“The sustainable management of native timber on private land is an important income stream for many farming families struggling to survive the current drought,” said Andrew Hurford, spokesperson for the New South Wales Private Native Forests Group.
“For decades, [Australian] farmers have managed small forest holdings for times such as these – to help put food on the table for their families.
“Calls by Sydney-based greens to increase restrictions on the harvesting of private timber is a cruel blow to many farming families across the state,” said Mr Hurford.
Not only do private native forests provide a living for farmers in these times of stress, but, just as importantly provide work for thousands of timber workers.
“The money generated by private native forestry during times of drought helps to keep small, struggling country towns afloat.
“When the wheat crop fails and you have to sell your livestock because of a lack of rain, income sourced from the sustainable harvesting of timber is a life-saver,” said Mr Hurford.
On the Mid-North Coast, private native forestry generates a staggering $120 million each year to drought stricken communities and employs over 850 workers.
In the Riverina, in south west NSW, the industry contributes approximately $16.5 million each year and over 180 jobs.
“The flow-on effects to the rest of the community cannot be underestimated. It’s the shop keeper, teacher and the local mechanic who are forced to pack-up as well,” added Mr Hurford.
In August last year, the NSW Government was forced by angry farmers, timber mill owners and workers to shelve its plan to introduce a ‘Code’ that would have seen 60 per cent of forests on private land ‘locked-up’ into de facto National Parks.
Mr Hurford fears that if the ‘Code’ goes ahead dozens of communities will suffer the same fate as the Pilliga community in north-west NSW where the State Government ‘locked-up’ the Pilliga Forest into a National Park.
“It was devastating, over $40 million was stripped from local economies, six timber mills were forced to close and over 400 jobs lost. Now the towns have been left to die,” Mr Hurford said.
“With green preferences up for grabs at the next State election, the industry is fearful that an adverse decision restricting timber on private land could result in the loss of 3,000 jobs and $300 million from the NSW regional economy.
“Sound forest management can continue to provide multiple outcomes for the environment, regional communities and the economy. Forestry management actually stimulates the growth of healthy trees, healthy environments and healthy communities,” said Mr Hurford.
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This is the text from a media release from the NSW Private Native Forests Group issued on 9th January 2007.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.