ForestryTas.com.au News and Topics

November Forestry Talk - Forestry and river ecological health in Tasmania

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Forestry and river ecological health in Tasmania

Professor Peter Davies

Adjunct Research Professor

School of Zoology

University of Tasmania

How does forest management affect the ecology of our rivers?

Peter Davies discusses some of the factors which link them and presents evidence from local research.

Where: National Forest Learning Centre
Forestry Tasmania
79 Melville St Hobart
When: 11th November 2009
Time: 1 pm (approx 30 minute presentation)
Bookings are advisable for larger groups
Phone 1800 Forest or (click here) to reserve a seat.

There will be a BBQ after the presentation
(Gold coin donation to charity is appreciated)

Sponsorship deal ensures schools triathlon goes ahead

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

TASMANIA’S largest triathlon/multi-sport event will now go ahead later this month after organisers secured a major naming rights sponsorship through the Community Assist program.

The inaugural Schools Triathlon Challenge got off to a promising start last year, attracting almost 2000 participants from 76 schools, however its future was in doubt earlier this year because of lack of sponsorship.

Challenge coordinator Tim Smith said the Community Assist sponsorship meant the challenge would now take place at Bellerive on Thursday and Friday November 19 and 20.

Mr Smith said he had been overwhelmed with the response to last year’s event and feedback indicated this year’s event would be even bigger and better.

“It means we will now be able to cater for the more than 2000 students who are expected to participate this year.”

Mr Smith said the Community Assist Schools Triathlon Challenge aimed to encourage Tasmanian students to be involved in physical activity.

“The challenge is a completely participation focussed event aimed at getting school age students from grades 3-12 involved in active and healthy lifestyles and completing a personal challenge regardless of current fitness level, ability or previous experience,” he said.

“It has created a new avenue for schools to promote physical activity to students who do not regularly participate in sporting events.

“While the distances present students with a challenge, they are achievable for all participants. Students can also enter as a team, with each member competing in a different leg.”

Wading will be accepted as a way of completing the swim leg, which will be held parallel to Bellerive Beach in water no deeper than shoulder depth.

“Allowing students to wade or run in the water means barriers preventing non swimmers from entering the challenge are removed,” Mr Smith said.

“An added incentive will the presence of Olympic athletes at the event. They will be on hand to provide encouragement and at the finish line will congratulate everyone who completes the course and give them each a cap.”

Forestry Tasmania Tourism and Corporate Relations General Manager Ken Jeffreys congratulated the Schools Triathlon Challenge for securing Community Assist sponsorship.

"Securing Community Assist sponsorship is incredibly competitive, but the application by Mr Smith was compelling in terms of the overall benefits the triathlon would deliver to schools, students and the wider community."

ENDS
4 November 2009

More information:
Tim Smith
Schools Triathlon Challenge organiser
Ph. 0417 552 181

Tasmanian Design Awards finalists selected

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

THE works of 10 top Tasmanian designers have been selected in the finals of the annual Tasmanian Design Award competition.

The competition, which aims to encourage innovation and stimulate and promote commercial small product design and manufacture in Tasmania, focuses on objects that are both environmentally and commercially sustainable.

The top 10 finalists are:

Adam Aberle’s masonite and marine ply flatpack fruitbowl
Anita Dineen’s stainless steel gourmet knife
Anna Weber’s Tasmanian oak veneer puzzle shade
Belinda Winkler’s porcelain and internal glaze `Sip’ cups
Brad Moss’s brushed Huon pine bowls
Indeco’s sycamore and maple salad servers, spaghetti fork and salt and pepper shaker holder
Rye Dunsmuir’s Tasmanian oak and cork salt and pepper shakers and his plywood, coreflute and leather lamp
Linda Fredheim’s `I am’ sterling silver brooches
Simon Raffan’s blackwood and plane teaspoons
Stuart Williams marine ply, plastic and stainless steel Hobby Hoppy Family `broom heads’

The overall winner will be announced on November 27.

The competition is run by the Design Centre, Tasmania and sponsored by Foot and Playsted, Clemenger Tasmania, Forestry Tasmania and Southern Cross Television

Click here to download
Tasmanian Design Award Top 10 2009 booklet

Entries are on display at the Design Centre, Tamar St Launceston.

$10 entry to Tarkine Forest Adventures

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

FAMILY friendly entry prices to Tarkine Forest Adventures mean there has never been a better time to visit the site with all entry tickets just $10

Experience the joy of spring by taking the exhilarating 110-metre slide to the forest floor.

The 13 kilometres of world class mountain bike tracks provide additional thrills combined with magnificent scenic views and cater for beginners right through to experienced cyclists. Bikes are available for hire or visitors are welcome to bring their own.

Those who like to take life at a more leisurely pace can stroll along boardwalks winding through the blackwood forests or they can enjoy the views with a coffee or snack in the visitor centre.

Guided tours available on request include to Becket’s Hut, an after dark lantern tour and a bushman’s tour.

Entry to Tarkine Forest Adventures is $10 for adults and children. Children’s entry includes up to three rides on the slide. Adults can pay $5 per slide or $10 for three rides.

For more information regarding Tarkine Forest Adventures or any other Forestry Tasmania Adventure Forest site, visit www.adventureforests.com.au

New level of openness and improved transparency in Stewardship Report

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Forestry Tasmania’s new Stewardship Report provides an unprecedented level of transparency to the business’ operations, Executive General Manager Hans Drielsma said today.

The Stewardship Report, which was released today, for the first time combines Forestry Tasmania’s traditional annual financial report with its sustainable forest management report.

“This report is the most comprehensive insight into Forestry Tasmania’s environmental, social and economic sustainability we have yet produced,” said Dr Drielsma.

“It tracks our progress against the objectives of our Sustainability Charter, and as such, provides a ‘warts and all’ view of our business. It allows our stakeholders to immediately understand the areas in which we are doing well, and those in which there is room for improvement.”

Dr Drielsma said the report demonstrated that Forestry Tasmania delivered many beneficial social and environmental outcomes while recording a robust profit in the challenging trading conditions created by the global financial crisis.

“As we reported when our financials were released in August this year, we delivered an operating profit of $9.3 million in 2008/09, up from $8.6 million the previous year.

“However, the downturn in the international markets has been deeper and more prolonged than we had anticipated, and it will be difficult to achieve a similar result this year.

“In terms of our environmental and social responsibilities, we achieved a number of significant milestones in 2008/09 that continued to improve our sustainability.

“These include making good progress in implementing alternatives to clearfelling, investing $330,000 in searching for wedge-tailed eagle nests, and providing $100,000 in sponsorship to worthy individuals and organisations through the Community Assist Program.”

Key highlights 2008/09

- FT launched the report A New Silviculture for Tasmania’s Forests: a Review of the Variable Retention Program, which confirmed that the business will meet the target to reduce clearfelling in old growth forests to 20 per cent of the annual old growth harvest.
- $4.2 million was invested in sustainable forest management research.
- A further 51 eagle nests were found, bringing the total number of eagle nests on state forest to 553.
- FT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gumatj Corporation of east Arnhem Land to develop a sustainable timber industry on the Gumatj Clan estate. (The first project to be completed under the partnership, a five-bedroom bunkhouse at Garrathiya, near Nhulunbuy, was officially opened in August 2009).
- FT made payments to contractors and suppliers totalling $185 million.
- All 196 water samples collected and submitted for independent testing following the application of pesticides were free of chemicals.
- FT and Vos Constructions completed work on the Eagles’ Eyrie lookout at Abbotts Peak, part of the Maydena Adventure Hub.

Areas in which targets were not met included:

- A safety performance figure of 12.54 Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate was recorded, which is higher than the performance measure of 10.
- Approximately 273 litres of fuel and oil were released into the environment as a result of eight recorded spills.
- Six notices were issued to Forestry Tasmania under Section 41 of the Forest Practices Act as a result of outstanding certificates of compliance.

To download your copy, click on links below:
Stewardship Report 2009
Appendix 1 - 2009 Financial Statements
Appendix 2 - Sustainable Forest Management Data Tables

ENDS
28 October 2009

New signs and brochures encourage safe use of forest roads

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Forestry Tasmania today launched new signs and brochures that alert the community to the need to take care when driving on state forest roads.

Derwent District Manager Steve Whiteley said the initiative met the requirements of the recently signed Tourism and Forestry Protocol, and legislation currently before Parliament aimed at maintaining public access to forest roads.

Mr Whiteley said forestry roads were built for the primary purpose of providing access to forestry operations, and that recreational users needed to be aware that heavy vehicles also use these roads.

“To ensure the public understands how to use forest roads, Forestry Tasmania will soon install new signs that advise visitors they are sharing the road with heavy vehicles.

“We have also produced a brochure that sets out a few simple procedures for people to follow, that will help ensure their safety on forest roads.

“We encourage the public to use forest roads, as they lead to some of the most beautiful parts of Tasmania. Forest roads allow people to access camping, fishing, four-wheel driving, bushwalking and horse riding locations, to name a few.

“By taking a few precautions, visitors can ensure that their trip is safe and enjoyable.

“Most roads are built to accommodate a truck with a bit more space either side. It is therefore important that cars keep to the left, especially when rounding corners or travelling over a crest.

“It is strongly advised to slow down on forest roads not just because of the road conditions, but because you just don’t know what’s around the corner.

“The new brochures will be available from Forestry Tasmania’s Adventure Forest attractions and other selected tourism outlets around the State.

“Information about safe driving on forest roads is also available on our website.”

Click here to download DL brochure in PDF format (1003 kb)

ENDS
23 October 2009

Four wheel drivers clean up mountain of rubbish

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Jane Becker, Mersey District Community Liaison Officer

A hundred dumped tyres, 24 cans of deodorant, a load of spray paint, two burned out car bodies, a fridge, freezer, electric stove and chook shed were among the rubbish cleaned up by the Ulverstone Four Wheel Drive Club at the Isandula Plantation recently.

The plantation, located in state forest 16 kilometres south of Ulverstone in Tasmania’s north west is managed by Timberlands and had been identified by Forestry Tasmania as a problem area for rubbish.

In addition to the cars and tyres the group retrieved seven trailer loads of rubbish, including plastic bottles, tin cans, bits of cars, old furniture, garden waste, children’s toys, nappies and other domestic rubbish which they took to the Central Coast Resource Recovery Centre.

Club president Mick Richards says much of the rubbish, including two car batteries and other toxic substances, was found in a stream draining into Lake Isandula, one of the region’s drinking water catchment facilities. He says it never ceases to amaze members what people are prepared to dump in the bush to save a few dollars on tip fees.

It seems people who dump rubbish seem to be unaware of the environmental, social and financial impacts their actions have.

The Ulverstone Four Wheel Drive Club does its bit to clean up the bush every year, and has pulled out significant numbers of car bodies, and general household rubbish.

They do an amazing job and we are very grateful for the work they continue to put in to clean up the environment.

This year’s day long clean up involved eight four wheel drive vehicles and six trailers and a team of 10 adults and six children.

Central Coast Council waived tipping fees for the operation, and Caltas Ltd supported the community effort with fuel vouchers.

Energy potential of wood residue

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

THE potential of wood to provide energy will be highlighted at the Sir Victor Burley Lecture 2009 in Hobart on October 29.

The lecture, which is presented by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, will be given by former Hydro Electric Commission Energy Planning senior planner Dario Tomat who will examine different forms of energy available from wood.

Mr Tomat has also worked with the Department of Premier and Cabinet Energy Policy Unity and has provided support to Forestry Tasmania over 10 years in the establishment of the wood centres in Tasmania. Last year he was guest lecturer on energy from biomass at the Future Climate Conference in Copenhagen.

Mr Tomat said wood had the potential to provide energy in a variety of ways and that converting wood to energy would make positive use of a product that was currently considered `waste’ and burnt in situ.

“Forest residues could have a beneficial end use, not only as a fuel source for electricity, but with the right processing could provide liquid fuel for vehicles,” he said.

“It is possible to use gasification of the wood to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen which can then be recombined for various energy end uses, including liquid fuels.”

Mr Tomat said while the process of using wood to make power for electricity had been proven and tested, other energy recovery methods were still at a pre commercialisation pilot stage.

“There has been a lot of research in Europe where there are limited bio diesel working trials,” he said.

“One company Choren is making a product that has been fairly extensively tested in Germany.

“Other companies in the US have been using pryolysis process – heating wood in the absence of oxygen to extract oil for fuel.

Another process being looked at is the creation of biochar which gives a carbon rich product that can be put back into the soil to store carbon and enrich the soil.

“It is preferable to letting wood break down naturally in the soil because that process generates methane,” Mr Tomat said.

“The biochar process fixes the carbon more strongly so it is not liberated into the atmosphere.”

Mr Tomat said Tasmania’s sustainable forests meant it was well placed to be at the forefront and make a long term contribution to converting wood to energy.

“Tasmania has several hundreds of thousands of tonnes of wood each year that would be available,” he said.

“It has the potential to contribute several percentage points to our total energy savings.”

The IET Sir Victor Burley Lecture 2009 will be at the Dechaineux Lecture Theatre at the School of Art in Hunter St at 5.45pm on Thursday, October 29.

Japanese film festival

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

THE Japanese Film Festival at the Village Cinema in Hobart from November 8-10 will feature three films of varying genres that will give fascinating glimpses of aspects of Japanese life.

The festival is presented by the Tasmanian branch of the of the Australia-Japan Society and sponsored by Forestry Tasmania which has close business ties with a number of Japanese companies and has been a corporate member of the Australia-Japan Society (Tasmania) since 2000.

Festival screenings will include the recently released and multi award winning film Still Walking. It tells the warm and heartfelt story of a Japanese family that meets every year on the anniversary of the death of the youngest son who died while rescuing a boy from drowning.

Summer Days with Coo is an award-winning movie length anime about a boy who picks up a mythical baby water creature that has been sleeping for 300 years, and they set off to find his friends.

Hula Girls is based on a true story and is set in the small coal-mining village of Joban, north of Tokyo. The future looks bleak and the village elders decide the only solution is to capitalise on the popularity of Polynesian culture and introduce a Hawaiian centre to the city. Despite the fact most villagers are horrified by the idea, a motley crew of naive, determined girls decide to help save the dying town. They learn hula dancing from a snobby Tokyo-based instructor, and go on to become heroes of the nation.

All the films are in Japanese with English subtitles.

The Japanese Film Festival will be at the Village Cinema in Collins St at 8.30pm each evening – Still Walking will be screened on Sunday November 8, Summer Days with Coo on Monday November 9 and Hula Girls on Tuesday November 10.

Entry is free.

Forestry Tasmania Mountain Bike Series and Championships launched

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

TASMANIA’S top mountain bikers, including high profile riders Rowena Fry and Ben Mather, competed at the first of 10 events in the Forestry Tasmania Mountain Bike Series held at Turners Beach in Tasmania’s north west today.

The series will involve five cross country and five downhill events statewide on Sundays between now and the end of February, with the championship finals to be held at the Tolosa Mountain Bike Park in Glenorchy on Saturday and Sunday March 20 and 21.

The events are being run by the Launceston Mountain Bike Club and the Hobart Wheelers and Dirt Devils and are being sponsored by the Community Assist program.

Launceston Mountain Bike Club President Ian Smith said it was the sixth year the championships had been held.

“The series attracts riders aged from 11-70 across 18 categories, catering for beginners through to national contenders, including high profile riders like Rowena Fry, Ben Mather and Sid Taberlay, when they can fit these events into their hectic racing schedules,” he said.

“These events not only help raise the profile and participation in mountain biking in Tasmania, but also provide a pathway for juniors and elite riders to the national series.”

Mr Smith said the two clubs were proud of their reputation for providing high quality events that cater for people from all walks of life, including families, juniors, beginners, women and the elite.

“In the past 12 months we have worked hard to bring new people to the sport and have achieved a 100 per cent increase in membership,” he said.

“We strive to create a friendly, fun and approachable environment at all of our events to encourage newcomers and beginners to participate.”

Mr Smith said the series had been significantly boosted through $10,000 in sponsorship and naming rights through the Pride of Tasmania category of the Community Assist program.

“Mountain biking is a healthy, fun, accessible and sustainable activity that often takes place in forests managed by Forestry Tasmania,” he said.

“We are excited about developing an even deeper relationship with Forestry Tasmania.

“The sponsorship will go a long way to develop the statewide series.

“We are also thrilled to be given assistance in working with the media to raise the profile of the sport.”

Forestry Tasmania Mountain Bike Series cross country events will be held on Sundays at:

Turners Beach in the north west on October 18
Clarence Mountain Bike Park in Clarence on November 15
Ben Lomond on November 22
Hollybank Adventure Forests in the north on December 6
Kellevie in the south east on December 20

Forestry Tasmania Mountain Bike Series downhill events will also be held on Sundays at:

Wyena, near Hollybank in the north on October 25
Tolosa Mountain Bike Park in Glenorchy on November 15
Hollybank Adventure Forests in the north on December 6
Wyena on February 28
Plus a venue and date to be announced

ENDS
18 October 2009

Media inquiries:
Ian Smith
President, Launceston Mountain Bike Club
Ph. 0447 064 154

New learning centre marks new era in forest education

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The new National Forest Learning Centre will provide the Forest Education Foundation with a high profile CBD location from which to deliver its quality learning experiences, FEF Chairman Gordon Duff said today.

L -R Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Professor Gordon Duff; Forest Education Foundation (FEF) Chairman; Darcy Vickers, FEF Manager and students from St Mary's College Hobart.

The Centre was officially opened today by the Federal Minister for Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Hon Tony Burke MP.
Professor Duff said the Centre would allow the Forest Education Foundation to expand its scope beyond schools, to involve the wider community.

“The Forest Education Foundation now has a flagship CBD facility, located within the Forestry Tasmania Headquarters. Our vision is that schools and the public will use this centre to learn more about sustainable forest management.”

The centre combines innovative technologies with interactive activities provide activities on a number of themes, including:

The importance of rotting wood
Measuring trees
The world of mini-beasts
Paper detective
Mapping
Planning for today and tomorrow
The hidden forest

Professor Duff said the Centre’s programs could either be offered as stand-alone activities, or as precursors to more intensive field-based programs.

“The flexibility of the Centre will allow its programs to adapt and change as we gain increased scientific knowledge about Tasmania’s forests.

“Today’s opening marked a significant milestone for the Forest Education Foundation, which was established 20 years ago.

“In that time, it has established an enviable reputation for delivering credible and factual classroom and field based activities based on forest ecology, science and technology.

“Its programs provide students with the knowledge to enable them to make their own decisions about forestry issues.”

The National Forest Learning Centre is located at Forestry Tasmania Headquarters, 79 Melville Street, Hobart. For bookings and more information, call 03 6235 8240.

ENDS
13 October 2009

Media inquiries:
Darcy Vickers
Forest Education Foundation
Ph: 6235 8240
Mobile: 0417 532 058

L-R Hon Tony Burke MP and Professor Gordon Duff

Ultra distance runner returns home after epic fundraiser

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Ultra distance runner Vlastik Skvaril returned home to Tasmania today after an incredible 40 days’ ride from Darwin to Adelaide on a push-scooter.

He undertook the epic journey in aid of CanTeen, an organisation supporting young people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

The great grandfather celebrated his 70th birthday in Darwin at the start of his 3,200- kilometre ride along the Stuart Highway to Adelaide.

Mr Skvaril said he encountered many challenges on his journey.

“When I started out the scenery around Darwin was nice and green and the roads fairly kind. The further south we travelled, the drier it got, and it seemed we always had a head wind or a tail wind.

“People were great along the way, with many stopping to ask what I was doing and donating to CanTeen on the spot.

“We even met friends from Tasmania on the Stuart Highway of all places – it’s a small world.

“We saw some terrific places and wonderful people at locations like Alice Springs, Jims Place, Devils Marbles and Mataranka. Life at Coober Pedy was interesting with its underground homes. At all times people were very friendly and generous.”

Devonport Mayor Lynn Laycock was on hand to congratulate Vlastik on his achievement and his contribution to CanTeen.

“Vlastik is an inspiration to all Tasmanians and his efforts have raised sorely needed funds for this important cause. And of course, a special thanks to Jo for being the essential support behind Vlastik’s ride.’

Forestry Tasmania’s General Manager Operations Paul Smith was also in Devonport to welcome Vlastik home.

“Vlastik has been an inspiration to us all, pushing himself to the limit daily for a worthy cause.

“Forestry Tasmania sponsored him through the Community Assist Program, but it was Vlastik who did the hard yards.

“He was really tested when the huge dust-storm hit them around Coober Pedy, the same dust-storm that blanketed Sydney. Although he bunkered down for a while he still arrived in Adelaide on time, a fantastic achievement”.

Vlastik was supported by his wife Jo in their support vehicle (a campervan) throughout his ride. They now return to Burnie, perhaps planning their next extraordinary adventure.

Community Assist 2009/10 recipients announced

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Bob Gordon
Managing Director

The Forestry Tasmania-Southern Cross Television selection panel has finalised its decision on the Community Assist recipients for 2009/10.

The Community Assist Program 2009/10 received a record number of applicants this year, with 84 applications for over $840,000 in sponsorship money. This overwhelming response made the selection panel’s decision very difficult, as all the applications represented extremely worthy projects.

The Community Assist Program is a joint venture between Forestry Tasmania and Southern Cross Television that provides funding for individuals and organisations who endeavour to make their communities better places to live.

Over the past two years, the Community Assist Program has allocated thousands of dollars in funding to individuals and locally based initiatives and events. The 2008/09 Program saw many inspirational Tasmanian organisations and individuals go on to achieve great things through their sponsorships.

In 2009/10, Community Assist will continue its partnership with the Football Federation Tasmania through a major Pride of Tasmania sponsorship for the Northern and Southern Premier Leagues to promote football within the state.

Community Assist will also continue its association with the Rotary Club of Hobart to support the annual Charity Art Show, the Ben Lomond Descent, and the inspirational Vlastik Skvaril, who is undertaking a scooter ride from Darwin to Adelaide to raise money for cancer charity CanTeen.

In a four-year collaboration with the Derwent Valley Autumn Festival, Community Assist will be the major sponsor of the New Norfolk event, which showcases entertainment and local talent from around the region.

The Southern Cross Young Achievers Regional Initiative Award and Kilburn Netball Club have also been successful in receiving Pride of Tasmania sponsorship.

Several new partnerships will also be created this year, including one with the Launceston Mountain Bike Club and Dirt Devils to support a statewide Mountain Bike Cross Country and Downhill Series incorporating 12 events.

The Schools’ Triathlon Challenge has also been successful, and sponsorship will allow the event, which encourages participation and exercise amongst school aged children, to run again in 2009.

Shorewell Park Kommunity Kids will also receive funding to facilitate its program, which provides young people with opportunities to develop social networks and generate pride in themselves and their communities.

Sixteen applicants will receive Care for People sponsorships of up to $1,000. Included in the successful applicants is the Tasmanian Sail Training Association, which will use the sponsorship to benefit its program taking disadvantaged youth aboard the Lady Nelson to teach them teamwork and sailing skills.

Uniting Care Tasmania has received a $1,000 sponsorship to assist with the set up and running of its Mobile Op Shop, which will deliver clothes and blankets to struggling areas in Tasmania.

New Horizons Club’s Try Me Out program will receive support to facilitate an activity-based day encouraging school students with disabilities to undertake sport and recreation in a safe environment.

Community Assist will continue to support young Tasmanian elite athletes with sponsorship grants of $500 provided to Kye Clark (skeet shooting), Ebony Schuecker-Rush (diving), Emily Meaney (diving) and Michael Egan (rowing) to encourage further development and training of these promising young sporting stars.

The Port Arthur Sports Club’s Boxing Day Sports Carnival will receive support for its woodchopping events, as will the St Helens Athletic Club for its annual Athletics Carnival and womens’ wheel race.

The Scottsdale Foresters’ Cricket Club will receive sponsorship to support the team throughout its 2009/10 season and trip to Yea, Victoria, to play a charity match for the bushfire affected area in October.

Local charities, including the Burnie Branch of Make a Wish and the Tasmanian Special Children's Christmas Party, have received sponsorship for fundraising events scheduled over the next 12 months.

In the State’s south, the Huon Volunteer Transport Auxiliary, which assists with the transport of frail and elderly residents to medical and other appointments, has received a Community Assist sponsorship. The New Norfolk Scout Group will also benefit, receiving funding to purchase a canvas utility tent allowing scouts to carry out outdoor activities in a safe and professional environment.

Launceston’s Jack Duffy, who has Cerebral Palsy Spastic Quadriplegia, will receive support for the Kayak Jack ‘Giving Something Back’ fundraising event as he accompanies his father kayaking from Launceston to Hobart to raise money for St Giles.

Finally, a grant of $1,000 has been made towards Professor Nigel Fortheath and research into finding a cure for Mucor amphibiorum - a deadly fungal disease that affects the Tasmanian Platypus.

A total of $105,750 has been allocated through the Community Assist Program 2009/10 and a full break down of the recipients and the sponsorship money provided is detailed below:

New connections mean new numbers for Forestry Tasmania

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Jeremy McCarthy

Team leader, Information Technology Services Systems

FORESTRY Tasmania has adopted new telephone technology that will result in significant cost savings, greater flexibility and an expanded range of state of the art communications services.

Forestry Tasmania’s Hobart head office general contact number will remain the same, 1800 FOREST (1800 367 378). However as a result of the changeover the phone numbers of all staff based in Hobart now have the prefix 03 6235. Some staff members’ extension numbers have also changed.

The Huon District new general contact number at Geeveston is (03) 6295 7111 and the new general contact number for Bass at Scottsdale is (03) 6350 6466.

At the Forestry Tasmania Nursery and Seed Centre at Perth the new phone number for the manager is (03) 6398 7012 and the assistant manager’s new phone number is (03) 6398 7011. The new fax number for the centre is (03) 6398 7004.

The new numbers for Mersey and Murchison will been assign when they become part of the new system in the coming weeks.

The new Samsung IP phone system works in a similar way to Skype which allows people to make voice and video calls over the Internet.

The new system has voicemail capacity for everyone and the ability for faxes to be delivered directly as an email attachment.

Tourism and Forestry Protocol Agreement

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

A NEW tourism and forestry protocol agreement signed today will facilitate an increased understanding and communication between the two industries.

The Tourism-Forestry Protocol Agreement 2009 has been signed by Forestry Tasmania, the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania, Forest Industries Association of Tasmania and Private Forests Tasmania.

The protocol builds on the 2003 agreement to facilitate communication, consultation and liaison between the parties at both strategic and operational levels.

The new agreement provides a framework for the two industry sectors to work together.

Forest Industries Association of Tasmania chairman Julian Amos said forestry and tourism were two of Tasmania’s big four industries along with mining and mineral processing and primary industries, each contributing in excess of $1b to the economy.

He said tourism and forestry were natural partners with many interests in common. “This protocol enables us to share those interests,” he said.

“We both rely on Tasmania’s tremendous natural resources – our forests,” Dr Amos said.

“They are among Tasmania’s most valuable assets.”

Dr Amos said both forests in reserves and production forests were used by the tourism industry.

“The protocol recognises that Tasmania’s forests are well protected by a very extensive reserve system and that the remaining forests are managed for multiple uses on a sustainable basis,” he said.

“It recognises that issues will arise as tourism activities interact with wood production activities.”

“The protocol sets out mechanisms to resolve any issues that might arise, but perhaps more importantly it gives us a framework through which we can grow both industries.”

The protocol deals with issues such as planned burns, the visual impact of harvesting, and use of forestry roads by tourists.

“The schedules in the agreement contain specific commitments to improve communication between the two industries, and a dispute resolution process has been agreed.”

“Roads built for forestry activities can be shared. This protocol enables that to happen smoothly,” he said.

Click here to download a copy of the Tourism Protocol.

ENDS

7 October, 2009
Media inquiries:
Julian Amos
FIAT
Ph 0412 125 656

Tasmanian great grandfather completes 3,200km journey for CanTeen

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Managing Director Bob Gordon has congratulated Tasmanian ultra distance runner Vlastik Skvaril on completing his 3,200-kilometre push scooter journey from Darwin to Adelaide.

The great grandfather celebrated his 70th birthday in Darwin at the start of his push scooter ride, which he completed in 40 days. His journey was undertaken in support of CanTeen, an organisation helping young people living with cancer.

Mr Gordon said Vlastik was a truly inspirational Tasmanian.

“Vlastik has a great heart and he has tirelessly supported people whose lives have been affected by adversity. Forestry Tasmania is proud to have been associated with his fundraising efforts.

“Vlastik has travelled 3,200 kilometres to Adelaide on schedule, despite experiencing some of the worst weather imaginable. The dust storms that blanketed the east coast of Australia started in the area Vlastik crossed and at times riding was impossible due to the force of the wind.”

During his journey Vlastik had the opportunity to talk to many people and organisations, including fellow travellers and schools along the highway, about his reasons for the ride and this generated further interest in CanTeen.

Vlastik arrived on the outskirts of Adelaide on Monday 5 October and completed the last ride to Colonel Lights Lookout on 6 October. Vlastik and Jo were greeted by an enthusiastic group from Canteen who joined him on scooters leading to the lookout.

Vlastik and Jo will now head towards Melbourne for the Spirit of Tasmania crossing into Devonport on 11 October. A celebration in Devonport is planned on their arrival.

The Forestry Tasmania-Southern Cross Television Community Assist Program covered most of Vlastik’s expenses, ensuring all funds raised by the ride were donated to CanTeen.

`Towering Aussie’ goes international

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

THE discovery of the world’s tallest flowering plant, and the advantages of the laser technology used by Forestry Tasmania that led to its detection have been featured in a double page spread in the August issue of International Forest Industries.

The British-based publication is distributed to more than 10,000 forest and sawmill managers, CEOs and board members, governments, commercial organisations, consultants, technical and operational personnel and academics in 165 countries around the world including in Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America. It is also available for viewing and download from the Internet.

The front page pointer to the page 32/33 article reads: Australian Giant: GIS technology maps towering Aussie.

The 99.6 metre high Eucalyptus regnans named Centurion was discovered near the Tahune Airwalk in southern Tasmania using the LiDAR light detection and ranging system.

Forestry Tasmania Resources Manager Martin Stone said the International Forest Industries article had given worldwide publicity to Forestry Tasmania’s role and technical expertise as well as to the Tahune Airwalk tourism attraction and Tasmania’s state forests.

“The article pointed out that Forestry Tasmania has responsibility of managing more than 1.5 million hectares of state forest land which contains 39 per cent of Tasmania’s forests,” he said.

“It also mentioned that about half this area is made up of network of formal and informal reserves to protect the environmental quality of our forests including flora, fauna, soil, water, and cultural heritage.

“Excellent coverage was given to LiDAR, how it works and how it will revolutionise forest mapping and inventory. The article underlined the fact that LiDAR enables foresters to get highly accurate maps of tree height used to monitor growth and assess site quality. It also pointed out this makes for more efficient planning of access roads and cable harvesting, easier delineation of harvest boundaries, improved silvicultural planning, and better environmental outcomes.”

To read the article visit: http://corporate.internationalforestindustries.com/PDFs/Issues/2009_08.pdf

Course reduces accidents

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

TRAFFIC accidents involving Forestry Tasmania vehicles decreased by 20 per cent last financial year following the introduction of the Driver Safety Service crash free driver education course for all employees.

Forestry Tasmania vehicles travel an average of 9.5 million kilometres a year. A total of 130 traffic accidents were reported in 2007/2008 (one accident for every 73,077 kilometres travelled) compared with 163 in 2006/2007 (one accident for every 58,282 kilometres travelled).

The crash free course was brought to the attention of FT Managing Director Bob Gordon by one of its staunchest advocates, Fleet and Technical Services Superintendent Garry Kennedy. After undertaking the course himself Mr Gordon was convinced all FT staff would benefit by taking part.

The course has been completed by a total of 481 staff, including 289 in the past financial year. Eighty staff are yet to undertake the course and will complete their training in the next few months.

The full day session is reinforced by 10 days of self coaching and a two hour follow up session after two weeks. It aims not only to improve driver and passenger safety but also to foster better concentration on the task at hand, observational skills, the ability to plan ahead and strategic thinking.

Rather than being specifically about driving skills the course concentrates on a driver’s mindset when he or she is at the wheel.

Among those who have completed the course are 17 year old newly-licensed HR personnel assistant Faith Thomson and Fire Management officer Dave Robson who has been with FT for 32 years and started driving when he was 17.

Faith was taught to drive by her parents and at a driving school and passed her test on her first attempt.

She said the crash free course used a different approach and is pleased she took it.

“It’s more about being aware of what’s going on around you,” she said.

“It changed the way I drive. I now think before I act.”

Dave has been an advanced driver training instructor and a skilled and experienced driver for many years. However until he took part in the crash free driver course in 2007 he tended to be a bit of a lead foot. He has since reformed his ways and is now a crash free driver instructor.

“Most people have adequate driving skills but you have to work on getting the attitude and behaviour right,” he said.

“The course isn’t about driving skills as such. It gets people to look at their feelings, their beliefs and why they take certain actions.”

Forestry staff step out

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

FORESTRY Tasmania staff will put their best foot forward on Friday as part this year's National Walk to Work Day.

Staff are being encouraged leave their cars at home, park further away from the office, or walk further to or from the bus.

Those who take part will be offered a hearty and healthy breakfast for a gold coin donation that will go to charities supported by Walk to Work Day.

The event aims to encourage regular walking for its physical, mental, social and general health benefits as well as contributing to a cleaner environment.

Among those taking part on Friday will be FT marketing officer Kristy Richardson.

Kristy, of Battery Point, walks to and from work every day.

“Walking to work keeps me fit,” Kristy said.

“I also gives me a chance to ease to into the working day.

“It saves petrol and the costs of running a car, especially parking which can be quite expensive and difficult to find.”

Research shows moderate physical activity, including even as little as 15 minutes’ walking before and after work each day, can significantly enhance well-being, productivity and reduce absenteeism.

It has also been shown that physical inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancers, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety.

For more information visit www.walk.com.au

Vlastik nears the end of another epic journey.

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Tasmanian ultra marathon runner Vlastik Skvaril and his wife Jo are nearing Adelaide, having travelled over 3,000 kilometres of their 3,200-kilometre Stuart Highway journey for CanTeen. Vlastik has seen it all from his trusty push-scooter – emus, dingos, road-trains and fantastic landscapes.

Along the way Vlastik has experienced cold weather, scorching heat, head winds, tail winds and massive duststorms that stopped them in their tracks. Vlastik says it was his speed that stirred the dust up over eastern Australia!

This was a difficult time for many in Central Australia with Vlastik witnessing a number of vehicle accidents as a result of the gale force winds. They have also been overwhelmed with the friendliness and generosity of people along the highway and many a story has been shared at their stopover camps.

There have been many highlights including Mataranka Springs, Devils marbles, underground in Coober Pedy, Alice Springs and of course Dinky, the singing Dingo at Jims Place,” said Vlastik.

“We plan to arrive in Adelaide on 5 October, all going well, and then the final ride to Colonel Light’s Statue on 6 October.”

Vlastik is sponsored by the Forestry Tasmania-Southern Cross Community Assist Program, which provides funding for organisations and individuals seeking to make their communities better places in which to live. Community Assist is covering most of Vlastik’s expenses, ensuring that every dollar raised is donated to CanTeen.

ForestryTas.com.au News and Topics

November Forestry Talk - Forestry and river ecological health in Tasmania

Forestry and river ecological health in Tasmania

Sponsorship deal ensures schools triathlon goes ahead

Tasmanian Design Awards finalists selected

$10 entry to Tarkine Forest Adventures

New level of openness and improved transparency in Stewardship Report

New signs and brochures encourage safe use of forest roads

Four wheel drivers clean up mountain of rubbish

Energy potential of wood residue

Japanese film festival

Forestry Tasmania Mountain Bike Series and Championships launched

New learning centre marks new era in forest education

Ultra distance runner returns home after epic fundraiser

Community Assist 2009/10 recipients announced

New connections mean new numbers for Forestry Tasmania

Tourism and Forestry Protocol Agreement

Tasmanian great grandfather completes 3,200km journey for CanTeen

`Towering Aussie’ goes international

Course reduces accidents

Forestry staff step out

Vlastik nears the end of another epic journey.

Keep track of Vlastik's journey by visiting his blog site here