REEF Research Foundation breathed a sigh of relief when Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Small Business the Hon Julie Collins MP said the native hardwood timber sector can continue in its current form. Source: Timberbiz
The Minister provided the keynote address at the Australian Forestry Products Association quarterly dinner in Canberra in November where she stated the Albanese Labor Government is “committed to the current policy of native hardwood timber”
The strong and reassuring comments were made moments before the Prime Minister’s Office withdrew the Nature Positive Bills being considered in the Senate. The Bills could have affected Forestry in terms of the continuation of Regional Forestry Agreements with respect to a Federal EPA and EPBC. This a welcome temporary reprieve.
REEF Research Forestry Awareness Program chair Noel Atkins and its political advocate in Kurrajong Strategic Counsel director Adrian Dolahenty attended more than 70 political meetings in Canberra and Sydney in 2024, wrote dozens of letters to ministers, wrote a compelling Senate submission for the Nature Positive Bills that was well received by the Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Environment and Communications and organised a political site visit.
“REEF Research made a significant contribution to get this result by focusing on the positive impact selective harvesting of native hardwood timber has on the environment. It was outstanding to hear the Minister support native hardwood timber,” Mr Atkins said.
“We never diverted from strategically and tactically countering the erratic, emotional and misinformed allegations from well-meaning but ill-informed ideological activists. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill, this is not the end, this is not the beginning of the end, but this is perhaps the end of the beginning when it comes to protecting the native hardwood timber sector.”
While in Canberra Mr Atkins provided a presentation to the AFPA Hardwood Chamber on REEF Research’s highly successful Forestry Awareness Program. REEF Research has produced media releases highlighting the sector’s commitment to the environment demystifying the effects on flora and fauna, countered claims about unproven carbon credits that would decimate the native hardwood industry in NSW and calling on the Federal Government to recognise current regulations in forestry.
“With continued industry support, we will start 2025 by doubling down on our advocacy efforts to promote the environmental credibility of forestry management practices in the native hardwood industry.
“We will continue to support the best industry outcome in NSW in relation to the establishment of the Great Koala National Park and sector security. The program’s success over the last 12 months is a credit to supporters and believers who have had faith in us, and I thank you for your support. Have a great break over the festive season and be ready for more challenges in 2025.”
