Industry Supports Forest Bill before Parliament

The Queensland timber industry is pleased that a Bill to amend the Forestry Act 1959 is due to be debated in State Parliament today.

The Bill is part of the State Government implementation of the South-East Queensland Forest Stakeholder/Government Agreement, signed by the State Government, conservation groups and the timber industry on 16 September this year.

According to Queensland Timber Board (QTB) General Manager Rod McInnes, this Bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation for the hardwood industry in Queensland ever because it will deliver long term resource security.

“We are anxious that the Bill is passed this week because it will underpin the 25-year wood supply agreements between the State Government and sawmillers in South-East Queensland.  This will give industry resource security for the first time in its more than100-year history,” he said.

Mr McInnes said there was some concern about the amendments that the Queensland Coalition plans to move today.

“While industry appreciates the Coalition’s support and desire to protect the interests of timber dependent communities, the legislation as it stands is workable,” he said.

It has been reported that the Coalition, with support of the independent and One Nation MLA’s, will attempt to amend the Bill to provide for 35-year wood supply agreements, and to remove the first right of refusal provision in relation to the sale of sawmills.

“An additional 10 years for transition from the crown native forests to a plantation resource would be welcome because it would provide more time for tree growth.  However, studies conducted by Federal Forestry Minister Wilson Tuckey’s Department indicate hardwood sawlogs can be grown to commercial size in 25 years.

“There is considerable doubt that sufficient wood would be available from the remaining crown native forests to provide an additional 10 year supply at current levels.

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Mr McInnes said there seemed to be some confusion surrounding the first right of refusal provision.

“The first right of refusal has to be triggered by a sawmill owner wishing to sell and the Government responding by wishing to buy at a price acceptable to the seller.

 “First draft of 25-year Agreements now being developed do not provide an opportunity for the Government to make a pre-emptive strike against sawmill owners.

“The draft Agreement further removes the Government’s first right of refusal if the sawmill business or crown allocation is being transferred or assigned pursuant to a Will as a result of the administration of an Estate or a related person or entity, thus allowing for family succession,” said Mr McInnes.

Mr McInnes said that industry is ambivalent about the first right of the refusal and would be relaxed about its removal.  However, from recent discussions with the Government, and from the content of early drafts of the 25-year wood supply Agreement, industry is satisfied with the manner in which the right of refusal is triggered.

“At the end of the day, we just want to get on with it,” said Mr McInnes

3 December 1999