NSW to consult on Forestry Industry Action Plan

NSW to consult on Forestry Industry Action Plan

Friday 30 Aug 2024

The NSW Government has announced the appointment of an expert panel to lead consultation on a Forestry Industry Action Plan, which will outline the path NSW will take to ensure a sustainable timber industry that aligns with the government’s key environmental priorities.

The Independent Forestry Panel will be chaired by Peter Duncan AM who has more than 40 years’ experience in primary industries, infrastructure and regional NSW. Professor Mary O’Kane AC and the Hon. Mick Veitch will also sit on the Panel.

The Panel will be tasked with consulting with a broad range of stakeholders and report to Government on the best options to achieve the balance between sustainable supplies of timber and our environmental commitments.

Stakeholders include representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government.

The Plan will address the following key areas:

Sustainability of current and future forestry operations in NSW;
Environmental and cultural values of forests, including threatened species;
Community demand for timber products, particularly as relates to NSW housing, construction, mining, transport and retail;
The future of softwood and hardwood plantations and the continuation of Private Native Forestry in helping meet timber supply needs;
The role of State Forests in maximising the delivery of a range of environmental, economic and social outcomes;
Opportunities to realise carbon and biodiversity benefits and support carbon and biodiversity markets, and mitigate and adapt to climate change risks; and
Greenhouse gas emission impacts of different uses of forests and assessment of climate change risks to forests.

The former Coalition Government neglected to plan for the future of this industry, so the NSW Government is taking action to give certainty to communities, workers and industry.

“The NSW Government is consulting on the future of forestry in NSW," said Penny Sharpe, the Minister for the Environment. “Whether it’s hardwood, softwood or private native forest, our forests and the native species which call them home have faced challenges including bushfires, floods and the ongoing risks due to climate change."

To stay informed on the Independent Forestry Panel’s process, please register your interest.

Source: NSW Government

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