Key forestry negotiations make progress

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

The Signatories Reference Group established under the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement have reported to the State and Federal Governments that further progress has been made in the crucial forests negotiations, but that the task remains very challenging.

Negotiations are proceeding in good faith, with parties working together on collecting critical data for models and options, and an agreement with key components including a shared vision, durability, wood supply, reserves and a transition. The parties have proposed a deadline of 23 July to conclude the signatory negotiations and provide a detailed report back to the State and Federal Governments.

Industry representative on the Signatories Group, Terry Edwards, Chief Executive of the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania, said that some extra time was needed to enable the conclusion of important practical trials on wood supply specifications and alternative supply options. “This will help to determine where there may be extra flexibility to assist delivery of mutually beneficial outcomes, hence in getting closer to meeting the conservation aspirations of environment groups and the wood supply needs of industry”, he said.

“Equally, environment organisations are undertaking detailed work on conservation and wood supply needs. This work is taking time as it requires working through complex conservation data, wood supply models and associated analysis.” said Dr Phill Pullinger from Environment Tasmania.

Timber Communities Australia Chief Executive Officer Jim Adams added that “the means by which any potential agreement would be as durable as possible is also vital for all parties and will be enhanced by this additional work.”

The groups greatly appreciate the patience of governments, the public and their own constituencies in giving the signatories the time and space need to work the difficult issues through. The extra time has been required due to the complexity of the issues being considered, real-world testing of potential solutions, and the need to regularly verify options against reliable data.

The groups have been briefed by the Tasmanian government on the draft framework legislation for the IGA, and believe that the legislation must be designed to facilitate and be aligned with the outcomes of any agreement.

16 June 2012

The Signatories are:

Jim Adams representing Timber Communities Australia Ltd

Jane Calvert representing the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union

Dr Hans Drielsma representing the Australian Forest Products Association

Terry Edwards representing the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania

Ken Padgett representing the Australian Forest Contractors Association

Ed Vincent representing the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association

Dr Phill Pullinger representing Environment Tasmania Inc

Vica Bayley representing the Wilderness Society Inc

Don Henry representing the Australian Conservation Foundation

Fred Ralph representing the Tasmanian Sawmillers Association