Queensland industry welcomes appointment of new Industry Liaison Officer in native forestry regulatory compliance and training

The Queensland timber industry has welcomed the appointment of a new Industry Liaison Officer as part of a project to build greater capacity in compliance and improved management systems for operators in the state based native hardwood and cypress sectors.

The project has received financial support from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in recognition of the often complex and broad suite of regulatory compliance obligations required as part of modern sustainable forest management practices on crown land.

Timber Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mick Stephens said the range of regulations typically required by operators included environmental, sustainable forestry, cultural heritage and workplace health and safety obligations.

“The forest and timber industry prides itself on working within a well-regulated environment and needs to maintain adequate competency standards in compliance”, Mr Stephens said.

“This week we were pleased to welcome the appointment of Alex Riddington as Industry Liaison Officer for the regulatory capacity building project. Alex has previously worked in a range of roles in the Queensland and Victorian forest industries”.

Verterra have been contracted by Timber Queensland to deliver the objectives of the project, which include building greater awareness of the suite of regulatory requirements, assessing priority needs and delivering relevant training and resources. Alex is part of an experienced Verterra team for the project which will be undertaken through to 2024.

“I look forward to working with operators in the native forestry sector and in assisting with their responsibilities on crown land in Queensland. It will also be important to work with regulators and other stakeholders to ensure a common understanding of compliance requirements”, Ms Riddington said.

“Given my background in environmental science and previous field experience in forestry operations, I can appreciate the complexity of rules and regulations designed to achieve safe working outcomes and a sustainable forestry industry,” she said.