said the news that the Liberal Party is walking back their commitment to unlock production forestry from their “wood bank” reflects the new political reality with Tasmania’s minority government. “Whilst this decision may be disappointing for some in Tasmania’s forestry sector, the TFPA remains committed to working with both major parties to secure the long-term sustainability of our industry,” Mr Steel said. “Tasmania’s forestry sector is a key component for the success of regional Tasmania and essential to help the state overcome its current budget crisis. “The TFPA believes that unlocking the right timber in the right locations can help grow and sustain our respected, renewable and well-regulated industry.” Labor Leader Dean Winter described the decision as a complete reversal of the Liberals’ signature forestry policy. “After having campaigned against the Tasmanian Forest Agreement for more than a decade, the Tasmanian Liberals have today completed a humiliating backflip on forestry,” Mr Winter said. “Their plan to open up another 40,000 hectares of forestry was opposed by industry, Labor and conservation movement because it would have reopened the forest wars.” Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff welcomed the announcement, calling it “extremely welcome news to the regional communities who were under threat of their beautiful forests being slashed and burned.” “It clearly shows the power of having a minority government, a minority parliament, Greens in the crossbench and a more progressive group of independents there with us too,” Ms Woodruff said. Tasmania currently has more than 50% of its land mass, or 3.43 million hectares, in formal reserves, according to Ellis, who said the government “remains committed to getting the balance right between creating jobs and protecting the environment.”

The post Backwards step for Tasmanian Liberals on native forest appeared first on Timberbiz.