- Published:
- Friday 20 November 2015
The Andrews Labor Government has released the terms of reference for the Forest Industry Taskforce that will provide recommendations about the future of the timber industry.
These issues include job protection, economic activity and protection of our unique native flora, fauna and threatened species, such as the Leadbeater’s possum.
In a new approach to Victoria’s timber industry and nature conservation, key stakeholders across industry, the union movement and forest conservation groups have developed the terms of reference in order to reach a consensus on proposals to be put forward to government.
The Labor Government has endorsed the terms of reference and has committed to ongoing support of their work through a Taskforce secretariat.
Taskforce members have been actively meeting and consulting broadly with industry and conservation representatives to establish the terms of reference and framework, before submitting to Government.
The aim is to create and sustain jobs and industry growth, to conserve high value ecological assets, to protect key species such as the Leadbeater's possum, and to implement a durable plan for timber supply, for jobs, for nature conservation and for the good stewardship of Victoria’s forests that can be embraced by the Victorian community.
The Taskforce has set itself an ambitious agenda for delivery of its recommendations and the government recognises the work and goodwill of all parties to get to this stage.
The government will consider the recommendations and proposals reached by consensus of the Taskforce.
The Terms of Reference can be viewed at
http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/news-publications/our-environment-our-future
Quotes attributable to the Premier Daniel Andrews
“This is a historic step forward for the future of our forests in Victoria.”
“The Taskforce will work to reach consensus about the future of the forests and wood products industry, jobs and the protection of some of Victoria’s most critical forests and species.”
“In what has long been a contested space, I congratulate the Taskforce for their work so far in achieving this important milestone and their willingness to work with the government to find common ground.”