Forest Industry launches marginal seats campaign

The Australian Forest Products Association has launched a marginal and forestry seats campaign to bring forest policy to the fore in the coming federal election. Source: Timberbiz
Candidates in 21 seats across six States, all with strong forestry or forest products interests, are being targeted. These seats will help determine the make-up of the next Federal Government.
Australian Forest Products Association chief executive officer Ross Hampton said200,000 Australian’s rely on forestry and forest products industries for their livelihood.
“These voters will be looking for federal representatives of Parliament who understand that these jobs sustain their regional and rural communities. If these real jobs are not maintained many other service jobs in these communities – such as hospitality workers, accountants, hairdressers and shop assistants – are also put at risk.
“The industry has weathered many storms in the last few years and is still reeling from the ‘triple crunch’ of a high dollar, lack of resource security and high input costs. Now is the time for our politicians and candidates to show they understand this and have a plan to do something to help,” Hampton said.
The AFPA marginal seats campaign will be targeting these electorates.
NSW Eden-Monaro, Page, Farrer, Lyne
Vic Corangamite, Gippsland, Wannon, Indi
Qld Forde, Leichhardt, Dawson
WA Forrest, Canning, Pearce
SA Mayo, Barker
Tas Braddon, Bass, Franklin, Lyons, Denison
Every nominated candidate will be surveyed and asked a range of questions relating to their support for forest industries in their electorate. The results will be reported to the local media in each area and included on the www.ausfpa.com.au website.
“‘Forest products can play a very large role in satisfying the demands of our growing population for building and lifestyle materials which are sustainable. They also underpin significant sustainable development and the creation of regional jobs. Support for forestry and forest product industries is an environmental and economic win/win for any government,” Hampton said.