According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), in 2018-2019, the forest industry generated $23.9 billion of sales and service income and employed around 52,000 people.*
The Australian Furniture Association are working closely with the timber industry as many of our members are directly impacted by changes in legislation and the rise of importation from overseas.
Each state and territory has its own set of forestry laws and regulations, which govern the management and use of forests, including harvesting, logging, reforestation, and conservation.
Some of the key forestry regulations in Australia include:
- Forest Management Plans: These plans outline the objectives, strategies, and actions for managing forests and are required by law in most states and territories.
- Harvesting regulations: These regulations govern the methods and timing of harvesting, as well as the size and location of logging operations.
- Environmental regulations: These regulations aim to protect biodiversity, water quality, and other environmental values, and include measures such as buffer zones, rehabilitation requirements, and environmental impact assessments.
- Forest certification schemes: These schemes provide independent verification that forestry practices are sustainable and socially responsible, and are recognized by many buyers of timber products.
- Fire management regulations: These regulations aim to prevent and manage bushfires, including measures such as fire bans, firebreaks, and fuel reduction programs.
In addition to these regulations, there are also various industry codes of practice and voluntary standards that guide forest management in Australia, such as the Australian Forestry Standard and the Forest Stewardship Council certification.
To ensure that the forestry industry is thriving and succeeds, it’s main goal is to balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of forest management, while ensuring the sustainable use and conservation.
The AFA has a strong working relationship with many member organisations such as Responsible Wood, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, Forest Lands Consulting, Forest and Woods Products Australia as well as many other advocates that we consult and collaborate with to ensure that our association is across any updates and changes with legislation.
Responsible Wood
Pioneers in development of certification standards for managing forests sustainable in Australia and New Zealand. They have also developed chain of custody standards that ensure forest products are from sustainable sources through transparent supply chains.
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods
One of the largest hardwood mills and timber manufacturers in Australia. Valuing innovation, efficiency and sustainability, ASH source timber from regrowth forests and 100% of each log received is used.
Forestlands Consulting
Operating for over 20 years, Forestlands Consulting provide highly experienced forest industry related consulting services throughout Australia and across the globe. They specialise in temperate and tropical forest management, forest based timber processing and related marketing advocacy.
Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA)
A not-for-profit company that provides national, integrated research and development services to the Australian forest and wood products industry. They are committed to helping the forest and wood products industry to be collaborative, innovative, sustainable and competitive against other industries and products available in the marketplace.
Stay tuned – To support our members with knowledge and updates, the AFA will be launching multi-part series diving into the Timber Industry.