Tas farmers welcome new forest body – and the prospect of change

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA), which also represents private forest owners in the state, today welcomed the new federal Forest Industry Advisory Council that is to advise the Australian Government on revitalising the forest industry.

The council includes Blessington farmer and forester Ian Dickenson, who has played a key role in forest industry affairs over many years. Mr Dickenson is also a long-standing advisor to the TFGA on forestry matters.

TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said the move followed the Tasmanian government’s recent appointment of a forest industry body that includes TFGA representing the private industry.

“Tasmania’s private forest estate has to remain front of mind with governments following recent years in which our views have been largely ignored,” Ms Davis said.

“We look to governments to create a pro-business, pro-investment climate for Tasmania’s private forests, which remain among our greatest renewable resources and market advantages.

“Tasmania’s private forest owners are looking for early signals that a change is under way,” Ms Davis said.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis