Guidelines for Plantation Forestry in South Australia 2009

Foreword

Hon Paul Caica Minister for ForestsSince plantation forestry began in the late 19th century in South Australia, the forest industry has been a leader in managing ecologically sustainable plantation forestry. The industry has maintained high standards of land management, environmental protection and viability of the forest estate. The resource has created many down stream jobs and underpinned regional economic activity.

In recent years, the Commonwealth and State Governments have made a commitment to the plantation forest industry, with the aim of reducing the amount of timber imports and the nation’s reliance on products sourced from native forests. This has seen an expansion in areas established to plantation forests across the higher rainfall regions of South Australia. Further potential also exists in medium to low rainfall regions with the emergence of carbon off-set programs and forestry established for natural resource and bio-energy management benefits.

Concurrently, the issues of water and food security, sustainable land management, impacts of climate change and environmental protection are at the forefront of community thinking. In addition, consumers demand that primary producers can demonstrate their ability to sustainably manage production systems, natural resources and relationships within regional communities. The forest industry, therefore, has a responsibility to engage with all stakeholders, and participate in multi-sectorial decisions at a local, regional and state level.

The timing of the review of guideline documents for the South Australian Forest Industry is therefore appropriate and necessary. The Guidelines for Plantation Forestry in South Australia 2009 will supersede previous state forest industry guidelines and provides a framework for the establishment and management of the forest estate, including mandatory requirements and additional forest industry practices.

Implementing forest management practices consistent with the Guidelines for Plantation Forestry in South Australia 2009 will ensure that the South Australian Forest Industry continues to demonstrate to the wider community its capacity to be part of a sustainable future, while operating in a commercial framework.

In South Australia, the Forest Industry is the only primary production group to have its own guidelines that address environmental, social and economic expectations that have been developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

As Minister for Forests, I endorse these guidelines, and look forward to supporting the sustainable growth of the South Australian Forest Industry.

PAUL CAICA
MINISTER FOR FORESTS