The Federal Government has launched a new Forestry Industry Advisory Council without any South Australian-based representatives. Source: ABC News
The council is co-chaired by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck, and Institute of Foresters Australia president Rob De Fegley.
Its members have experience in a variety of areas including private plantations, wood product imports, sawmills and manufacturing.
Senator Colbeck said that it is looking to build an overarching national framework, rather than focus on any particular region.
He said that South Australian issues will not be overlooked.
“We think that particularly for regional communities the forest industry is a really important employer and a wealth creator in those communities,” he said. “So we want to revitalise the industry, we want to ensure that we put in place a platform for a strong future for the industry and make sure that it’s got a sustainable resource for the long-term future.”
Senator Colbeck said that there are people on the committee who have interests in South Australia’s forestry industry.
“We’re looking to build an overarching framework that provides a positive future for the industry nationally and the approaches that are brought in by the people around the table and the committee will be good for the industry across Australia
“We’re not looking to focus on any particular region but we are alert to issues exisiting in each region.”
