The Queensland government has released for consultation the Queensland Timber Plantation Strategy 2020 which sets out the way forward for the industry post the sale of Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ).
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin, says the strategy signals a change of role for the government from direct ownership of timber plantations, to one of leadership and direction-setting.
The strategy's five key themes include:
- improved land-use planning framework for timber plantations
- supportive legislative and policy frameworks
- facilitating new investment in timber plantations
- targeted industry development support
- strengthening community support for timber plantations.
"There are inconsistent planning and assessment processes across Queensland, with disproportionate levels of assessment being adopted," Mulherin says. "In response a mandatory timber plantation assessment code under the Queensland Planning Provisions will be developed, in conjunction with local government, to deliver regulatory consistency and certainty for new timber plantations."
The Timber Industry in Queensland includes in excess of 2,000 businesses, contributes around $4 billion annually to the state's economy, and directly employs around 18,000 people.
