Industry Welcomes Coalition Forestry Policy

21 November 2007
The National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) has welcomed the Coalition’s forestry policy, announced in Tasmania on 19 November.
NAFI CEO Catherine Murphy said the forest industry was happy with the Coalition’s commitment to no new conservation lock-ups of Australia’s sustainably managed forests and that several of the recommendations in NAFI’s 10-point growth plan for the forest industry had been acknowledged.
“We particularly welcome the continued support and renewal of the Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) and the Plantations for Australia: the 2020 Vision to provide sustainable access to timber resources now and in the future,” Murphy said.
“These are essential elements for industry growth. NAFI urges all other political parties to show the same level of support to ensure the forest industry, and the regional communities it supports, have certain and prosperous futures.”
The Coalition has also recognised a number of the initiatives from NAFI’s growth plan, including:
* A $15 million National Bushfire Mitigation Program to develop comprehensive, long-term bushfire mitigation strategies, including better fuel reduction programs. NAFI is also pleased that the Coalition would expect state governments to implement recommendations of recent bushfire inquiries.
* The development of verification tools for carbon accounting and the announcement of and accreditation scheme for plantation developers though a charter of community consultation. NAFI would expect this announcement is based on an industry developed, government supported charter and accreditation arrangements, as described in NAFI’s10-point growth plan.
* The continuation of the Work Skills Voucher program, which will help the forest industry address the skills shortage it currently faces, as outlined in the NAFI/A3P Skills Audit.
* A $2 million illegal logging policy will assist in the verification of sustainability so Australia can discourage illegal and unsustainable logging in overseas countries.

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