Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck
New South Wales Minister for Lands and Forestry, Paul Toole
30 November 2018
The Australian and NSW governments have released a modernised approach to forest management through the renewal of three NSW Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs).
Minister for Agriculture and Water ResourcesDavid Littleproud, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water ResourcesSenator Richard Colbeck and NSW Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said the improvements and the20 year extension to the RFAs provide long-term confidence and sustainability for the future of NSW’s $2.4 billion wood product manufacturing industry.
"We’re pleased to deliver our commitment on these RFAs," Minister Littleproud said.
"We understand certainty matters to business and that’s what we delivered."
Assistant Minister Colbeck said the forest industry was the backbone of many regional communities and was set to provide even more opportunities under the extended RFAs.
"Timber is the building material of the 21st century, with global demand expected to quadruple by 2050, so it is important we give regional communities the confidence to invest in their forest industries," Minister Colbeck said.
"Australia has a recognised world-class forest management system and one covered by multiple internationally recognised sustainability certifications, which give assurance to consumers that their beautiful native species floors,furniture and feature pieces are sourced with the highest ethical standards."
MinisterToole said as a result of the NSW RFAs, the native forest timber industry operates with some of the highest levels of sustainability in the world.
"The renewed Agreements pave the way for the continued sustainable management of the state’s forests, while providing critical protection of the environment and threatened species," Minister Toole said.
"The renewed RFAs bring together extensive community and stakeholder input, as well as key recommendations from a detailed independent review of our past performance.
"We are committed to maintaining our support for the long-term NSW RFAs, and the ongoing certainty of a truly renewable industry."
The Agreements will be underpinned by the NSW Government’s $7.2 million forest monitoring program that focuses on adaptive management and fine-tuning in NSW’s management of the forest estate.
Fast facts:
- In NSW there are more than 22,200 employees in the forestry and wood products manufacturing sectors
- Valued at $2.4 billion, NSW’s forest and forest products industry sector makes a large contribution to both the Australian economy and many regional and rural economies.
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