Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014€¦ · Securing the Future Victorian...

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Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014

Transcript of Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014€¦ · Securing the Future Victorian...

Page 1: Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014€¦ · Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014. Front cover photo credit: Arthur Rylah Institute . I am

Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014

Page 2: Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014€¦ · Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014. Front cover photo credit: Arthur Rylah Institute . I am

www.vafi.org.au

Front cover photo credit: Arthur Rylah Institute

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I am sure that all VAFI members are as proud as I am to be a part of an industry based on a truly sustainable and renewable natural resource, providing employment to tens of thousands of people, contributing significantly to the economic welfare of our State, and delivering environmental outcomes that no other industry can match including carbon sequestration. Across the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social and environmental) VAFI members’ contribution to Victoria cannot be beaten.

Of course we cannot, and do not, do it alone. The policies and practices of Government in both private and State-managed forests are vital to having a sustainable forest industry in Victoria. For the first time in a long time we have a Prime Minister who has been prepared to acknowledge that people who work in the forest industry are the ultimate forest conservationists. And this should be no surprise – our futures depend upon us taking good care of this wonderful natural resource.

I hope you enjoy reading this report and that it provides a useful insight into the tangible contribution to sustainability that the forest and wood products industry deliver for all Victorians.

Julian Mathers President

Forewords

Message from the President

Message from the Chief Executive Officer

With the release of VAFI’s 2014 Victorian Forest Industry Review, it is clearer than ever that the forest and wood products industry is vital to the Victorian economy, creating both jobs and opportunities.

Our industry directly employs more than 21,000 Victorians and more than 40,000 indirectly. In addition to employment, Victoria’s forest and wood products industry support crucial infrastructure which produces many economic and community benefits, including fire management and suppression, recreation and tourism.

It is essential therefore that an industry that sustains economic growth and job opportunities in the State’s regions be maintained and supported. Economic security for regional communities means ensuring that the forest and wood products industry is able to operate with certainty and grow.

In a global economy, VAFI continues to support local forest and wood products industry businesses, both in response to resource security and market access for the industry. VAFI continues to encourage greater uptake of productivity enhancing measures, including new technology, workforce skills and capabilities, industry collaboration and market support.

Ours is the industry of the twenty-first century. This Review highlights its importance.

Tim Johnston Chief Executive Officer

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Contents

Executive Summary 1

Industry Snapshot 1

About this report 2

Economy 3

Community 8

Sustainability 12

About VAFI 17

Governance and stakeholders 18

Endnotes 22

Source: Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

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The forest and wood products industry in Victoria is a dynamic sector of the economy that uses wood, a renewable, biodegradable, recyclable product, to create materials for new homes, buildings and furniture, paper and fuel for green energy.

Victoria’s forests provide a sustainable resource base for the sector. Australian, State and Territory governments share an objective of an industry based on the sustainable management of forests to integrate environmental, commercial and community values and uses.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott reflected to industry participants earlier this year:

I came to appreciate the forest wasn’t just a place of beauty, but it was a

source of resources; of the ultimate renewable resource, of the ultimate biodegradable resource.

So when I look out at an audience … of people who work with timber, who work in forests, I … see people who are the ultimate conservationists. That’s what I see and I want to salute you1.

Jobs, training, self-supporting communities, local manufacturing and exports are all maintained and furthered by a secure local Victorian forest industry. The industry directly employs more than 21,000 people and indirectly supports another 40,000 to 50,000 jobs, providing a sustainable future for suburban, rural and regional communities across Victoria.

The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) is the peak body for the Victorian forest and wood products industry and it represents the entire lifecycle of forestry products, including forest growers, harvest and haul businesses, wood and paper processors, and associated businesses across both the native forest and plantations sectors.

VAFI proudly champions the forest industry’s environmental values: managing a renewable resource, which both stores carbon and is recyclable. The forests and plantations of Victoria available for timber harvesting are highly regulated and well managed. They conserve all three sustainability values: economic, social and environmental.

Executive Summary

2011-12 2012-13

Direct industry employment 23,745 21,2222

Additional jobs supported 42,000 – 52,000 39,000 – 48,0003

Value of the industry4 $6.53 billion $6.58 billion

Area of timber plantations in Victoria 433,600 434,0005

Total forest area in Victoria 7.8 million hectares 8.2 million hectares6

Area available and suitable for harvesting by VicForests 493,000 hectares (6% of total Approx. 490,000 ha7 area of native forest in Vic)

Area of public native forest harvested by VicForests 4,296 hectares (0.05% 3,339 hectares8 (0.04% of total area of native of total area of native forest in Vic) forest in Vic)

Volume of logs harvested9 Hardwood native 1549 1338Hardwood plantation 1489 2021Softwood 3381 3545Total 6.419 million m3 6.904 million m3

Value of logs harvested

The gross value of logs harvested (at mill door prices) across Australia was $1.5 billion in 2012-13, around 6.9 per cent lower than in 2011-12.

VictoriaHardwood native 123 110Hardwood plantation 97 115Softwood plantation 227 239Total $447 million $463 million10

Area of Australian forests and plantations independently AFS: Approx 10 million ha AFS: c.10.4 million ha12 certified (AFS/PEFC and FSC) *Some areas of forest have both certifications11 FSC: Approx 965,000 ha FSC: 1.2 million ha

Number of chain of custody certificates (Australia) AFS/PEFC: 216 AFS/PEFC: 235 *Some chain of custody certified companies have both certifications FSC: 250 FSC: 318

Industry Snapshot

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The Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014 looks at the economic, community and sustainability aspects of the forest and wood products industry and the activities of VAFI as its peak industry body. Annual reviews have been conducted by VAFI since 2005 as a tool for dialogue, a method of recording improvements and as a resource to support decision-making by industry stakeholders and government.

This review covers the 2013-2014 financial year and measures progress against indicators where possible. A draft of this

About this reportreview was provided to VAFI members and the Sustainable Forestry Council for review and comment, as well as to a number of organisations and government agencies for data and information verification.

The VAFI Members Survey 2014, reports, studies, websites and papers of other industry participants, Sustainable Forestry Council members and the Victorian and Commonwealth State of the Forest Reports 2013 have been lead sources of information for this report. Terms used are those defined in the Glossary to the Victorian SFR 201313.

Your commentsAll comments on this review and the methodology used are welcome. Your feedback will provide an important input into further improvement of VAFI’s future industry reviews. Comments should be sent to:

VAFI Industry Review, Level 2, 2 Market Street, Melbourne Vic 3000

Email: [email protected]

VAFI supports initiatives to increase plantation and private forest investment.

Forest area

Victoria has about 8.2 million hectares of forest across both Crown and private land14.

About 6.3 million hectares (75%) is in State forest, parks and conservation reserve.

Between 1988 and 2013, forest cover has either increased or remained the same across all 11 Victorian bioregions. Changes in public land forest area are associated with both human and natural processes, including forestry operations (harvesting and regeneration) and bushfires (crown defoliation and post-fire regeneration)15.

In 2011/12, there were 434,000 hectares of commercial hardwood and softwood plantations in Victoria, up from 319,000 hectares in 2000. Hardwood plantations (mostly bluegum) covered 207,000 hectares (47% of plantations) while softwood plantations (mainly radiata pine) covered 226,000 hectares (52%).

Plantations play an important role in supplying timber locally and to export markets. Due to the long term nature of plantation investment the establishment of plantations has often required government assistance and regulatory supports. There are important differences between the hardwood plantation, softwood plantation and native forest sectors16. Plantation trees are either for a ‘short term’ rotation of 8-15 years or a ‘long rotation’ of over 25 years. Short rotation timbers are generally used for woodchips or pulp for paper product. Long rotation timbers are aimed at producing sawlogs for construction or appearance grade applications such as furniture manufacture. Long rotation hardwood plantations are relatively scarce in Victoria, and the rate of new plantation establishment has been declining since 2000.

State forest, parks and conservation reserve.

75%8.2m hectares

0.04%

harvested annually by VicForests

Forest in Victoria

2000 2012

319,000 434,000

47% Hardwood (mostly bluegum) 207,000ha

52% Softwood (mainly radiata pine) 226,000ha

Plantations

short term rotation

8-15 years

Long term rotation 25+years

Use:woodchips,

pulp-paper product

Use: sawlogs - construction, furniture manufacture

Short & long term plantations2

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Operating in a high cost economy is a business challenge that is especially demanding for trade-exposed industries in Australia, such as the forest and wood products industry.

For the last few years, business activity and workforce development in the industry has been shaped by the economic downturn, changes in plantation ownership and diminution of access to significant native forests areas. Many businesses have restructured or ceased operating, and a number

Economy

For a full analysis of economic drivers, see: ForestWorks

ISC Environmental Skills Scan 201418.

of workers have been retrenched resulting in a loss of skills to the industry. Company restructures and considerable reviews of business activity and workforce utilisation also resulted in a reduction of the workforce and therefore a further loss of critical skills19.

Although patchy, industry stakeholders are reporting a level of recovery from the economic downturn and there are signs of increasing interest in investing in and adopting advanced workforce development plans20.

Skills shortagesIn spite of an overall reduction in employees in the industry during the period from 2008-2013, there remains a skills shortage in certain areas necessitating some recruitment from overseas. Presently identified skills shortages may pose challenges to industry in the future21. Australia needs a highly skilled workforce to adapt to structural change, rapid technological change and new business opportunities. Enhancing workforce skills will boost national productivity and increase Australia’s international competitiveness22.

The economic framework for Victoria’s forests consists of government policies

on investment, regulation, taxation and trade. These settings influence the level

of investment in conservation and sustainable management of forests, as well as

the sustainable production of forest products, ecosystem services and access

to national and international markets. Reporting change to economic frameworks

can provide insight into the role of Government in driving trends in the sector17.

Australia - highstandard and

high costeconomy

Economicdrivers -

forest and woodproducts

industry in Australia

Housing and commercial

building demand

Bioeconomy e.g.bioprocessing

advancedmanufacturing

initiative

Consumer trends eg digital

technology and multi storey

residential living

Security of native

hardwood resource supply

Security of plantation

hardwood and softwood

resource supply

Increased imports and

threats to localmarkets

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In 2012-13, $4.116 billion worth of wood and wood products was imported into Australia24. Total exports for the year came to $2.042 billion. The trade deficit widened the most for the wood based panels and woodchips sectors, over the past decade (exports down by 66% and 28% respectively).

It is in Australia’s long-term interests to increase local production and to be less reliant on imports. The Commonwealth Government has stated that reducing the balance of the current trade deficit in forest and wood products may be achieved through changes in the industry but should be market-led.

To best serve the domestic forest and wood products industry, negotiated international trade agreements need to be transparent, balanced, equitable and contain provision for the continuation of a strong anti-dumping and countervailing measures regime enforceable in Australia.

Economy

Source: ABARES Australian Forest and Wood products statistics September and December Quarters 2013

Government investment in forest managementVictorian Government investment in research and development, science and education in 2011 was over $5.91 million including $1.2 million for the Victorian Forest Monitoring Program and $750,000 for the Bushfire CRC25. The general trend for government funding in this area since 2006 is increasing.

In addition to Government funded tertiary education, VET programs at TAFE institutions and on-the-job training provided by employers and

informal training opportunities should be factored into this investment26. It should be noted that the number of government funded tertiary courses have dropped over the past decade and the University of Melbourne no longer offers an undergraduate degree in forestry27. The other major trend to note is that there were 1,993 forest and wood product industry workers enrolled in industry training during 2011, representing a 35% decrease since 2009. The only training course whose participation rate rose was Wood Panel and Board Construction where enrolments more than doubled since 200928.

Trade DeficitVictorian forest and wood products industry participants produce a wide range

of product types from quality appearance and structural grade timbers through to

woodchips and all paper types for the Australian and international markets. 64% of

VAFI member respondents to the 2014 Survey export their products (up from 50%

last year). Local demand continued to increase in 2013, widening the trade deficit23.

Trade Deficit for Forest and Wood Products (Australia)

2012-13

2011-12

2010-11

2008-09

2003-04

50000 4500400035003000250020001500500 1000

$AUD Million

Fina

ncia

l Yea

r

Total Exports

Total Imports

4

Exports $2.042b vs Imports $4.116b

Trade deficit $2.074b

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Extension and use of new technologies

Notable projects focusing on new and improved technology for monitoring, recreation, fire management and forest industries in public forests, and biodiversity and waterway management in public and private native forests include29:

eMap: a standardised operational mapping and information system for bushfires and other hazards developed in response to recommendations from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and deployed in 2012

Phoenix Rapidfire: An advanced computer modelling tool developed by DEPI, the University of Melbourne and the former Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre that uses weather, topography, vegetation and fire history information to stimulate the spread and impact of bushfires, to inform strategic planning, preparation, response, and recovery for bushfire risk management, as well as emergency management decisions.

Industry investment & innovation

The 2014 VAFI Members survey shows 75% of members made significant changes or improvements in equipment, products or markets. 36% of respondents made an investment of over $1 million this reporting year.

Over 83% said they planned to invest in 2014-5.

Two examples form a snapshot:

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods – Heyfield$2.7 million upgrade to sawmill announced June 2014 – a new horizontal finger jointing line allows more productive use of lower value timbers helping to secure existing 200 jobs, provide 20 construction jobs and 15 ongoing full time equivalent jobs and 6 indirect jobs.

Australian Paper – Maryvale$90M White Paper Recycling Plant$5M natural gas facility to improve safe usageWorld first – carbon neutral bag paper

Economy

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“Predictions from

market analysts indicate

increasing demand in

traditional wood and

paper product markets

and new opportunities

in bioenergy and

innovative new products

such as nanocrystalline

cellulose and cross-

laminated timber”30.

Source: WoodSolutions, Photographer Keith Webb

Source: Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

Source: Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

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EconomyResource security and market accessThe Victorian Government’s 2011 Timber Industry Action Plan (TIAP) is designed to provide the conditions for a productive, competitive and sustainable Victorian timber industry, giving a framework and long-term direction for the industry for the next 20 years31.

The TIAP establishes cross-Government cooperation (DEPI, VicForests, DTF and other agencies):

• providinggreatersecuritytoindustryagainst changes in State Government policy that affect timber supply.

• recognisingtimberplantationsasa legitimate ‘as of right’ crop-raising activity in Victoria’s key agricultural zones; and

• workingwithstakeholderstoimproveaccess to training and employment.

Auditor-General’s ReportIn December 2013 the office of the Victorian Auditor-General (VAGO) handed down a report into Managing Victoria’s Native Forest Resources33. This report confirmed that DEPI and VicForests are managing the timber resources in a productive way that delivers direct and indirect socio-economic benefits to regional communities and some financial payments to the State. It found VicForests operates to a strong set of legislative and regulatory guidelines and harvests at sustainable levels, less than those permitted and VicForests balances its long-term profitability with supporting a sustainable industry. Its management plans and actions are in line with the principles and purposes of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004.

Examples of TIAP implementation during the reporting periodDEPI’s review and Draft Code of Practice 2014 for Timber Harvesting Operations

Development of the Forests and Timber Biosecurity Framework32

Continuing customer negotiations regarding the sale of timber resource through a new sales process; moving away from the former auction system

Management of forest protests

•SinceJanuary2013,DEPIhasrecorded 22 protest events, which includes a protest that occurred at night during a VicForests regeneration burn, and one incursion on a coupe when there was no harvesting taking place.

•Itisestimatedthattherehasbeen147 hrs of industry (timber harvesting) downtime as a result of protest action over the 18 months.

•Anumberofinfringementnoticesandarrests have occurred to date.

Sustainable Forests (Timber) Amendment Act (No 42) 2013:

•VicForeststooffersupplycontractsof up to 20 years and to allow the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, in consultation with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and the Treasurer, to approve contracts greater than 20 years

•VicForests’Boardhavetheresponsibility for approval of timber release plans

•streamliningregulationforindustrybyrestructuring the timber harvesting operators licence system

Sustainable Forests (Timber) and Wildlife Amendment Act (No 11) 2014

•creating“timberharvestingprotectionzones” to deter activities that create risks to public safety and that cause disruption of timber harvesting operations;

•imposingpenaltiesforunauthorisedpeople from entering a logging coupe, any road closed for timber harvesting purposes within that coupe, plus any area of state forest that is within 150m from that coupe’s boundary;

•enablingaclearprocesstoprosecuteoffenders; and

•balancingthecompetingaimsofforesters and protesters.

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Source: VicForests

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Figure 1.

The Victorian timber industry production chain34

Sawlogs

Pulplogs Chips

Chips

Forest residues

Hardwood & Softwood sawntimber (Structural with LOSP treatment for framing)

Initial manufacturing or processing

Joinery & furniture manufacture

Trusses & frames

Engineered wood products

Pallets & boxes

Further manufacturing

Wood panels – Plywood, Particleboard, MDF

Pulp and paper

Peeling & preservation

ProductsAppearance & structural grade

Sawdust etc

Sawdust etc

Products

Products

Products

Products

Bark & peelings

Sawdust etc

Products

Panels

Panels

Panels

Bark & Sawdust

Bark

Bark

ProductsPosts & poles

Packaging grade

Structural grade

Structural grade

Cameron Consulting, Socio-economics of the Forest & Forest Products Industry in Victoria, Report prepared for VAFI, p. 334

Hardwood native forests, Hardwood plantations, Softwood plantations

Sequestion, biodiversity, habitat, salinity abatement, catchment protection

Forest management

Environmental services

Landscape products, potting mix, chemicals, adhesives, cogeneration energy

End use by-products

Residential dwellings, commercial buildings and renovations

Furniture, doors, stairs, fittings, dwellings, buildings,renovations

Newsprint, printing & writing, fibre board, fibre boxes, tissues, hygiene products

Preservative treated posts and poles

End use products

Packaging

Fire wood

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Community

A sustainable forest industry will ensure high levels of workforce health and welfare

and demonstrate wage rates that are comparable with other rural industries.

Decreasing injury rates indicate improving employment quality and social benefits35.

Victorian Forest & Wood Products Industry Jobs

Traralgon

Morwell HealesvilleDirectJobs +

IndirectJobs =

39,000 -48,000 = + PortlandBenella +

= 21,222 =

Employment Numbers•TheVictorianforestandwoodproducts

industry directly employs more than 21,000 full time employees, down about 10.9% since 200936.

•Woodproductmanufacturingwasthelargest sector of the Victorian forest industry, employing 48% of the industry’s workers in 2010. The pulp and paper sector also employed a significant proportion of forest industry workers (37%) in 2010.

•Employmentintheforestindustryfellinevery Statistical Division (SD) between 2009 and 2012, with two exceptions: Central Highlands and Barwon, with employment growing in each of these. The largest proportionate declines in employment occurred in the Western District, Wimmera and Goulburn SDs; in all three jobs, declined by more than 20% between 2009-12.

•Employmentintheforestindustryfell to below 1% of the total Victorian workforce since 2006.

•Thereisanoverallreductionofemployment in the industry nationally, however the Victorian proportion of national employment in the forest industry increased to 30% compared to the all industry average of 25%, indicating that reductions have been greater in other states.

•Victoriaprovidesthegreatestlevelsof employment in the pulp and paper product manufacturing sector representing 42% of the sector nationally.

Employees from Victorian Statistical Divisions (SDs > 1000)

Melbourne

Gippsland

Barwon

East Gippsland

Total SDs <1000

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VAFI member employees that underwent training in 2013/14

Training courses

Number of participants

2011 – 1,99337

2012-13 – Two thirds of VAFI members responding to survey reported that employees had undergone training programs

2012 – 924 VET and 69 National Workforce Development Fund training38

2014 survey – 100% of VAFI members responding to survey reported that employees had undergone training programs.

Strong focus on OHS training – 89% of respondents participated

100%

90%

0%

10%

20%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

Tim

ber

m

achi

ning

Tim

ber

p

rod

uctio

n (d

ryin

g,

saw

ing

etc)

Bus

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s q

ualif

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(mar

ketin

g,

acco

untin

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c)

Mob

ile p

lant

(s

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Fore

stry

q

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Eng

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qua

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Env

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(E

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OH

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The ForestWorks Environmental Skills Scan2014states:“Sporadicdemandfor formal training, increased Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) requirements, and tighter standards for regulation of RTOs has created a difficult operating environment for the VET sector in this industry and is posing challenges for the future of our human resource development”.

CommunityTraining

The recent inter-related factors leading to change to industry in structure and employment profile.

Factors influencing employment in the forest and wood products industry over time39

High $AUD

GFC

Collapse in MIS

Black SaturdayBushfires

2009

Decline in demand fromkey domestic

markets

Change in ownership of plantations

Consolidation of wood

processing mills

Source: VicForests

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The resilience of forest industry businesses varies by both industry sector and location40 demonstrated by the variability in employment trends across different parts of the forest industry.

Within Victoria, businesses dependent on hardwood plantations, softwood plantations and native forests often source wood from different locations and sell into different markets, although there is overlap. The type of change and its location are therefore important. It is also

important to know how the workforce is changing and the vulnerability of workers to those changes. Indicators such as the number of workers per household and the level of educational attainment of the worker/s are of high relevance. It is also relevant to assess the adaptive capacity of the community in which the workers live, which will be higher if it has a wide diversity of jobs available within it. One of the strongest findings of Dr Schirmer’s study is that all data on businesses, community and workers should be

combined to assess vulnerability to change at each scale.

A number of communities in Victoria are economically and socially dependent on the forest industry, where limited opportunities for alternative employment in the same communities at a similar wage level, exacerbates this dependence. Towns with significant forestry employment related to the Victorian forest resource include Heyfield, Myrtleford, Orbost and Cann River.

CommunityForest dependent communities - resilience and contribution

Orbost Case Study

Orbost is located on the Snowy River, 375km from Melbourne in the far east of Victoria. It has a population of just under 2,500 and is highly dependent on the forest and wood products industry for direct employment and for expenditure by forestry businesses. Approximately one in five of the town’s employees work in the forest and wood products industry.

The decrease in available sawlog volume has been dramatic: from 300,000 cubic metres per annum in the 1980s to 50,000 cubic metres per annum by 2017. There have been around 100 jobs in contract harvesting and haulage directly affected by recent changes in the industry and up to 200 jobs indirectly affected41.

Auswest plays a significant role in the East Gippsland region, operating a sawmill in Orbost and a processing centre in Bairnsdale. The timber Auswest uses goes into many high-value products, such as tongue and groove flooring,decking, fence screening, furniture and joinery.

Orbost is one of many Victorian timber towns that is highly interdependent on the forest and wood products industry for its economic and community wellbeing. This highlights that a regional approach is essential to policy, planning and analysis.

VAFI members have generously supported their local communities in a multiplicity of ways in this past year. Over 90% (up from 85%) of member respondents to the VAFI 2014 survey contributed financially and in-kind support to CFA, local sporting clubs and charities.

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This marketing campaign, resourced by FWPA, aims to inform the public via print, free-to-air TV and internet (YouTube) about the environmental benefits of wood products.Itaimstoeducatethat“woodstorescarbonforlife”andis“awaytotackle climate change”. It is a successful and innovative partnership with Planet Ark and is fronted by Peter Maddison, Architect and host of Grand Designs Australia.

Community

Now in its 15th year, these awards promote outstanding timber design in the built environment. The 2013 overall winner was the landmark building Forte by Lend Lease in Docklands, Melbourne, the tallest modern apartment building in the world. It demonstrates the exciting innovation of using CLT (cross laminated timber) in the building frame.

Wood Products Victoria (WPV), which is supported by VAFI members and VicForests, is an advice service to industry professionals looking use wood and wood-based products in construction and other applications. It provides technical information and materials and runs seminars to educate and inform. WPV is a member of the Wood Council of Australia and runs its Centre of Excellence for Sustainability & Education.

Wood Solutions is an industry initiative at the national level to provide independent information on wood products and building materials for industry professionals. FWPA members and others pay a levy to support the publication of 20 Technical Design Guides, the TimberLife Educational Software, training courses and presentations.

The“sociallicence”ofanindustryhascome to mean the acceptance by the public or society at large that an industry has a right to exist and operate in the community, often utilising a community resource. The right to operate is separate and distinct from legislative or

Wood, Naturally Better Australian Timber Design Awards

Wood Products Victoria Wood Solutions

regulatory permissions.The“goodnewsstory”ofthesustainable,natural, beautiful, recyclable forest and wood products industry is one to be promulgated positively among the community. VAFI champions and is unashamedly supportive of industry

initiatives to provide information about the qualities of forest and wood products. Third-party, independent certification schemes are also an important part of the social licence which give consumers confidence about a product’s provenance.

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Timber Design Award Winners:

2014 Excellence in Timber Design – Public or Commercial Buildings Winner: Library at the Dock.44

2013 Australian Timber Design Award Winner: Forté at Victoria Harbour.42

2014 Excellence in Timber Design – Residential Class 1 – New Buildings Winner: Cabin 2.45

2014 Australian Timber Design Award Winner: Dandenong Mental Health Facility.43

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Sustainability

Victoria’s legal, institutional and economic frameworks support sustainable forest

management, monitor change, conduct and apply research and development46.

Many of the TIAP implementation examples discussed in this review are relevant to the support framework for environmental sustainability.

The VAGO report found VicForests continues to improve an already effective process for estimating the sustainable harvest level and is well equipped to modify its processes over time. It also recommended DEPI improve its documentation of decisions affecting harvesting locations in order to improve protection of forest values, and to establish measures, monitoring and data to identify progress in sustainably managing timber resources and related outcomes such as protecting endangered species from harvesting

impacts. The Auditor-General noted that this has been identified by DEPI and is being addressed, for example by new forest monitoring measures and data collection. Future industry reviews will benefit from this data.

In the last three years, DEPI has made significant improvements to the way it collects forest monitoring data. The new Victorian Forest Monitoring Program is considered best practice and combined with data collected from other agencies it has informed a comprehensive 2013 State of the Forests Report.

The VAGO report also called for DEPI to developan“overarchinggoalforstateforest management” and for DEPI to undertakemore“proactive”and“holistic”long term planning for the industry. VAFI welcomes these recommendations to assist collaboration among all industry stakeholders.

DEPI is developing a framework for the creation of the next generation of management plans for the State forest estate. This framework will provide for the development of a suite of overarching goals for State forest management. DEPI is also developing a strategy to articulate the long term goals, strategic priorities and guiding principles for the management of the whole public land estate not just State forest.

Fire Management

2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Recommendation 56: The State

fund and commit to implementing a long-term program of prescribed burning

based on an annual rolling target of 5 per cent minimum of public land.

DEPI has adopted a strategic, risk-based approach to bushfire management. DEPI uses strategic bushfire management planning to identify the most effective options to reduce bushfire risk, and reports annually on the effectiveness of fuel management activities. DEPI undertakes stakeholder and community engagement to understand local priorities and values, and conducts ongoing monitoring and scientific research on how ecosystems respond to fire and the relationship between fire, water, carbon and ecological outcomes, to inform future fire management decisions47.

The Victorian Government is funding measures to implement the recommendations48 of the Royal Commission into 2009 Bushfires49. This year’s budget included the following three measures:

•Ondaysofhighbushfirerisk,preformed incident management teams will be available to ensure that Victorian communities are better protected ($11.6 million) to improve the quality and timeliness of bushfire responses.

•$10milliontoupgradeinfrastructuretosupport fire suppression efforts and the expanded planned burning program.

•Fundingof$39.7millionfortheregional connectivity program includes improvements to mobile phone coverage in black spot areas. This will increase the safety of residents in fire and flood prone areas in regional Victoria.

VAFI continues to contribute to the DEPI Land and Fire Management Stakeholder Roundtable and the Far East Gippsland Roundtable, providing feedback from the industry on fire management methods and gaining information from the Victorian Government and other stakeholders.

All commercial forestry operators must comply with the Code of Practice for Timber Production 200750 in order to fulfil their obligations to regenerate harvested coupes. In 2014 DEPI undertook a review of all the rules that apply to harvesting operations as part of TIAP implementation. Previously, over 80 documents contained references to harvesting operating rules. A draft Code has been prepared51 and consultation from stakeholders, including VAFI, has been sought during this year.

Regeneration Source: VicForests

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Wood is a renewable resource that stores carbon. As forests grow, they take carbon out of the atmosphere through the carbon cycle. When the wood is harvested and used to make wood products, the carbon remains locked in the wood for the life of the product. Some 50 per cent of the dry weight of wood is carbon. By using more responsibly sourced wood in our built environment over carbon intensive materials such as aluminium, steel or concrete, we can reduce carbon emissions and store carbon through this renewable resource. Substituting sustainably sourced wood products for carbon intensive products could reduce the embodied emissions of a typical house by up to 18 tonnes over its life53. Increasingly, consumers of forest products understand and seek these advantages.

A 2014 Yale University-led study has found that using more wood and less steel and concrete in building and bridge

Industry contribution to fire management

construction would substantially reduce global carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel consumption.

Despite a forest conservation theory that tree harvesting should be strictly minimized to prevent the loss of biodiversity and to maintain carbon storage capacity, this new study shows that sustainable management of wood resources can achieve both goals while also reducing fossil fuel burning54.

The Victorian Forest Monitoring Programme, which commenced in 2011, has enabled the publication of Victorian forests’ carbon related statistics for the first time. The total forest biomass and total carbon in Victorian Public Forests is 2.05 billion tonnes (above ground) and 1.02 billion tonnes (below ground). It is estimated that these numbers have experienced almost no change since 1988 despite natural disturbance by fire, drought and flood55.

Large plantation owners in Victoria are required to fund and run Forest Industry

Brigades by the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 if they have in excess of 500 ha

of plantation within a 25 km radius.

Environmental Management SystemsAn Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured system designed to help an organisation manage its environmental impacts and improve environmental performance caused by its products, services and activities. It covers areas such as training, record management, inspections, objectives and policies. ISO 14001 is the international standard for the forest industry.

Of the respondents to the VAFI Members Survey 2014, 64% either have a formal EMS in place or are in the process of implementing one. A further 27% of respondents are considering an EMS.

Climate Change and Carbon

The carbon sequestration opportunities from forestry and

timber are one of the industry’s most important attributes

13

In 2013 there were 22 Forest Industry Brigades with around 700 members registered across Victoria. Generally, the owners of the specific asset being protected provide much of the equipment and pay for staff members to attend fires. CFA sets standards, provides training and some equipment.

Many of the forest managers are professional foresters with additional training in fire behaviour and backgrounds in forest fire fighting. Forestry companies regularly attend callouts to fires on third party land and many take a shared responsibility view together with CFA, as advocated by the

2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. In its 2014 submission regarding the Application of the Fire Services Levy to Forestry Plantations, VAFI submits and details that the forestry industry makes a significant financial investment in fire prevention and suppression52.

Sustainability

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14

Sustainability

Key recommendations

Protection of known colonies of Leadbeater’s Possum using a 200 metre timber harvesting exclusion zone; working together with VicForests and the community to identify new colonies; delaying harvesting for 2 years in areas of anticipated high probability of occupancy. Review of the exclusion zone after 2 years or once 200 new colonies are located whichever comes first.

Protection of habitat by the Victorian Government introducing a 100 metre buffer to protect old growth forest and amending the definition of Leadbeater’s Possum Zone 1A habitat.

From July 2014, VicForests to introduce regrowth retention harvesting in 50 per cent of the area of ash forest harvested within Leadbeater’s Possum range. This is a new and significant change, with research, planning and implementation guidelines to be developed in consultation with DEPI. The target for retention harvesting to move towards 100% if system proves operationally achievable.

Targeting future old growth ash forests for to achieve a 30% target within each Leadbeater’s Possum Land Management Unit.

Fire management of known colonies and high quality habitat.

Ancillary supporting actions such as nest boxes, acceleration of hollow development and feasibility study of translocation.

Community engagement – environment and industry groups; monitoring activities; education programs; government review of actions in 4 years (2 years for exclusion zones) and government reporting on implementation process every 6 months.

VAFI welcomes the Advisory Group report as a positive initiative working to balance biodiversity outcomes with a healthy, sustainable timber industry. The commitment to ongoing research and monitoring of the Leadbeater’s

Conservation of threatened species: Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group

The Black Saturday bushfires of 2009 had a significant impact on Victoria’s faunal emblem, the Leadbeater’s Possum, as well as the landscape of the Central Highlands forests. In 2013 the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security established the Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group. The Advisory Group was co-convened by VAFI and Zoos Victoria, with representation from Parks Victoria, VicForests and the Leadbeater’s Possum Recovery Team with a brief to provide recommendations to Ministers focussed on supporting the recovery of the possum while maintaining

Possum will ensure that future decisions are made using the best available data and knowledge. Implementation of the government-agreed recommendations will mean a reduction of up to 5 per cent in ash sawlog availability, in addition

to the 25 per cent reduction in sawlog availability as a consequences of the 2009 fires. The recommendations represent real and significant changes to local timber industry operations and the broader industry.

a sustainable timber industry.

The Advisory Group consulted with a broad range of experts, industry and community stakeholders using best available information, science and modelling to inform its recommendations. The Advisory Group

delivered its report to government in January 2014 and in April 2014 the Victorian Government announced its acceptance of all the Advisory Group recommendations, supported by $11 million funding to implement the agreed actions over the next five years56.

Source: VicForests

Source: VicForests

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Victoria’s public land forests are managed within a Sustainable Forest Management System57 to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 (Vic) including a wide range of instructions and controls to ensure the regulatory requirements are met by VicForests and DEPI. Internal and external audits are rigorously undertaken to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice for Timber Production58, Forest Management Plans, Action Statements and internal requirements.

Victoria’s criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management are consistent with the criteria defined through the 1995 Montreal Process59, and complement the Framework of Regional (Sub-National) Level Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management in Australia. The 45 indicators inform Victorians on progress toward sustainable forest management. Performance against each indicator is reported on a five-yearly basis through Victoria’s State of the Forests Report60.

Independent, third-party certification is conducted every three years under the Australian Forestry Standard61 (aligned to the global Programme for the Endorsement

Sustainability

of Forest Certification62, the world’s largest forest certification scheme). The Australian Forestry Standard was amended in 2012/13 to account for stakeholder expectations, new scientific and technological information, and changes to international expectations relating to sustainable forest management63.

VicForests is certified to the Australian Forestry Standard, and undertakes surveillance audits every six months. Independent Regulatory Forest Audit Program64(“FAP”)audits,managedby DEPI, are also performed each year as well as internal audits conducted by VicForests.

The structure of the FAP was redesigned by DEPI in 2014. DEPI audit the regulatory requirements across the full timber harvesting lifecycle, this being:

•CoupePlanning,HarvestingandCoupe Closure

•HarvestAreaLimits

•RegenerationandFinalisation65.

Regular auditing ensures agencies are up to date with all regulatory requirements and encourages innovation and fresh approaches to ongoing system practices and improvements66.

DEPI’s redesign of the FAP in 2014 is a positive response to recommendations in the VAGO report which will lead to more and better data in monitoring sustainable forest harvesting throughout all parts of the lifecycle.

“DEPI’s and VicForests’

approaches to

managing native forest

timber harvesting are

designed to protect

forest values. VicForests

is generally managing

its responsibilities to

protect forest values from

potential timber harvesting

impacts well, and audits

of its operations have

identified that it largely

complies with regulatory

and other requirements”67.

Forest management and certification

15

Source: VicForests

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16

SustainabilityThe Forest Stewardship Council68 (FSC) also provides certification of forest management and chain of custody, which gives assurance that a wood product has been sourced from certified and acceptable sources. FSC Australia is in the process of developing a National Standard, due for completion by 2015.

Half the respondents to the 2014 VAFI members survey indicated their businesses were fully certified. Over 40% had chain of custody certification and another 42% were investigating certification for their business.

It is relevant to note that VicForests this year has determined to commence the FSC certification process stating its intent to undergo an audit against the Controlled Wood standard in the first half of 2015 with a view to seeking full FSC Forest Management Certification at a later date69.

VAFI is a member of both AFS and FSC Australia.

certified certified

2011-12AFS 10mha

FSC .965mha

2012-13AFS 10.4mha

FSC 1.2mha

Forests & plantations certified

Source: Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

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17

The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) is the peak body for the Victorian forest and wood products industry.

The forest and wood products industry in Victoria is a dynamic sector of the economy, and VAFI represents the entire lifecycle of forestry products, including forest growers, harvest and haul businesses, wood and paper processors, and associated businesses across both the native forest and plantations sectors.

VAFI strives to protect and promote the forest and wood products industry’s commitment to Victoria’s economy and community, as well as it ongoing sustainability. VAFI works collaboratively with its members, industry stakeholders, the community and governments to achieve this goal.

About VAFIIn working towards this vision, our values are:•Leadership–VAFIisrecognisedas

the ‘voice’ for the Victorian forest and wood products industry.

•Knowledgeandinnovation–we develop credible and smart solutions and innovative ways for VAFI’s service delivery.

•Strongrelationships–withourmembers and partners based on respect, communication and collaboration.

•Action–VAFIisresponsiveandefficient. Value is measured through what we and our partners achieve.

VAFI’s work includes:•Representingourmembersandthe

Victorian forest and wood products industry to all levels of government, the community, other agencies and organisations;

•Developingpolicyandstrategytosupport VAFI’s vision;

•Researching,analysingandadvocatingkey industry and related issues;

•Supportingmembersonindustrialrelations, training and education, occupational health and safety and environmental management issues; and

•Developingandmaintainingpartnerships and collaborations for continuous industry improvement.

VAFI’s vision is:“To ensure an economically, environmentally

and socially sustainable future for Victoria’s forest

and wood products industry”

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18

Governance and stakeholdersMembershipVAFI’s members include organisations involved with forest and wood products processing, pulp and paper manufacturing, plantation growing and harvest and haulage.

Full membersAny person, firm or company who is or usually is an employer carrying out tree-growing, sawmilling or processing of timber, kiln seasoning of timber or independent logging operations in Victoria or adjacent areas.

Associate membersAny person, firm, partnership, company, corporation, association (whether incorporated or not) or unincorporated body involved in the forest and wood products industry.

Affiliate membersOther industry associations

Full MembersAG Brown Arbuthnot SawmillsAustralian PaperAustralian Sustainable HardwoodAuswest TimbersBlue Ridge HardwoodsDindi SawmillFenning BairnsdaleHallmark OaksHVP PlantationsMidwayMontana Timber HoldingsPowelltown SawmillPyrenees TimberSouth East Fibre ExportsReid Bros TimberRyan & McNulty Sawmills

Associate MembersA E Gibson & SonsBritton TimbersJacobs Creek ContractorsMathews TimberMcCormack Demby Timber

Affiliate MembersVictorian Forest Contractors Association (VFCA)

ManagementThe VAFI Executive Committee is comprised of a President, four vice-presidents and three Executive Committee members. All Executive Committee members represent VAFI member businesses and as a body, they set the policy agenda for the Association and provide oversight of VAFI’s management activities. VAFI CEO, Tim Johnston, manages the Association on a day-to-day basis and is assisted by Jillian Roscoe, Policy and Projects Manager. The pre-existing role of Public Affairs Manager is currently being partly outsourced and partly absorbed by staff, whilst contract staff provides IT, finance and industrial relations support.

Executive Committee Members

PresidentJulian Mathers, Australian Paper

Vice PresidentsBob Humphreys, Hallmark OaksGreg McNulty, Ryan & McNulty SawmillersMichael Taylor, MidwayVince Hurley, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

Executive committee membersPeter Rutherford, South East Fibre ExportsRowan Reid, Reid Bros SawmillersMalcom Warnock, Victorian Forest Contractors AssociationMick Brady, Victorian Forest Contractors Association (alternate)

VAFI staffLisa Marty, Chief Executive Officer (to January 2014)Tim Johnston, Chief Executive Officer (from January 2014)Jillian Roscoe, Policy and Projects ManagerShaun Ratcliff, Media Manager (to April 2014)Peter Ryan, Industrial Relations AdviserSean Chua, IT Manager

VAFI memberships and affiliationsIn 2013-14 VAFI was a member or affiliate of the following organisations:•AssociationsForum•AustralianForestProductsAssociation•AustralianForestryStandardLtd•AustralianIndustryGroup•AustralasianSocietyofAssociationExecutives•FirstSuper(shareholder)•ForestStewardshipCouncilAustralia•TimberCommunitiesAustralia•TimberTrainingCreswick•WoodProductsVictoria

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Governance and stakeholdersRepresenting the Victorian forest and wood products industryVAFI or its staff held positions on the following committees, councils, groups and taskforces:

•DEPILandandFireManagementStakeholderRoundtable

•DEPIFarEastGippslandRoundtable

•East Gippsland industry options for transition Working Group

•ForestOperatorsLicensingSystemSteeringCommittee

•ForestryRegulatoryFrameworkProjectReferenceGroup

•ForestIndustryCouncil

•FreightIndustryMinisterialRoundtable

•Leadbeater’sPossumAdvisoryGroup

•VictorianForestTrainingAdvisoryCommittee,andSkills and Employment Council, Forestworks

•WildDogManagementStakeholderForum

•WomeninPrimaryIndustriesAdvisoryPanel

SponsorshipsIn 2013-14 VAFI sponsored the following:

•DANAconference

•FriendsofForestryCommunityCampaign

•TimberDesignAwards2014

•WoodInnovationsconference

SubmissionsVAFI made submissions in 2013-14 on the following issues

and policy documents:

•AustralianGovernment’sEconomicReviewof South Australia and Victoria

•CommentsonVicForestsTimberSalesProcessand Agreement

•DraftFloraandFaunaGuaranteeActionStatements

•DraftCodeofPracticeforTimberHarvesting Operations 2014

•FireServicesPropertyLevyBusinessCase

•GippslandRegionalGrowthPlan

•Inquiryintoopportunitiesforincreasingexportsofgoods and services from regional Victoria

•InquiryintotheEnvironmentalProtectionandBiodiversityConservation Amendment (Bilateral Agreement Implementation) Bill 2014 and Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Cost Recovery) Bill 2014.

•RoadSafetyRemunerationOrder

•WaterBillExposureDraft

•YarraRangesShireCouncilEnvironmentStrategy

VAFI Annual DinnerAs the peak body for the forest and wood products industry, towards the end of each calendar year, VAFI hosts an Annual Dinner. The event is an opportunity for members and stakeholders of Victoria’s forest and wood products industry to network, showcase VAFI and showcase the industry and its achievements in a relaxed atmosphere.

The 2013 VAFI Annual Dinner attracted more than 240 attendees, consisting of government and political representatives, industry representatives, industry association representatives and media. Speakers included the Hon. Peter Walsh MP, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, and Peter Maddison, Architect and Host of ‘Grand Designs Australia’.

19

Sustainable Forestry Council (SFC)The Sustainable Forestry Council (SFC) provides a forum in which VAFI can discuss issues with a range of stakeholders with an interest in Victorian forestry policy and from perspectives such as research and education, local communities, Indigenous groups, renewable energy and sustainable building.In 2013-14 the SFC discussed topics as diverse as social licence, sustainable procurement and outcomes from the Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group. The SFC also plays a role in reviewing and guiding the development of VAFI’s Industry Review.

“The SFC has continued to hold

independent discussions on issues

of relevance to the forest and wood

products industry, at times challenging

the status quo and creating an

opportunity to explore the wider

implications for VAFI and the industry.

I am pleased the forest and wood

products industry has the foresight

to encourage this as it will ensure a

sustainable approach beyond the day

to day challenges of which there are

undoubtedly many.”

– Geoff Mabbett, Chair of SFC

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20

Community Engagement Award (sponsored by Regional Development Victoria)Encouragement and recognition for initiatives that contribute to the social and cultural wellbeing of regional communities

•AustralianSustainableHardwoods For their efforts in disaster recovery and their support of local

businesses and local employment opportunities with the operations of ASH contributing close to $6 million to local businesses in the past year alone. These initiatives demonstrate commitment to community engagement, and the social and cultural wellbeing of Heyfield and other nearby towns

•Ryan&McNultySawmillers For the continued support they offer to a number of community

events, sporting clubs and charities. This includes the Benalla Racing Club and annual festival, of which Ryan & McNulty are major sponsors. Ryan & McNulty Sawmillers don’t just provide money through sponsorships; they provide ongoing support to the community, in particular to the Racing Club to enable it to develop into a well-respected racing and conference facility

Innovation Award (sponsored by First Super)Encouragement and recognition for the adoption of innovative equipment or approaches that result in increased productivity, new value-added products or access to new markets

•AustralianPaper For the development of a Paper Recycling Plant in Maryvale,

in the La Trobe Valley. Approved and announced in October 2012 and with initial production expected in mid 2014, when completed this will be Australia’s only recycled paper de-inking plant. In total $90 million is being invested into this project, including support from the federal and state governments.

Occupational health and safety Award (sponsored by PF Olsen)Encouragement and recognition for initiatives that systematically improve the health, safety and welfare of employees of the organisation

•Australian Sustainable Hardwoods For their commitment to health, safety and employee

wellbeing through their safety culture, which is embraced by employees and the ASH leadership team. This commitment is demonstrated through the priority given to safety issues at board and executive meetings, resourcing through purchasing decisions and staff training, in communications to staff and their families, and the development of a safety notification and corrective actions database and its use to significantly reduce the number of items identified as high risk.

•HVPPlantations For the implementation of ‘The Vault’ OH&S software package

to efficiently capture, store, analyse and communicate OH&S information. The new system has resulted in increased effectiveness in reporting and better communication between staff and management.

Environmental sustainability (sponsored by Net Balance)Encouragement and recognition for initiatives that systematically improve the environmental performance of the organisation.

•FenningBairnsdale For the installation of 396 solar panels at their Bairnsdale

facility,providing90Kwtothemill’skilns–whichoperate24 hours a day, 7 days a week to dry timber. This is the first large-scale Victorian commercial solar project undertaken outside of Melbourne, and has resulted in a 20% reduction in the amount of grid power required by the facility.

Skills and Training (sponsored by Timber Training Creswick)Encouragement and recognition for initiatives that improve the industry’s reputation as an ‘employer of choice’ accredited training and professional development programs

•Ryan&McNultySawmillers For their continuous efforts in investing in staff training, and

their ongoing focus on employee satisfaction and mental wellbeing. Ryan & McNulty Sawmillers are renowned for up-skilling a significant amount of their staff. This year, not only are 92% of their employees currently undertaking a nationally recognised training certificate or degree, they are continuously improving their skills and building on their previous qualifications and skills

Lifetime Service AwardVAFI also awarded its fifth lifetime service award at the Annual Dinner. This award recognises the lifetime of beneficial service to the forest and wood products industry. The winner for 2013 was Greg McCormack.

Greg has been in the forest and wood products industry for 35 years, and is co-owner of McCormack Demby Timbers, Chairman of the Boards of both Midway Pty Ltd, and the national industry peak body, the Australian Forest Products Association.

Greg has extensive experience in the Australian forests industry, has taken leadership roles in the industry’s association since the late 1970s and has also served on numerous advisory bodies representing the industry, such as the Forest and Wood Products Council, reviews of the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation and others, sometimes at the request of Federal Ministers.

AwardsEach year, the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) recognises those members who have gone beyond compliance and made strategic improvements in their business, helping to build and secure the future of the Victorian forest and wood products industry. The purpose, sponsor and recipient of each award in 2013 were:

Page 25: Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014€¦ · Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014. Front cover photo credit: Arthur Rylah Institute . I am

AcknowledgementsThe Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI)

Level 2, 2 Market Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000

T: +613 9611 9000

F: +613 9611 9011

www.vafi.org.au

[email protected]

@VAFIOnline

Design & Print Management

70 St Georges Road South,Fitzroy North, 3129Telephone +613 407 322 527www.pixandwordz.com

Printing

6 Rocklea Drive, Port Melbourne, 3207Telephone +613 8698 3233www.bambrapress.com.au

323kgCO2-eSaved

3kgCO2-eSaved

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3kgCO2-eSaved

By choosing to print on Australian madeENVI Recycled carbon neutral paper wehelped reduce global greenhouse gasemissions by more than 323 kgs CO2e.

RECYCLEDCarbon Neutral Paper

21

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22

1 Abbott, Tony Address to the 2014 ForestWorks Dinner, Canberra ACT 4 March 2014

2 J. Schirmer, M. Mylek & J. Morison, Socio-Economic characteristics of Victoria’s forestry industries, 2009-2012 (Schirmer 2013) p.3

3 State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, State of the Forests Report 2013, (Victoria SFR 2013), p. 43

4 Sales and Service income in forest product industries = total wood products and paper + paper products, from ABARES via email 2/9/2014 to be included in updated AFWPS statistics release November 2014.

5 http://data.daff.gov.au/data/warehouse/aplnsd9ablf002/aplnsd9ablf0022013/AustPlantationStats_2013_v.1.0.0.pdf, Gavran, 2013, Australian plantation statistics 2013 update, ABARES technical report 13.3, Canberra, Mayp.9 Table 3

6 Improvements in DEPI’s VFMP, use of technology such as GIS and remapping which refined the scale ratio have led to different area calculations – see generally, Victoria SFR 2013 p. 53

7 Victoria SFR 2013 p.226

8 VicForests Area Statement 2013

9 Australian Government Department of Agriculture, ABARES: Australian Forest and Wood Products Statistics: September & December Quarters, 2013, May 2014, detailed tables (AFWPS Statistics)

10 Ibid

11 Montreal Process Implementation Group for Australia and National Forest Inventory Steering Committee, 2013, Australia’s State of the Forests Report 2013, ABARES, Canberra, December CC BY 3.0, p.365 (Australia SFR 2013)

12 Australian Forestry Standard Limited Annual Review of Activities 2012-13, p.6 & 7

13 Victoria SFR 2013 p.92

14 Between 2008 and 2012, DEPI remapped the Victorian public land management (tenure) base layer, refining its scale from 1:100,000 to 1:25,000. This improvement in the precision and accuracy of boundaries resulted in some change to area estimates: Victoria SFR 2013

15 Victoria SFR 2013 p.53

16 Schirmer 2013 p.13

17 Victoria SFR 2013 p. 193

18 Australian Government Department of Industry, ForestWorks Industry Skills Council, Forest, Wood, Paper and Timber Products Industry, 2014 Environmental Skills Scan (ForestWorks ISC Environmental Skills Scan 2014)

19 ForestWorks ISC Environmental Skills Scan 2014 p.6

20 ForestWorks ISC Environmental Skills Scan 2014 p.5

21 For a full list of skills and present and future training needs across all industry sectors, see: ForestWorks ISC Environmental Skills Scan 2014 pp 10-22

22 ISF Discussion Paper, Department of Industry 2014

23 AFWPS Statistics

24 Ibid

25 Victoria SFR 2013 p.146

26 Victoria SFR 2013 p.147

27 Victoria SFR 2013 p.148

28 Ibid

29 Full table of technology projects at Victoria SFR 2013 pp. 151-152

30 ForestWorks ISC Environmental Skills Scan 2014 p.4

31 Australia SFR 2013 p.358

32 Victoria SFR 2013 p. 193

33 VAGO Report Dec 2013

34 Cameron Consulting, Socio-economics of the Forest & Forest Products Industry in Victoria, Report prepared for VAFI, p. 3

35 Victoria SFR 2013 p.174

36 Schirmer 2013 p.13

37 VAFI Sustainability Report 2012

38 ForestWorks ISC Environmental Skills Scan 2014 Appendix 2 – 2012 Enrolments in Training Packages

39 Schirmer 2013 p.4

40 Schirmer 2013 p.13

41 Stewart Dr H.T.L., Young, B. and Williams, D.F. (2012) Socio-Economic Impact of the Timber Industry in Gippsland Report prepared for the Department of Planning and Community Development Victoria, Wangaratta: Trees Victoria Incorporated

42 2013 Australian Timber Design Award Winner: Lend Lease for Forté at Victoria Harbour.

43 2014 Australian Timber Design Award & Excellence in Timber Design – Multi Residential – New Buildings Winner: Bates Smart, in collaboration with Irwin Allsop Group for Dandenong Mental Health Facility. Photograph by John Gollings.

44 2014 Excellence in Timber Design – Public or Commercial Buildings Winner: Lend Lease for Library at the Dock. Photograph by Dianna Snape, Emma Cross.

45 2014 Excellence in Timber Design – Residential Class 1 – New Buildings Winner: Maddison Architects for Cabin 2. Photograph by Will Watt.

46 Victoria SFR 2013, p.45 There are Acts and Regulations which are not discussed in this Report including the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010, Climate Change Act 2010 and other amendments to existing legislation. Full information may be found at Victoria SFR 2013 pp45-46.

47 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/fire-and-emergencies/managing-risk-and-learning-about-managing-fire/managing-bushfire-risk

48 http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/assets/vbrc-final-report-recommendations.pdf

49 Victorian Budget 2014-2015 Rural and Regional Information Paper, see: http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/Publications/State-Budget-publications/2014-15-State-Budget/2014-15-Budget-Papers p.29

50 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/timber-production/timber-harvesting-regulation/code-of-practice-for-timber-production

51 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/249691/Code-of-Practice-for-timber-harvesting-operations-2014-DRAFT.pdf

52 Application of the Fire Services Levy to Forestry Plantations (2013) Department of Premier and Cabinet, State of Victoria

53 http://www.conference.alcas.asn.au/2011/Carre_Session1A_01032011.pdf RMIT University

54 Chadwick Dearing Oliver, Nedal T. Nassar, Bruce R. Lippke & James B. McCarter (2014) Carbon, Fossil Fuel, and Biodiversity Mitigation With Wood and Forests, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 33:3, 248-275, DOI: 10.1080/10549811.2013.839386 at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2013.839386

55 Victoria SFR 2013 p.39

56 The full Advisory Group report is available at: www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/wildlife/leadbeaters-possum

57 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/forest-management/forest-sustainability/criteria-and-indicators

58 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/timber-production/timber-harvesting-regulation/code-of-practice-for-timber-production

59 http://www.montrealprocess.org/

60 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/forest-management/state-of-the-forests-report

61 http://www.forestrystandard.org.au/

62 http://www.pefc.org/

63 http://www.vicforests.com.au/vicforests-certification/afs

64 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/timber-production/timber-harvesting-regulation/monitoring-compliance-and-auditing

65 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/forestry-and-land-use/timber-production/timber-harvesting-regulation/monitoring-compliance-and-auditing

66 Victorian Timber Industry Fact Sheet – produced for the Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group, 2013 p.5

67 http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/file_uploads/20131211-Timber-Resources_G7jrGrMx.pdf p.46

68 http://au.fsc.org/index.htm

69 http://www.vicforests.com.au/www/content/defaults.asvp?cid=1245&fid=1242

Endnotes

Page 27: Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014€¦ · Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014. Front cover photo credit: Arthur Rylah Institute . I am
Page 28: Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014€¦ · Securing the Future Victorian Forest Industry Review 2014. Front cover photo credit: Arthur Rylah Institute . I am

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