There is much debate emerging about the future of harvesting Native Hardwood Timber in NSW and in Australia, its uses, the impact on the environment and the future sustainability of Native Hardwood Forests.
There are many elements to such a debate, including social, environmental, economic, national security and sovereignty issues.
In many cases there is a great divide between those seeking to lock up and preserve forests for various reasons; and those communities who actually maintain, manage, live and work in those areas. More often than not, the debate is city centric driven, where the bulk of our society lives, is media and academically driven, with little regard to what actually happens, or the impact on the regional areas affected. Added to this is a political agenda quite often driven by emotion and the need to secure votes, as opposed to what is the best long term balanced outcome, taking into account the needs of community, people as well as the environment, and the protection of flora and fauna within it.
How do we protect and maintain?
How do we best meet the needs of a growing population without relying on overseas resources and investment?
At present only two states, namely NSW and Tasmania have a commitment to maintain Native Hardwood Forests for forestry harvesting, with all other states either closing the industry or have already closed it. This in itself is creating pressures and demands on the remaining forest areas, causing challenges for long term sustainability, balancing the demand from other states and placing further reliance on imports.
Few people in areas of responsibility and decision making at all levels of Govt, seem to have adequate knowledge of the nature and management of Native Hardwood Forests, yet have authority to make long term decisions on the future of the Native Hardwood Industry.
In NSW for example it is purported that only 12% of the total Native Hardwood Forestry Footprint is available for harvesting, yet there are those in “Authority” who believe this should be set aside and preserved as well. Few people seem to be aware or understand the diverse range of species, the diverse range of essential products produced and how the forest is managed and sustained responsibly.
REEF Research Board have resolved to provide an awareness resource program to attempt to educate the Community and Government on the importance of maintaining and developing a long term sustainable and environmentally responsible Native Hardwood Industry. This will be undertaken by providing access to papers and commentary on the industry, principally through its website plus other media, so that you can be fully informed as to the importance and relevance of such an Industry for Australia and for Regional Communities. Most commentary will be centred around the Industry in NSW which is facing the future challenge of closure or continuation; but information will also be drawn from other states and areas that have already faced this challenge or are continuing to do so.
For those wishing to comment on any articles provided in this website or wishing to assist financially in this program you can contact Director Noel Atkins
Noel Atkins
0448 866 393
noel@reefresearch.foundation
