timber contractors

Timber contractors buoyed by forestry 'tick'
Updated 4 hours 17 minutes ago ABC news


Forestry contractors say accreditation removes an impediment to sales. (ABC News)
Tasmania's forest contractors are hoping the forestry accreditation gained by Gunns will be turning point in their fortunes.

The Tasmanian timber company has told the stock exchange that its Japanese customers have obtained Forest Stewardship Council status for some of the company's eucalyptus woodchips.

It means the woodchips can not come from high conservation areas.

Ed Vincent of the Forest Contractors Association says the FSC certification will help sales.

"[It] removes an impediment to sales of wood fibre into traditional Japanese markets and that combined with the changes in the exchange rate and the improvement there, at least from a sales point of view, can only help towards Gunns making more sales and consequently contractors getting more work," he said.

Forestry Tasmania has also welcomed the accreditation and has confirmed it is also seeking controlled-wood status.

Forestry Tasmania Managing Director Bob Gordon says the announcement debunks the myth that FSC does not certify wood from sustainably managed forests.

Mr Gordon says Forestry Tasmania is keen to gain similar status but is waiting for FSC Australia to develop national standards for Australia's natural forests.

Tags: forestry, tas, hobart-7000, launceston-7250

First posted 4 hours 28 minutes ago