ForestryTas.com.au News and Topics

Construction underway in Arnhem Land project

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Forestry Tasmania's Managing Director, Bob Gordon, recently returned from a trip to Arnhem Land, where a partnership has been formed with the Gumatj Corporation to develop a new Indigenous timber industry.

Mr Gordon and Gumatj Corporation Chairman, Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March this year, under which FT is working with traditional owners to create opportunities for sustainable timber harvesting and processing.

The project is creating employment and training opportunities for Yolngu people, who selectively harvest timber, which is milled locally and used to build houses on the Gumatj homelands.

Click here to watch a video showing work progressing on the construction of a five-bedroom bunkhouse, which is a pilot project for milling and construction systems that can be applied to community houses. It features interviews with many of the project participants.

[download][download][download]

Click here to read a recent opinion article in The Australian newspaper by Mr Yunupingu.

Click here to watch a video showing work progressing on the construction of a five-bedroom bunkhouse, which is a pilot project for milling and construction systems that can be applied to community houses. It features interviews with many of the project participants.

National Science Week for Tasmanian primary schools at Tahune AirWalk

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Forestry Tasmania and Tahune AirWalk is inviting primary schools within Tasmania to visit the Tahune AirWalk free during National Science Week (Monday 17th - Friday 21st August). An exciting week for students to experience and learn about the Science within our Forests.

Forestry Tasmania scientists will be on site to showcase a variety of displays for the students to observe and examine including a new Warra Long Term Ecological Research Site display adjacent to the Warra science theatre. Scientists will be hosting walking tours and answering questions and will be happy to tailor these to school programs on request. Tahune AirWalk staff will also be available for tours of all the attractions for your class on request.

We will be offering a sausage sizzle as a lunch option by gold coin donation, the money we raise here will be going to the “Science In Schools Program” so we do ask for your support in contributing to this significant program. As an alternative, school groups are welcome to bring their own lunch to consume on site.

Bookings are essential and should schools wish to take advantage of this offer, contact the Tahune AirWalk by phoning 6297 0068 or email tracey.tomkinson@forestrytas.com.au

www.tahuneairwalk.com.au

Back to Branchline

2010 Community Assist Opening Soon

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

As its title suggests, Community Assist seeks to help individuals and organisations who work hard to make their communities better places to live.

A joint venture between Forestry Tasmania and Southern Cross Television, the program was established because both companies are committed to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility, which means we accept our obligation to contribute to the overall well-being of our community.

For more information detailing funding criteria and access to online application forms click link below.

[Community Assist Homepage]

Summary of funding to last years successful applicants

A TOTAL of 15 organisations and individuals have been awarded more than $100,000 in sponsorships through the 2009 Forestry Tasmania/Southern Cross Television Community Assist program.

The program was established to provide financial assistance and project support to individuals and organisations throughout Tasmania who work hard to make their communities better places to live, and who share the Forestry Tasmania values which are:

We care for people and their environment
We get things done
We do what we say we will do
We are proud of who we are and what we do
We think before we act

There were an overwhelming number of applications for sponsorship this year, with almost 70 requests received.

The largest sponsorship of $30,000 goes to Football Federation Tasmania to support the Tasmanian Premier League.

Rowing Tasmania will receive a major sponsorship of $15,000 towards 2009 National Rowing Championships and Kings Cup at Lake Barrington in March and a similar sponsorship will go to Southern Cross Young Achievers awards.

A number of last year’s successful applicants also received sponsorships again this year.

Canoe Tasmania will receive sponsorship of $10,000 to run the 2009 Whitewater Championships and the Hydro Tasmania Wildwater World Cup 2009, and the Tasmanian Axemen’s Association has been allocated $8000 to assist with expenses of running events throughout the State.

The Tasmanian Forest Memorial Sub-Committee of the Geeveston Streetscape Committee will receive $5000 to create a memorial to those who have worked in the forestry industry.

Tamar Canoe Club’s Ben Lomond Descent, the Derwent Valley Autumn Festival and the Rotary Club of Hobart’s Art Show at the Wrest Point Boardwalk Gallery were again successful in their applications and each will receive $4000 in sponsorship towards their events this year.

Fundraising cyclist Sally Fletcher will receive $3000, and $2500 in sponsorship will go to the Kilburn Netball Club.

Derwent Sailing Squadron will receive $2000 to purchase two sails with large Forestry Tasmania logos, Launceston’s Northern Suburbs Community Centre received a similar amount for its community carols in December, and the Australian 3 Day Orienteering Championships Carnival in Launceston in April will also receive $2000 sponsorship.

Young Burnie shooter Kye Clarke has received $1000 to assist him in his quest to be part of the 2112 Olympics in London.

The list of successful applicants is below

COMMUNITY ASSIST PROGRAM - SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Cat. 1	Applicant Name	Project	Funding
	Holman Clinic	Holman Clinic purchase of marquee for promotional events	$1,000
	Kye Clark	Young skeet shooter - financial support for qualifying trials for London Olympics	$1,000
	Sub-Total		$2,000

Cat. 2	Applicant Name	Project	Funding
	Australian Orienteering Championship	Sponsor for 2009 competition	$2,000
	Canoe Tasmania	Whitewater kayaking championships on mersey and other northern waterways	$10,000
	Derwent Sea Scouts	Replace sails on boats	$2,000
	Ben Lomond Descent	Part-sponsorship for mountain bike race	$4,000
	Derwent Valley Autumn Festival	Financial support for large regional festival	$4,000
	Geeveston Forest Memorial	Contribution to Memorial plaques	$2,500
	Kilburn Netball Club	Contribution to team	$2,500
	Northern Suburbs Community Centre	Northern Suburbs - Carols by Candlelight	$2,000
	Rotary Club of Hobart	Funding sponsor for art competition 2009	$4,000
	Sally's Ride	2009 program to fund raise for Youth Suicide Prevention	$3,000
	Tasmanian Axemen's Association	Funding for the 2009 season of TAA competitions.	$8,000
	Sub-Total		$44,000

Cat. 3	Applicant Name	Project	Funding
	Football Federation Tasmania	Support for Tasmanian Premier League	$30,000
	Southern Cross Young Achievers	Support for talented young Tasmanians	$15,000
	Australian Rowing Championships	Sponsorship for the annual rowing championships at Lake Barrington	$15,000
	Sub-Total		$60,000
	Grand Total		$106,000

FT initiates discussions with the Greens

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The board of Forestry Tasmania has held informal discussions with Greens leader Nick McKim.

Forestry Tasmania’s Chairman Adrian Kloeden said Mr McKim had been invited to today’s board meeting as part of FT’s continuing efforts to promote constructive dialogue.

“To my knowledge, it is the first time that a Greens leader has met with the FT board, and that in itself is a positive.

“It was really intended to be an opportunity for our board and Mr McKim to get to know each other a little better and to explore the areas of agreement rather than become bogged down on our points of difference."

ENDS

6 July 2009

Training partnership to deliver improved forest safety

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:00:00 GMT

A partnership agreement signed today between Forestry Tasmania and the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association (TFCA) promises to deliver improved safety outcomes for forest workers.

The partnership provides for on-the-job training of forest contractors in safety management, allowing them to gain nationally recognised qualifications.

Managing Director Bob Gordon said that the agreement recognised the need for all forest workers for a safe workplace.

“Last year Forestry Tasmania adopted a new set of corporate values, the first of which is: ‘we care for people and their environment.’

“The safety of all forest workers, be they employees or contractors, has always been important to Forestry Tasmania. Any safety incident, large or small, is recorded and followed up by trained staff.

“Because safety is so important to us, we are working with the forest industry to improve performance across the board.

“Our data shows that there is currently a higher rate of lost time injuries for forest contractors than there are for FT staff. This difference is caused by forest contractors working in uncontrolled environments and having varying levels of skills and knowledge in safety management.

“This situation is unacceptable, as all workers on state forest should operate within a safe workplace.

“The signing of today’s training partnership is a positive step towards reducing the safety gap between our employees and contractors.”

Mr Gordon said the partnership will target forest contractor safety issues and provide for:
- a part time TFCA project manager, who will be responsible for delivering on-the-job training for forest contractors;
- safety training for forest contractors in hazard identification and risk assessment, especially in new harvesting methods such as aggregated retention;
- a higher level of participation in training by forest contractors, and access to nationally recognised qualifications in safety management;
- implementation of a safety management system, which will include audits; and
- access to mentors and a help line for workplace issues for forest contractors.

Mr Gordon said the training program would be funded through the Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement (TCFA).

“Through this program, TCFA funds are helping to protect our most important asset – our forest workers – by delivering improved safety outcomes.”

Download Agreement [913kb PDF]

ENDS

25 June 2009

Demonstrating the benefits of industry assistance

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Tasmania’s forest industry has commissioned the most in depth study ever undertaken into the returns received by the community through industry assistance.

The study by IMC-Link and respected Tasmanian economist Dr Bruce Felmingham measured the relationship between assistance to specific industries and their contribution to the Tasmanian economy.

Download Report (459 k PDF)

IMC Link and Dr Felmingham spent around eight months analysing complex Commonwealth and state data to determine the level of subsidies provided to five key areas of the economy.

Once the level of assistance was established, the researchers then looked at the contribution of each industry sector and established a Subsidy Intensity Index to work out the “bang for buck” governments were getting for each dollar of assistance.

Releasing the report today, Forestry Tasmania’s Executive General Manager Hans Drielsma said it was clear industry assistance to all sectors delivered significant benefits to the community.

“Discussion of subsidies rarely considers the economic benefit generated. This report clearly shows subsidies benefit consumers as well as producers, and generate jobs and income for Tasmanians,” Dr Drielsma said.

IMC-Link and Dr Felmingham found that the least subsidised sectors were energy, and mining mineral processing followed by forestry and timber processing with agriculture and fishing and tourism the most heavily subsidised.

Dr Drielsma said the findings should dispel once and for all the myth that the forest industry was heavily subsidised.

The report notes that in absolute terms, the subsidies paid to tourism are more than twice the value of industry support for agriculture and fishing and three times greater than the support provided for the timber and forestry sector.

The report, undertaken for Forestry Tasmania and the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania (FIAT) by leading economist Dr Bruce Felmingham, also found that the forest industry generates $56 for every dollar it receives in direct government subsidies, compared to $15 for the tourism industry.

FIAT Chief Executive Terry Edwards said the report was commissioned in order to gain accurate information about the level of government subsidies to major Tasmanian industries.

“Forestry Tasmania and FIAT did not commission this report seeking a government handout. On the contrary, we sought accurate information about industry assistance.

We were surprised that this work has never been carried out before. To this extent, Dr Felmingham’s report is groundbreaking.”

“Forestry Tasmania and FIAT do not criticise government assistance to other key industries.

“For example, while tourism is heavily subsidised, it also generates great benefits for Tasmania’s brand values.

“These results show that there is good reason for industry assistance by government, particularly during the Global Financial Crisis.”

Dr Felmingham said the IMC-Link report was the most in depth study ever undertaken into industry assistance.

The study looked at five major industry areas, which were ranked by the Subsidy Intensity Index (SII) developed by Dr Felmingham. Value added dollars were assessed using his `bang for buck’ (BB) formula.

Rank Order Tables (from less relatively subsidised to more relatively subsidised)
Industry Sector	Rank	SII_i	BB ($)
Mining and minerals processing	1	0.006	167
Energy	2	0.007	150
Forestry and timber processing	3	0.018	56
Agriculture/fishing	4	0.042	24
Tourism (all visitors)	5	0.065	15
Tourism (holiday makers only)	6	0.090	11

SII: Subsidy Intensity Index

BB: Bang for Buck

The study showed the forestry sector received an average $25.24 million a year in direct government subsidies for the period 2004-2008 and generated $1.408 billion in the 2006/07 financial year, equating to a BB of $56 for every dollar invested.

Dr Felmingham said all five industries are subsidised and in each case they have benefited the growth and development of the island’s economy,” he said.

“Subsidisation has had a positive economic effect in the past and will do so in the future if well targeted. An example of this is the tourism subsidies, which have returned a spectacular growth in tourism activity.

"The policy implication is that 'subsidisation' is not a dirty word and has added greatly to Tasmania's lifestyle."

Download Report (459 k PDF)

ENDS

14 June 2009

More information:
Terry Edwards
Forest Industries Association of Tasmania
Ph: (03) 6224 1033

New book highlights history of forestry science

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:00:00 GMT

HAND drawn maps of the 1920s, aerial photography pioneered in 1930, 21st Century laser technology and ground breaking scientific research on forestry methods are detailed in a new book launched today.

A History of Innovation: Eighty-five Years of Research and Development at Forestry Tasmania has been compiled by Humphrey Elliott, Ken Felton, Jean Jarman and Martin Stone and covers the period from 1921 to 2006.

Forestry Tasmania Executive General Manager Hans Drielsma said the book showed the operational and strategic impact science had on forestry and said it would be a valuable resource for Forestry Tasmania staff and anyone with an interest in silviculture.

“It outlines developments in scientific and technical information and the creative thinking that has made forestry a major and sustainable part of the Tasmanian economy,” he said.

“It is important to periodically record the main events in organisations like Forestry Tasmania and this book is a tribute to the operational, research and support staff who have worked over many decades to continuously improve knowledge of Tasmanian forests.

“It will be used mainly by current and future FT staff to understand what has happened in the past and why.”

Dr Elliot said mapping forests, assessing wood volumes and species and predicting stand growth were important for sustainable harvesting.

“The Forestry Act 1920 and establishment of the Tasmanian Forestry Department on January 1, 1921 marked the beginning of a systematic approach to conserving and developing state forests,” he said.

“The first forests maps and working plans for state forests were developed in 1922.

“Continual progress has been made since then and air photo interpretation was one of the most significant advances. In 1930 Tasmania was the first place in Australia where aerial photography was used for a forest survey.

“It was major step forward in classifying and forests. Prior to that people had to walk through the bush to do really labour intensive surveys.

“An example of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of FT staff was that in the 1940s and 1950s they used old X-rays from the Royal Hobart Hospital as templates to join aerial photographs together.”

Dr Elliott said the development of harvesting and regeneration methods for a wide range of forest types had a significant and positive impact on forestry.

“Prior to that forest were picked over and we didn’t really know how to regenerate large areas,” he said.

“More recently variable retention harvesting methods have been developed and the Warra Long Term Ecological Research Site has become the focal point for forest conservation research in Tasmania.

“Other significant developments include the soil dryness index, which was developed in the 1970s and is still used, not only by Forestry Tasmania but also by other organisations.

“And the Forestry Inventory Projection System (FIPS) has been a revolutionary step forward that is still at the forefront of technology available today.”

A History of Innovation may be down loaded from the publications section at www.forestrytas.com.au

Click here to download [ PDF - 34,646 KB]

State winners announced for Australian Football Awards

Sun, 31 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Football Federation Tasmania has announced the State winners and finalists for Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year and Referee of the Year for the Australian Football Awards.

The State winners and national finalists are:

Brian Dale - Volunteer of the Year
Kim Barker - Referee of the Year
Ken Morton - Coach of the Year (Men)

Each winner is fully deserving of their respective award, having contributed enormously to football in Tasmania.
Brian Dale is President of Kingborough Lions United Soccer Club and has a long history in football as a volunteer. If there is a job to do, a role to take on or a cause to fight for then Brian has been in the thick of it. He has steered the development of the club over many years, including a number of mergers and the move to the current Lightwood Park facilities. Brian is the heart and soul of the Club and indeed, well deserving of this highly prestigious award.

Kim Barker made the transition from a successful playing career to refereeing about 20 years ago and has gone from strength to strength. He is an accomplished and respected Premier League referee who is highly regarded amongst his peers and has a great rapport with players.

Ken Morton is one of the State’s most successful coaches, guiding South Hobart to the State Premiership in 2008 as well as the State-wide Cup, He has won numerous league and State titles with a number of clubs as well as successful coaching stints overseas in Malaysia, Vietnam and Africa.

Winners in each category will be announced at Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) gala awards function in Sydney on 11 June 2009.

PO Box 371, Glenorchy, Tasmania, 7010 Phone: (03) 6273 3299, Fax: (03) 6272 8868 Web: www.footballfedtas.com.au Email: admin@footballfedtas.com.au ABN: 64 067 682 044
Background to the Australian Football Awards

2009 marks the inaugural year Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) new Australian Football Awards, which comprise professional and non professional awards.

The Australian Football Awards is a new national awards program to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the entire football family from grassroots through to the Socceroos and Matildas.

The awards are intended to demonstrate the connection through football from the games played around the country every winter weekend through to elite competitions and teams, and are a wonderful opportunity to bring the football family together in an off-field context.

Football Federation Tasmania (FFT) as a Member Federation of FFA has an important role to play in the nomination and selection process for the non professional categories of Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year and Referee of the Year awards.

The next big step forward in environmental forestry

Thu, 21 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The use of alternative harvesting techniques has opened the way for Forestry Tasmania to retain stands of old growth throughout working forests.

Launching a new report into alternatives to clearfelling, Executive General Manager Hans Drielsma announced that Forestry Tasmania would trial the use of variable retention in regrowth coupes to improve ecological outcomes.

Up to now, variable retention - leaving big patches of bush in a coupe – has only been used in the small number of old growth coupes harvested, consistent with the TCFA target of reducing clearfell to less than 20 percent of old growth coupes harvested.

Today’s report confirms that it’s possible to achieve the target, but more importantly provides the pathway to achieving the next big ecological step forward for environmental forestry.

Dr Drielsma said variable retention is now the global standard for best practice when harvesting old growth.

“We want to push the frontier even further, by using variable retention in regrowth forests where old growth elements are sparse.

“As the report notes, using variable retention in these areas would improve habitat values for biodiversity and may be particularly beneficial for threatened species.”

This approach would deliver significantly better ecological outcomes than further reserving pockets of old growth.

“Scientific thinking is moving away from a narrow focus on protection of old growth towards a greater focus on maintaining old growth elements across the whole forest.”

Dr Drielsma said the best balance for environmental, economic and social outcomes would be achieved by using a range of silvicultural techniques matched to the particular needs of particular areas of working forests.

“The development of variable retention adds another string to our bow.

“Clearfelling will always be the best option in certain circumstances, variable retention will be best in some circumstances and there will always be a place for selective harvesting in some coupes.

Operational difficulties, the increased costs, and the commitment to supply 300,000cm of saw and veneer log required to maintain employment and keep sawmills operating would constrain the amount of variable retention in regrowth.

“We believe 1,000 hectares of variable retention is possible at the moment, but that number could grow if a biomass plant was established and some of the harvesting residues could be removed, lessening the risk associated with burning in variable retention coupes.

“Variable retention is also more expensive – costing $5.20 a tonne more. Using variable retention on 1,000 hectares would cost about $1m more than the clearfell alternative,” Dr Drielsma said.

Dr Drielsma said that it was time for the community to look beyond slogans and take the discussion about forests to a deeper level.

“The environment needs us to respond not only on an emotional level, but on an intellectual level as well.

“In terms of the health of the planet, wood production is important. Unlike steel, concrete, aluminium, it is a renewable resource and using timber is better for climate change than any of the other products.

“Rather than debating whether to add more old growth to Tasmania’s already extensive reserves, it is time for a more mature consideration of how forests can be best managed for all of their values.

Dr Drielsma said today’s announcement builds on a succession of measures taken since the Forest and Forest Industry Strategy in 1990 to improve environmental management of state forests.

These measures include the protection of one million hectares of old growth, a ban on the use of 1080 poison, a ban on atrazine and the end to the conversion of native forest to plantation.

The Sustainability Charter approved by the Minister and released last year affirms Forestry Tasmania’s commitment to reserve at least 250,000 hectares of old growth on state forest - a quarter of all old growth protected in Tasmania.

The report, A new silviculture for Tasmania’s public forests: a review of the variable retention program, is available at www.forestrytas.com.au

22 May 2009

A new silviculture for Tasmania's public forests' click here to download.

Anti-forestry agenda risks climate change solution

Sun, 17 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The hijacking of the climate change debate by anti forestry campaigners is morally bankrupt but more importantly dangerous for the planet.

The world’s scientific community has spoken. Bar a few exceptions, the consensus is that carbon emissions is putting the world at risk and the symptoms will become more pronounced over the next two generations.

There’s also consensus that fossil fuels and energy intensive industries are the biggest contributors to climate change. Energy contributes 70 percent of national emissions, agriculture about 16 percent and transport about 14 per cent.

According to the Australian Government (State of the Forest 2008) carbon sequestered in native forests, plantations and in new wood products offset 8.4 per cent of Australia’s carbon emissions.

The scientific modelling underpinning the climate change predictions is complex and people can be forgiven for not comprehending the evidence presented to them.

However, it is unforgivable for those with an agenda, to cloak themselves in science, quoting and manipulating scientific findings to support their cause, knowing that the vast majority of the community will not be in a position to question their so called statements of fact.

Worse still, forestry and logging is the only industry sector (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme – Green Paper) that is making a positive contribution to offsetting Greenhouse Gas emissions, and yet it is abused by anti forestry groups as climate change criminals.

If these campaigners were to succeed in their ultimate goal to close down the forest industry, Tasmania and Australia would be deprived of its only truly green industry, and the chances meeting carbon targets would be greatly reduced.

Peter Boyer, climate change commentator with the Hobart based Mercury newspaper, claims that he has never been able to identify any scientific research to support the assertion that forestry is part of the solution to climate change.

It was odd therefore to attend a climate change forum in Launceston, where one of Australia’s leading scientists in this field, Dr Phil Polglase summarised some of the research on the role of forests in carbon cycles, and not see Mr Boyer there.

Dr Polglase works for the CSIRO. He is an acknowledged expert in the role that forests play in carbon storage and sequestration.

The central message conveyed by Dr Polglase was that afforestation over the past decade had helped Australia to meet its Kyoto targets, and that there are many opportunities in Australia to plant more trees for carbon sequestration to make a significant contribution to off-setting national emissions – with additional benefits that can include wood production, biodiversity enhancement, on farm profitability and with least impact on water resources.

He believes that the planet is in trouble and sees forests as being central to controlling carbon balances. In particular, changes in climate and associated impacts such as fires, cyclones and pests and disease pose by far the largest risk to forest carbon stocks.

Dr Polglase is not a lone voice. Anti-forestry activists deliberately confuse timber harvesting as deforestation. Deforestation is the permanent removal of native vegetation.

In evidence to a Senate Select Committee hearing into climate change, Andrew McIntosh, the Associate Director of the ANU Centre for Climate Law and Policy advised that the 60 to 70 million tonnes of carbon emitted every year in Australia from deforestation, almost all of it is due to clearing for agricultural purposes. Nothing to do with forestry.

At the senate hearing in Hobart, Forestry Tasmania’s Executive General Manager Hans Drielsma explained that FT had commissioned a carbon audit for state forests. It showed that over the next 50 years, the amount of above carbon stored by state forests would increase by 17 per cent, offsetting a quarter of Tasmania’s total emissions, and that the carbon performance would in reality be even better than the audit’s predictions, because it assumed that carbon in all logging residues would be released immediately to the atmosphere, principally through regeneration burns. In fact, the burns leave large quantities of wood on the forest floor, to provide habitat for bugs and beetles.

Of course, the findings do not suit the anti-forestry brigade, and the Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown was interested only in the carbon emitted from regeneration burns, and wanted to ignore completely how much carbon is removed from the atmosphere from the entire forest including the young forests that are regrown on every harvested coupe.

This approach has all the characteristics of Flat Earth Society propaganda. Flat earthers used to argue the planet had to be flat because all the eye could see was a flat horizon. Senator Brown’s argument is that forestry must be bad because all you can see is the smoke from regeneration burns. It’s a pity Greenhouse Gas molecules floating around the atmosphere are not coloured black and clearly visible, because if that was the case Senator Brown and the rest of the community would see carbon being sucked up by the forest 365 days a year, including carbon emitted from regeneration burns.

It took centuries to prove the world was round. It should take a lot less time to prove that well managed forests take carbon out of the atmosphere.

The best evidence that green groups in Tasmania are prosecuting an anti-forestry agenda, under the guise of climate change, is their absolute opposition to biomass energy.

If they seriously wanted to reduce carbon emissions in regeneration burns, they would be campaigning to force Forestry Tasmania to pick up some of the residues, put it into an energy plant and replace some of the fossil fuel electricity coming across Bass Strait.

In Europe, biomass is already accepted as a renewable energy source, and well supported by responsible environment groups committed to addressing climate change.

WWF for example is campaigning to have 15 per cent of the OECD’s energy requirements met by biomass by 2020.

“If we really want to prevent catastrophic climate change, we will have to make radical alterations to the ways in which we generate energy. One major solution lies in the
contemporary, cutting-edge use of the oldest fuel known to man – wood.

Woody biomass – also known as biomass from forestry and farming – has the potential to become a major source for future electricity and heat production. By utilizing modern and efficient technologies, biomass offers a source of clean energy that can gradually replace coal and other fossil fuels, bringing environmental benefits, supporting rural development and creating new employment opportunities.”

WWF Europe

Forestry Tasmania acknowledges that while it is already offsetting some 24 per cent of state emissions, it should look to do more.

Dr Polglase, in a recent report to the Australian Government showed, as an example, that planting trees on nine million hectares of agricultural land had the potential to abate about a quarter of Australia’s total emissions each year. The point is that there are many opportunities across Australia to establish new forests for multiple benefits and to mitigate risks.

Forestry Tasmania agrees there are opportunities to grow more trees on agricultural land particularly if it is part of an integrated farm management plan. FT has been pursuing opportunities to grow trees on gorse affected land in Tasmania.

It is pursuing a biomass plant, fuelled by forest residues and sawmill waste.

One simple way for people to make a contribution in a low carbon economy is to choose products that are climate friendly.

For example, the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Accounting reported that building a home using timber, rather than steel or aluminium could reduce carbon emissions by 25 tonnes per house. Timber is the only traditional building material that stores carbon and it also is the material that requires the least amount of fossil fuel energy to manufacture or process.

It is incumbent on all organisation to do what’s possible to reduce or offset emissions – but it is also incumbent on so called green groups to acknowledge that forestry is indeed the solution, not the problem.

Future generations will not thank this generation, if it is conned into giving up the only industry that provides a real solution to GHG emissions.

LINKS :

http://www.woodforgood.com/general/media-resources/wood-and-the-low-carbon-economy/

- WWF - Biomass Power switch Leaflet [PDF]

Data confirms state forests as carbon sink

Thu, 14 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Forestry Tasmania today released new figures that confirm state forests are a net carbon sink.

A re-analysis of FT’s previously published carbon audit demonstrates that annual emissions from planned burns represent less than a quarter of the total carbon stored each year on state forest.

The figures form part of Forestry Tasmania’s response to Questions on Notice from the Senate Select Committee on Climate Change.

Executive General Manager Hans Drielsma said the figures aligned with research conducted by other credible sources that acknowledge forestry as the only carbon-positive sector of the Australian economy.

“Senator Brown’s questioning reflected his stance against forestry and deliberately overlooked the scientific fact that sustainably managed forests sequester carbon, which balances that emitted in harvesting.

“Our audit re-analysis demonstrates that state forests store 6.75 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

“In comparison, the carbon emitted by regeneration burning amounts to a maximum of 1.46 million tonnes.

“In reality, variations in harvesting methods and burn regimes mean that our annual carbon emissions would be less than this amount.

“However, these figures only tell part of the story. If the residues currently burnt on the forest floor were used to fuel a biomass energy plant, we could make a real contribution towards reducing Australia’s carbon emissions by replacing the equivalent amount of fossil fuels with a renewable energy source.”

Dr Drielsma said that all the evidence pointed to sustainable forestry as a solution to climate change.

“Forestry makes three major contributions to the carbon economy: through the storage of carbon in growing forests, through the storage of carbon in wood products, and through the emissions that are avoided by substituting wood for energy intensive products such as aluminium, concrete or fossil fuels.

“There is no question that forestry operations, in common with all other human activities, generate carbon emissions.

“However, Forestry Tasmania harvests and re-grows only one percent of state forest annually. The remaining 1.5 million hectares is managed on a long-term sustainable basis.

“Our modelling shows that carbon stores on state forests will increase by 17 percent over the next 50 years.”

ENDS

15 May 2009

ATTACHMENTS:
Average annual carbon pools on state forest (table)
Response to Questions on Notice - Senate Select Committee

Questions_on_Notice.pdf [3033KB]

Average_annual_carbon_pools_on_state_forest.doc [20KB]

Media enquiries:
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6233 8249

Eagles’ Eyrie school holiday preview

Wed, 13 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

THE Maydena Adventure Hub has reached a major milestone with the completion of the Eagles’ Eyrie to lockup stage and Tasmanians will have a chance for a sneak preview during the June school holidays

Forestry Tasmania took possession of the new $1.2m tourism facility on Abbotts Peak today from the builders Vos Constructions as stage one of the project nears completion.

During the school holidays a select number visitors will be taken from the Maydena ticket office by bus and four wheel drive vehicles through the forest before climbing 1100 metres to the Eagles Eyrie.

Forestry Tasmania Managing Director Bob Gordon said the building was the centrepiece of Forestry Tasmania’s latest tourism venture and would give visitors a `rooftop of Tasmania’ experience with spectacular vistas through large viewing windows and from decks around the building.

“While numbers are strictly limited, the school holiday tours will give Tasmanians a chance to have a look before the Maydena Adventure Hub gets into full swing later in the year,” he said.

Mr Gordon said the Maydena Adventure Hub would celebrate not only the wild rivers and spectacular rainforests but also the timber heritage of the area.

“It has been providing the resource for the country’s major newspapers since the last World War, and by managing the working forests, it will continue to be a major source of timber well into the future,” he said.

“Our vision for the Adventure Hub is to create an incubator for emerging adventure activity providers. By providing the infrastructure and the administrative support through the ticketing office, we will be encouraging tourism operators to move into the area and work with us to provide adventure activities for Tasmanians and tourists alike.”

Mr Gordon said the construction of the building had proved challenging because of the difficult environment, with the teams battling strong winds, heavy rain and even snow to construct this wonderful architecturally designed building.

“I congratulate the Vos Constructions crew and all the contractors who have worked on the project providing services such as survey, earthworks, power, sewerage and fit out,” he said.

“The construction Eagles’ Eyrie building is a great achievement and testament to the determination and commitment of all those involved.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the vision shown by 1+2 Architecture in the design of the building.

“I believe the Eagles’ Eyrie will become an important tourism site in Tasmania and it is something all the organisations involved in its construction can be proud of for years to come.”

During the special school holiday preview buses will leave the Maydena Adventure Hub in Main St Maydena at 10.30am and 1.30pm on Saturday May 30 to Tuesday 2, and Friday to Tuesday June 5-9.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $14 for children and $60 for families of two adults and two children. Children under four are free if seated on a parent’s lap.

Tickets are available at Hobart Travel & Information Centre only. No ticket sales are available at Maydena. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential.

For more information phone 1800 990 440.

Upper Florentine timber needed by sawmillers

Sun, 03 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

A rebound in the demand for sawn timber means that sawmillers need timber from planned harvesting in the Upper Florentine Valley, Forest Manager Steve Whiteley said today.

“The harvesting operations in the coupe were put on hold earlier this year when demand for sawlogs slowed.

“In the past four months, demand has risen dramatically, eliminating the sawlog stockpile to the point where there is now a shortage of good quality logs.

“Forestry is one of Tasmania’s key industries, and part of the solution to the Global Financial Crisis. Demand for timber is improving as people recognise the value of timber in the carbon economy.

“Protest action in the Upper Florentine is aimed at preventing sawmillers from accessing logs, at a time when forestry promises to deliver significant benefits to the economy.

“With 92 percent of the Tasmanian community against illegal protest, it is clear that Still Wild Still Threatened has little support for this stance.

“The timber from this coupe is worth $2 million to the Tasmanian economy. Sawlogs from the coupe will supply local sawmills, thereby providing a direct boost to the Derwent Valley economy.

“This coupe has a high proportion of sawlogs, which will be turned into valuable wood products that will continue to store carbon for decades.”

Mr Whiteley said Camp Florentine activists had once again put the safety of Forestry Tasmania staff and contractors at risk.

“Activists have vandalised roads by digging holes and installing spikes, have blocked culverts and cemented car bodies on state forest. This is not peaceful protest, but the actions of an extreme environmental group.

“I am sure Tasmanians will remember the footage showing tonnes of rubbish and extensive environmental damage at Camp Florentine last summer. It was essential that action be taken to prevent this newer camp from degenerating into similar conditions.

“The facts of Forestry Tasmania’s management of this area speak for themselves. This year, we plan to harvest just 25 hectares of a 50-hectare coupe. The timber is being harvested to meet market conditions.

“The area will be harvested using a variable retention technique that we have developed as an alternative to clearfelling, and will be regrown as native forest.

“It should also be remembered that ninety percent of the Upper Florentine is either in reserves or unavailable for harvesting.”

Mr Whiteley reiterated that Forestry Tasmania supported the right of activists to make their point safely and legally.

“However, we believe that a strong stand should be taken against those who choose to break the law.”

ENDS

4 May 2009

Media enquiries:
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6233 8249

Click Play below to hear comments from Derwent Districat Forest Manager, Steve Whiteley

New mountain bike track adds to Tarkine appeal

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

A new mountain bike track opened today at Tarkine Forest Adventures in Tasmania’s north west will provide a range of exciting challenges for serious and recreational cyclists alike.

The track features three inter-looping sections totalling 10.5 kilometres and was designed by Colorado-based and world renowned trail expert Joey Klein with assistance from Forestry Tasmania trainee technical forester Sam Robertson.

The course includes:

- a 1.5 metre wide fully gravelled 3.5 kilometre track suitable for families and riders of almost any ability;
- a three kilometre track featuring blind bends, inclines and drops suitable for experienced mountain bike riders; and
- the four kilometre Deviant Devil Track, which has been designed to test expert level mountain bike riders.

Riders can bring their own bikes or hire them at the site.

The track was officially opened by Federal Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom and was put through its paces by 30 children from Stanley Primary School.

Forestry Tasmania managing director Bob Gordon said the development of the track was consistent with the recent re-brand of Tarkine Forest Adventures.

“The re-brand has signalled a shift to a whole new adventure tourism product with increased opportunities for people to get out there and enjoy a range of activities in an incredibly beautiful natural environment,” he said.

“Feedback from our tourism operation here as well as Tahune AirWalk, Hollybank Treetops Adventure and the Maydena Adventure Hub, indicate people want active and adventurous experiences and this new track really fits the bill.

“It is one of a number of new adventure tourism initiatives, including guided tours, to be developed at as part of the new look Tarkine Forest Adventures.”

Mr Gordon said the developments would be among many exciting opportunities for up to an additional 215,000 visitors expected to visit the area each year with the completion of the Tarkine Drive.

“Tarkine Drive will generate $70 million annually in increased economic activity and result in 1,600 new jobs,” he said.

The Tarkine Forest Adventures mountain bike track was funded through $70,000 in-kind support from Forestry Tasmania and $209,890 funding from the Tasmanian Forest Tourism Initiative, which was established by the Australian Government as part of the 2005 Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement.

ENDS

24 April 2009

FT calls for recognition of wood products in carbon trading

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Forestry Tasmania today called for wood products to be explicitly recognised in emissions trading networks during its appearance before a Senate Select Committee hearing in Hobart.

Executive General Manager Dr Hans Drielsma said the contribution that managed forests make towards increased carbon storage and reduced carbon emissions is well recognised by scientists around the world.

“The carbon benefits that forests provide are created by three factors: the storage of carbon in forests, the storage of carbon in wood products, and the emissions that are avoided by substituting wood for more energy-intensive products, such as aluminium, concrete or fossil fuel.

“The Australia’s State of the Forests Report 2008 tells us that Australia’s working forests currently offset some 10% of the nation’s carbon emissions.

“However, the important role that forest products play in mitigating climate change is currently not reflected in international protocols.”

Dr Drielsma said Forestry Tasmania had adopted a pro-active carbon management policy, and had conducted modelling that indicated a 17% increase in carbon stores on state forest over the next 50 years.

“We recognise that forest management and harvesting creates carbon emissions, as do all other human activities and industries.

“However, unlike other industry sectors, forestry’s production processes include the maintenance and regeneration of large areas of forest. When managed on a long-term sustainable basis, as is the case in Tasmania, these areas continuously capture carbon to balance that emitted in harvesting.”

Dr Drielsma outlined three areas in which Forestry Tasmania was working to reduce carbon emissions and improve the carbon contribution of Tasmania’s state forests.

“The first of these is the use of forest residues for biomass energy, which offset emissions from energy generated from fossil fuels.

“Forestry Tasmania has development approval to construct a biomass energy plant at the investment-ready Huon Wood Centre. However, it is important that the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) scheme is based on science to ensure that we can successfully attract a suitable investor.

“The second area is the development of plantations on cleared land. Forestry Tasmania will partner with private landowners to establish plantations on farmland currently affected by noxious weeds, such as gorse, with a sharing of the profits at harvest.

“This program promises to improve store carbon and diversify farm income streams, while not conflicting with other areas of agricultural productivity.

“The third area in which we have been working pro-actively is the development of downstream processing opportunities in Tasmania, which deliver higher value, longer-life wood products while creating new jobs in regional areas.

“In recent years we have successfully developed the Huon and Circular Head Wood Centres, which have seen the establishment of two new rotary veneer mills.

“These mills have ensured that 300,000 tonnes of wood has been diverted from the export woodchip market into the manufacture of plywood for flooring, which has significantly increased the carbon storage in these products.”

ENDS

23 April 2009

Media enquiries:
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6233 8249

Survey shows understanding of forestry improving

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

LESS than eight per cent of Tasmanians support illegal forest protests a new survey has shown.

The lack of support for protests was revealed in a telephone survey of 600 people undertaken in March by Enterprise Marketing & Research Services (EMRS) on public perceptions about Forestry Tasmania.

Forestry Tasmania managing director Bob Gordon said the survey showed environmentalists’ tactics had alienated the community.

“This was evident particularly in relation to the protests in the upper Florentine Valley earlier this year,” he said.

“The public is now more aware that the behaviour of protestors was both irresponsible and orchestrated, and that it prevented forestry workers from going about their work to sustainably harvest part of the small section of the area approved for forest management.”

Mr Gordon said he was encouraged people’s understanding of some forestry issues had improved.

“The message appears to be getting through that Forestry Tasmania does not use 1080 poison and no longer converts native forest to plantation.

“However, some of the myths perpetuated by the Greens appear rusted on. The majority still do not realise that FT is profitable and almost one in three think harvested forests are permanently stripped of trees.”

Mr Gordon said the Going Bush television series had played a significant role in improving community understanding about Forestry Tasmania.

“One in three Tasmanians watched the series and about half of those surveyed indicated they would like a DVD of the series when it becomes available early next month.

“The community is cynical about the information it gets from the media but they have taken to the Going Bush program because it’s entertaining and it’s informative.

“There will be a third series, but it will be run after the next state election to avoid any suggestion that it’s an attempt to influence the political process.

“I am happy to release the Going Bush contract, but the cost will remain confidential because it has the potential to compromise the commercial competitiveness of the television station involved,” Mr Gordon said.

Mr Gordon said one of the most positive results of the survey was public perception of Forestry Tasmania as a socially responsible organisation.

“Almost 60 per cent rated Forestry Tasmania highly as a good corporate citizen,” he said.

“I could not be happier with Forestry Tasmania’s standing in the community. However, we will continue to look at how we are reporting to the community.

“For example, we are seeking government permission to release our financial results as soon as they become available, rather than waiting for the annual report to be tabled.

“The annual report too will be different – it will measure in frank and forthright terms our actual performance against the targets we have set.

“It will be modelled very much on our Sustainable Forest Management report, which has received widespread praise for its honest appraisal of FT’s performance.

“If there’s one thing, we have learnt through these surveys, it is that people want clear, straight forward information.”

A copy of the EMRS survey can be found here.
A copy of the FOI regarding Going Bush can be found here.

Free DVD - Forestry Talks 08/09

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The Forestry Talks listed below were presented by the Division of Forest Research & Development during 2008/09. To order a complimentary DVD of these talks click here

August 20 – (National Science Week)
M Battaglia (CSIRO)
Forestry: adaptation to unavoidable climate change
September 17
Peter Volker & Erin Trainer
Managing the impacts of pesticides in our forests
October 15
Sue Baker & Robyn Scott
Variable Retention - an alternative to clearfelling
November 12
David Bowman
Living in a flammable landscape - why Tasmania is the origin of a global theory of fire
December 10
Simon Grove & Marie Yee
How flora & fauna survive fire
March 11
Dugald Close (UTas) & Tim Wardlaw
Why Things Go Wrong Without Fire
April 15
Dean Williams
Seed For The Future

Community work recognised through Regional Initiative Award

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

THE Southern Cross Young Achiever Forestry Tasmania Regional Initiative Award has been won by Scottsdale counsellor and volunteer Melissa Krushka.

The category aims to highlight the contribution by young people to their local communities by helping to develop primary industry, manufacturing, tourism, social programs and employment opportunities

Melissa is a qualified breastfeeding counsellor and has been volunteering for the Australian Breastfeeding Association in northern Tasmania for more eight years, supporting and educating breastfeeding mothers and their families

She provides regular get-togethers for social and educational purposes for mothers in the Dorset area. She is the locality mother, meeting hostess, library officer, community educator and provides homed cooked meals for those who need extra help.

Melissa organises a parenting facilities tent at the Scottsdale Show each year and helped set up an Australian Breastfeeding Association accredited baby care room in Scottsdale. She is also president of the Scottsdale P&F Association.

Forestry Tasmania managing director Bob Gordon said Melissa had made a valuable contribution to the community.

“In the eight years she has been working with the Australian Breast Feeding Association has contributed more than 2000 voluntary hours,” he said.

“She has made a positive difference to lives of many people.”

Forestry Tasmania is one of the largest regional employers in the State has been associated with the awards for more than seven years.

“Forestry Tasmania sponsored the Regional Initiative Award through the Forestry Tasmania/Southern Cross Community Assist program,” Mr Gordon said.

“Community Assist was established to provide financial assistance and project support to individuals and organisations throughout Tasmania who work hard to make their communities better places to live, and who share the Forestry Tasmania.

“Those values include caring for people, getting things done, doing what we say we will, being proud of who we are and what we do, and thinking before we act.”

Illegal rubbish dumpers targeted

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

COMMUNITY members are being encouraged to play a part in helping to stamp out illegal rubbish dumping following a major clean up of rubbish in north west state forests by Forestry Tasmania in conjunction with the Dulverton Regional Waste Management Authority.

Forestry Tasmania Community liaison officer Jane Becker said there was a growing problem with illegally dumped rubbish in forests close to towns such as the plantations at Stoodley and Isandula, and in forest reserves including Dog's Head and Montana Falls.

“In some cases the rubbish threatens to contaminate creeks and reservoirs and the cost of removing rubbish is quite considerable,” she said.

“It’s ironic that much loved community assets such as Stoodley are regularly being targeted by rubbish dumpers.

“We encourage people who value these areas to be more vigilant and to report any instances of illegal activities such as dumping rubbish or firewood cutting.

“The long term future of community assets are fundamentally in the hands of the community and we need their help to reduce the instances of rubbish dumping and other vandalism in the bush.’

FT staff used earth moving machines and trucks to remove household rubbish, car bodies and garden refuse and the Dulverton Regional Waste Management Authority accepted the rubbish free of charge as a community contribution.

FT Safety and Environment coordinator Brendon Clark said the assistance of the waste management authority made the expensive business of rubbish collection an affordable reality.

“It is frustrating enough having to spend money on labour and machinery to clean up illegally dumped rubbish without having to pay waste disposal fees as well,” he said.

“The assistance we received from Dulverton eased the burden and is greatly appreciated.”

To report rubbish dumping or other illegal activities phone Forestry Tasmania on 6424 8388 or Bushwatch on 1800 333 000.

New study determines size of woodcraft industry

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

A new study into the Tasmanian woodcraft sector has found that more than 2,000 people are directly employed in the industry.

The study was commissioned by Forestry Tasmania and the Woodcraft Guild Tasmania Inc., and conducted by consultants Creating Preferred Futures. It has provided comprehensive information on the scope and significance of the state’s woodcraft industry.

It found the industry is largely comprised of small businesses and sole operators, working independently in such diverse fields as sawmilling, furniture design, boat building, musical instrument manufacturing, and craft retailing.

A further 8,500 Tasmanians participate in woodcraft as a hobby or on a limited commercial level, which is the highest participation rate in Australia.

The industry is an integral part of the Tasmanian brand and visitor experience, with woodcraft and wood design some of the state’s most highly sought after tourist products.

Managing Director Bob Gordon today welcomed the study, saying it has made a major contribution towards quantifying the scope and importance of the Tasmanian woodcraft industry.

“Forestry Tasmania recognises the value of the special timbers and woodcraft industry to the economic and social fabric of our State.

“We will consider the report seriously and commit to making a formal response, following a full consideration of its recommendations. The study will also inform our own report on special timbers management, which will be released later this year.

“We will also continue to implement the measures, which were commended in the report, that increase the value of special species sawlog and craftwood production."

Peter Bennett, representing the Woodcraft Guild of Tasmania Inc., said the study had recognised the cultural value of the industry to Tasmania.

“People who work in the this industry or enjoy wood-based hobbies are passionate about access to our unique special timbers. The products they make are recognised by our visitors and customers as being distinctively Tasmanian.”

Consultant Martin Farley said the Tasmanian woodcraft industry had the potential to increase in size, output and value.

“Assistance to new entrants and the development of linkages between processors, makers and retailers will help this important industry to realise its potential.”

Download the full report here. [1,670 KB]

ENDS

8 April 2009

Media enquiries:
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6233 8249

ForestryTas.com.au News and Topics

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2010 Community Assist Opening Soon

For more information detailing funding criteria and access to online application forms click link below. [Community Assist Homepage] Summary of funding to last years successful applicants

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The next big step forward in environmental forestry

Anti-forestry agenda risks climate change solution

Data confirms state forests as carbon sink

Eagles’ Eyrie school holiday preview

Upper Florentine timber needed by sawmillers

New mountain bike track adds to Tarkine appeal

FT calls for recognition of wood products in carbon trading

Survey shows understanding of forestry improving

Free DVD - Forestry Talks 08/09

Community work recognised through Regional Initiative Award

Illegal rubbish dumpers targeted

New study determines size of woodcraft industry

For more information detailing funding criteria and access to online application forms click link below.

[Community Assist Homepage]

Summary of funding to last years successful applicants