Illegal Logging Costs NZ Millions

22 August 2007
Illegal logging is costing New Zealand wood producers hundreds of millions of dollars in the global marketplace, Forestry Minister Jim Anderton said today.
The Government is to consult industry, importers, and retailers on a proposal to introduce rules ensuring wood products sold within New Zealand are produced from legally harvested timber.
It is also working internationally to back proposals to tackle global deforestation. Anderton said a study, Implications for the New Zealand Wood Products Sector of Trade Distortions due to Illegal Logging, indicated that trade distortions, due to illegal logging, cost the New Zealand forest industry NZ$266 million a year in lost revenue. Of this cost, forest owners lose $41 million, sawmillers $22 million, and collectively the panel, pulp and paper industries $203 million.

Govt Backs Paper Recycling Mill

Amcor Australia’s proposed paper recycling mill upgrade at Botany Bay, New South Wales, is to receive ‘major project facilitation’ (MPF) status.
The MPF status, announced by Federal Industry Minister Ian McFarlane, will see Invest Australia work with Amcor to streamline government approval processes and identify relevant government assistant programs.
The chief executive of the Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) Neil Fisher said Amcor’s project met the MPF eligibility criteria because it was a major investment in infrastructure underpinned by significant environmental benefits.
“The proposed multi-million dollar upgrade will reduce water consumption by 30 percent and increase waste paper consumption by 35 percent,” Fisher said. “Electricity use, greenhouse gases and waste will also be cut.
“Significant employment opportunities will also be provided for skilled workers directly at the mill. Up to 400 jobs will be created during the construction phase and ensure ongoing employment for 140 staff.”
Fisher said A3P looked forward to working with the Government to further develop and expand Australia’s plantation products and paper industry, an industry that provided greenhouse positive building materials; communication, hygiene and packaging materials; and a range of environment services from Australia’s sustainable plantation resource.
Amcor Australia is a member of A3P.

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