Phil Clements with Paul Smith from Supergoat Media working on a promotional video for MRFH near Tumut after visiting the Pilot Hill Arboretum, Bago State Forest.
Executive Officer of the Softwoods Working Group (SWG) and the Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH) Phil Clements has retired. Source: Timberbiz
SWG and MRFH chair, Peter Crowe OAM, said that after spending much of his career with the Forestry Commission of Batlow and Bombala (District Forester) and Norske Skog, Mr Clements joined SWG in 2007 as executive officer.
“Phil played a major role in setting SWG and later folding the MRFH into the not-for-profit organisation,” he said.
Mr Crowe said SWG was a unique forum set up to examine issues and prepare plans to focus on regional community development based on the plantation industry.
“Its membership includes forest growers (public and private), local governments, regional development committees and various relevant NSW Government agencies,” Mr Crowe said.
“MRFH is one of 11 regional forestry hubs created under the National Forest Industries Plan to identify the constraints limiting forestry and timber industry growth.
“It takes in about 3.5 million hectares east of the Hume Freeway, west of the Great Dividing Range, south of Gundagai, and includes plantations in north-east Victoria down to Lake Eildon.”
Mr Crowe said Mr Clements’ forestry and pulp and paper experience served both organisations very well and was complemented by his experience as project manager for the Ettamogah Rail Hub at Albury.
“Phil has great energy, is an excellent communicator, and a diligent and thorough business manager,” Mr Crowe said.
“He handled his expanded role with the creation of the MRFH in 2019 in expert style, managing a vastly increased suite of projects and consultants, while keeping our members fully tuned in at all times.
“Phil’s expertise will not be lost to us, as he will be available in a non-executive role to help with specific projects requiring his excellent knowledge of the timber industry in the region and his extensive skills.”
