The 2012 Forest and Wood Products Australia annual general meeting (AGM) saw the return of two directors as well as the appointment of John McNamara, managing director of DTM Timbers, to the FWPA Board. Source: Timberbiz
In line with FWPA’s practice of aligning its AGM with relevant industry events, the meeting was held during the 2012 Australian Forest Growers Conference in Gympie, Queensland.
FWPA was the principal sponsor of a conference that featured a keynote address by Peter deMarsh, chair of International Family Forestry Alliance.
The Hon Sid Sidebottom MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, was a participant in the conference.
He was a featured speaker at the conference dinner where he highlighted the ongoing importance of the forest industry in Australia, particularly in the farm forestry sector in relation to sustainability.
At this year’s AGM, Mark Grey and Nick Roberts completed their terms as directors and board chair, Ron Adams, formally thanked them for their valuable contributions.
He also welcomed McNamara to the board and noted that he had significant experience in both the hardwood and softwood sectors.
In his address, Adams spoke about the current economic issues facing the industry and the decision by the board to not go forward on a levy poll for the manufacturing sector.
He said that discussions with the forest growers regarding a levy increase were still ongoing.
The three directors elected at the AGM were: Evan Rolley re-elected for a second term, John Simon elected by FWPA members after filling a casual vacancy since July 2012, John McNamara elected as a new director.
Adams was re-elected as chair at the board meeting that followed the AGM and Simon was elected deputy chair.
