06 April, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE: Sustainable timber industry council announced

FROM THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE
Thursday, April 6, 2006

The sustainable growth of Victoria’s timber industry will be assisted by the establishment of a new peak advisory body, the Sustainable Timber Industry Council (STIC), the Minister for Agriculture Bob Cameron announced today.

Mr Cameron said STIC would foster a united, whole of industry approach to securing the sustainable development of Victoria’s forest and forest products sector and will provide advice to him on a broad range of timber industry issues.

“The timber industry in Victoria is based on plantation and native forest timber resources. It has an annual turnover of more than $3 billion and is of critical importance to the economic future of this state.

Mr Cameron said as part of the ‘Our Forests, Our Future’ policy initiative, the Bracks Government made a commitment ensuring that our forests, the timber industry and their communities are protected for the long term.

“That commitment was reiterated in the ‘Moving Forward’ Provincial Statement announced late last year and STIC is an important part of that process.

“One of STIC’s major roles over the next year will be the development of a Timber Industry Strategy, which will establish Victoria as a world leader in sustainable timber industries,” Mr Cameron said.

Mr Cameron said he was pleased to announce Christian Zahra as the Chair of STIC.

“Christian Zahra has an excellent understanding of the important issues facing the timber industry in Victoria and is widely respected within the sector,” Mr Cameron said.

The remaining members of STIC come from key industry sectors, and include:
  • Diane Tregoning – Chief Executive of Black Forest Timbers Pty Ltd
  • Andrew Lang – Chairman of SMARTimbers Cooperative Ltd
  • Bob Smith – former CEO of State Forests of NSW
  • Kevin White – former CEO of Hancock Victorian Plantations
  • Ken Robertson – former Strategic Development Manager for Carter Holt Harvey.
  • Michael O’Connor – National Secretary of the forestry section of the CFMEU
  • Ian Kennedy – former Executive Director of Regional Development Victoria

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