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Under the action plan, Queensland\u2019s native timber advisory panel met for the first time in June 2021 as part of a long-term plan for the state\u2019s $3.8 billion timber industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The panel was chaired by Alan Feely, former\u00a0Deputy Director-General of the Queensland Department of Nature Resources and Mines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It comprised stakeholders including First Nations people, representatives from the conservation sector, unions and the native timber industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meetings focused on the government\u2019s plan for native forestry on land under state and private ownership, conservation outcomes, economic impacts, and opportunities for Queensland\u2019s regional communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Premier Anna Palaszczuk announced the Native Timber Action Plan in Maryborough on November 4, 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe government is taking decisive action to support regional Queensland timber industry jobs, locking in hardwood supplies in the Wide-Bay Burnett region up to 2026,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Premier said this announcement was another example of her government\u2019s commitment to listening and delivering on jobs for regional Queensland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy government has a laser sharp focus on supporting new jobs and economic development in regional Queensland. The announcement is also a \u2018win\u2019 for hundreds more people and businesses who indirectly rely on the timber industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a responsible decision that balances my government\u2019s commitment to both jobs and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anna Palaszczuk added: \u201cI want Queensland to have an internationally competitive and sustainable industry. This process will refresh the Southeast Queensland Regional Forests Agreement for a new generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a monumental achievement entered into in good faith by government, industry and conservation groups, but it needs to be updated to recognise new unexpected challenges facing the industry.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders, who has been a driving force behind the government\u2019s intervention to save timber jobs, said the action plan showed what could be achieved when industry and communities work together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe timber industry across Queensland has been crying out for certainty of supply and it is the Palaszczuk Labor government that is delivering that certainty,\u201d Saunders said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mark Furner, Queensland Agricultural and Industry Development Minister said in a statement at the time that the advisory panel would help deliver a \u201clong-term sustainable future\u201d for the native timber industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added that balancing environmental interests and jobs was important to this end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe timber industry is key to Queensland\u2019s plan for economic recovery, employing 8800 people and injecting $3.8 billion into the economy every year,\u201d Furner said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe broad representation of members on the native timber advisory panel ensures that all views are heard and fully understood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bruce Saunders noted that the work of the advisory panel was the \u201cnext stage of the government\u2019s native timber action plan\u201d, for which the Wide Bay-Burnett region would see hardwood timber harvesting extended for another two years up to 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat has secured the employment of 500 Maryborough and Wide Bay locals working in the industry,\u201d Saunders said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The government\u2019s native timber action plan also resulted in the termination of an unsuccessful hardwood plantations program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Bruce-Saunders-left-with-Raymond-Curly-Tatnell-who-is-a-member-of-the-Native-timber-advisory-panel.-Photo-Credit-The-Courier-Mail-1024x576.jpg\")
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