pretty shallow and boring
Forestry crisis talks beginMICHAEL STEDMAN
May 14, 2010 11:34am ---mercury
FOREST industry heavyweights have begun an historic meeting to map a path through crisis.
Industry figures including Bernard McKay from McKay Timber, Rodney Bishop from the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association and Terry Edwards from the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania arrived at the Executive Building in Hobart a short time ago.
Gunns Ltd was notably absent from the meeting.
Premier David Bartlett is expected to detail a short-term assistance package for forest contractors as the first step towards an overhaul of the industry.
The meeting will also be a precursor to future discussions to bring together timber workers and conservationists.
FIAT chief executive Terry Edwards said the first challenge was to map out all the issues plaguing the Tasmanian forest industry.
"The immediate short-term issue with contractors is crucial right now and we need to address that to buy a little bit of time to tackle other issues," Mr Edwards said.
"This is about access to markets and that is partially about Forest Stewardship Council certification but it is also about the high Australian dollar and worldwide demand.
"One component is the undermining of the industry in Japan by conservation groups."
The industry crisis has been brought to a head in recent times by a downturn in woodchip demand and the collapse of major processor Forest Enterprises Australia.
Gunns Ltd has also signalled its intention to temporarily close its three Tasmanian woodchip mills at the end of this month taking the total shutdown time to 15 weeks since Christmas.
Add to My Watchlist
What is My Watchlist?