Forests
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Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement
The Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement 2011 was developed to support the forest industry to progressively transition to a more sustainable and diversified footing and to build regional economic diversity and community resilience.
Tasmanian Forest Contractors Financial Support Program - Final Report
The Tasmanian Government, through DIER, administered the Australian Government's $5.4m Tasmanian Forest Contractors Financial Support Program between December 2010 and May 2011.
The purpose of the program was to provide financial assistance to Tasmanian (harvest and/or haulage) forest contractors and subcontractors operating predominantly in the native forest sector and assist them to continue their operations in the broader contracting industry on the basis of the other business having exited the sector.
Fifty three business received grants under the Program, with 94% reporting that they were still in business as at April 1, 2011. Sixty percent of contractors reported that business conditions have gotten worse since the assistance had been offered, largely due to the eight week closure of the Gunns Triabunna mill in the south of the State.
Only four businesses stated that the assistance had no affect on their business, mainly as the level of funding provided was insufficient given the business activity losses they were suffering. Feedback from contractors suggested that generally the Program has assisted contractors through this period of uncertainty, but the benefit was largely a short term stop-gap. Even contractors who gave low rankings to the program, still obviously found the money useful. As noted above, in many cases it appears that it has been further downturn in business from the Gunns Triabunna mill closure that has overridden the benefits of the Program.
Ultimately 89% of successful contractors were satisfied with the Program, with 70% feeling the Program was good to excellent. No successful applicants gave an overall rating of "bad" and only six contractors felt it was poorly managed, three of which received low amounts of assistance from the program.
- Final Report to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, (PDF)
- DIERs Review of Administration of the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Financial support program, (PDF)
The Forest Practices Authority
The Forest Practices Authority (FPA) administers the Tasmanian forest practices system. Launched in July 2005, the FPA is based on the Forest Practices Board but incorporates significant developments.The FPA has a board of directors, an advisory council and a team of scientists, advisors, compliance officers and administrative staff.
Private Forests Tasmania
The principal objectives of Private Forests Tasmania are to develop and advocate strategic and policy advice to the Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources and forestry partners on all matters relating to private forestry in Tasmania, and to work in partnership with growers, managers, investors and industry to develop and manage Tasmania's private forests and to initiate extended or new market opportunities.
Review Of Tasmania's Private Hardwood Plantation Estate
The Tasmanian Government has established a Panel to investigate and report on the existing Tasmanian privately - owned hardwood plantation estate and the best ways to enhance its value to landowners and the Tasmanian community.
The Panel is chaired by Martin Ferguson AO, the fomer Federal Minister for Resources and Energy. Other Panel members are Tom Fisk (CEO Private Forests Tasmania), Jan Davis (CEO Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association) and Norm McIlfatrick (Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources).
The Panel has provided a report to the Minisiter for Energy and Resources Hon Bryan Green MP
Forestry Tasmania
Forestry Tasmania is a Government Business Enterprise established under the Forestry Act 1920. Its main business is the sustainable production and delivery of forest products and services for optimum community benefit.
