December 5, 2024 (press release) –
The Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership’s Forest Industry Roundtable in Hobart today highlighted the need for a coordinated Federal Government approach to support the forestry and forest products supply chain so it can deliver the best possible economic, climate and social outcomes for Australia and the world, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said today.
“Growing production trees is the foundation that supports our entire processing and manufacturing supply chain and today’s Roundtable positively reinforced the need for public policy coordination across government departments and agencies so our sector can reach its full potential – whether it’s for construction and furnishing timber, biomass, pulp and paper or any of our other great products. Bottom line – we need policy geared in the one direction to help our sector thrive – and when we thrive, the country thrives,” Diana Hallam said.
“I particularly thank Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, The Hon. Julie Collins MP for her enthusiastic participation in the Roundtable and for allowing a free canvassing of ideas and strategies for how forestry and forest products can provide solutions on a number of fronts.
“A key role of the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership is to inform the development of a new Timber Fibre Strategy and the Roundtable provided the opportunity for participants to discuss challenges and have their say on policy solutions for the Strategy.
“As a sector we employ 180,000 Australians directly and indirectly, many in rural and regional communities that rely solely on the sector, all while providing a range of job opportunities. We contribute $24 billion to the national economy annually, we create essential products we need everyday, all while helping Australia reduce emissions and fight climate change, helping the Government work towards its net-zero goals.
“Finally, it was great to see so many AFPA members involved in the Roundtable just months away from the next Federal Election – that will be very important in setting a future agenda for the sector,” Diana Hallam concluded.
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