Forest Industries Advisory Council of SA
The Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) provides an ongoing platform for government, industry and other stakeholders to work together.
It delivers an agreed priority works program, advising the Minister for Forest Industries about emerging considerations for the forestry and forest products sector. This information supports development across the state and the value chain in South Australia.
FIAC-SA uses the skills and networks of its membership to facilitate consultation and engagement. The council acts as a high-level conduit to address identified economic opportunities and challenges.
Work program and reporting
FIAC-SA is developing a work program for consideration and endorsement by the Minister for Forest Industries. Key performance indicators will be associated with these priority areas:
- Providing advice on:
- domestic manufacturing and infrastructure master planning
- future workforce requirements.
- Undertaking tasks as requested by the Minister.
- Developing an annual:
- work plan to be approved by the Minister
- report outlining the workings and achievement of the council, provided to the Minister.
FIAC-SA membership
Council members will reflect contemporary needs of the industry across South Australia. Membership is voluntary.
FIAC-SA members are selected by the Minister for their expertise, understanding of forestry issues, and ability to consider the long-term interests of the industry. Areas of interest include:
- infrastructure and manufacturing – master planning, future workforce and diversification
- training – cross border harmonisation, skills development
- resource management – water, securing and increasing the plantation forest estate
- climate change mitigation.
Where possible, the council will include representatives from across the supply chain and workforce in:
- growing
- processing
- harvest and haulage
- biomass or hydrogen
- affiliated service providers and retail (domestic and export).
Members are appointed for up to 4 years. They may be removed from the council at the Minister’s absolute discretion.
FIAC-SA will operate for a period ending 30 June 2026, when a review of the council and its terms of reference will be undertaken. At the request of the Minister, a review may be undertaken before this date.
Council structure
The Minister will appoint 2 co-chairs who will alternate chairing duties each meeting.
Secretariat functions will be provided by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.
Industry members
Membership will include nominations from the following organisations:
- a maximum of 2 members nominated by each:
- the South Australian Forest Products Association
- an organisation representing employees in the forest industry
- 1 member nominated by each:
- the South Australian Timber Processors Association
- the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub
- the Green Triangle Forest Contractors Group
- 1 member with experience and knowledge in skills and training
- additional members as the Minister requires.
Agency members
High level executive membership from key agencies will be appointed representing:
- Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA)
- Department for Environment and Water (DEW)
- Department for Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS)
- Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT)
- Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF).
These members will either be the CE or a senior executive.
Sub-committees
Sub-committees of FIAC-SA members may be established for specific purposes as required and agreed by the council.
Current members
| Member | Role or organisation |
|---|---|
| Tammy Auld | Co-chair |
| Michelle Ingley-Smith | Co-chair |
| Peter Badenoch | South Australian Timber Processors Association |
| Alicia Langfield | National Timber and Hardware Association |
| Laurie Hein | Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub |
| Adrian Flowers | Green Triangle Forest Contractors Group |
| Cathy Bell | OneFortyOne Wood Products |
| Travis Lawson | Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union |
| Jo Collins | Department of Primary Industries and Regions |
| Dan Jordan | Department for Environment and Water |
| Andrew Dunbar | Department of State Development |
| Andrew Excell | Department for Infrastructure and Transport |
| Vanessa McLoughlin | Department of Treasury and Finance |
Members must declare any conflict of interest arising from deliberations of the council, as soon as it has been identified. This may include any interest, business, or other relationship that could be reasonably perceived to materially interfere with their ability to act in the best interests of a person fulfilling the role of a FIAC-SA member.
Members are required to treat all information provided to them, and the proceedings of all meetings of the council, as confidential.
Meetings
FIAC-SA will meet at least 4 times per year and may meet out of session, as requested by the Minister.
The council can convene a meeting through written request to the Minister from a majority of members. A quorum shall be a minimum of 5 non-government members.
Meetings can occur via electronic means. At least 1 meeting per year will be held in Mount Gambier.
If members are unable to attend, they may seek the Chair’s approval for their proxy to attend on their behalf. Proxies must uphold the same confidentiality and conflict of interest requirements as do appointed members.
Observers may attend meetings by agreement of members present.
Communiques
The eighth meeting of the Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) was held in Mount Gambier on Thursday 12 June 2025.
The meeting was hosted by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Forest Industries. The Minister acknowledged the ongoing progress and achievements of the South Australian forestry industries as the state celebrates 150 years of forestry with a gala dinner on Friday 13 June 2025.
Members accepted a revised Terms of Reference to improve the functioning of the Council and discussed industry and agency-wide developments influencing the state’s forest industries, including investment by industry despite flat market conditions, and impacts of unusually dry conditions on forestry re-establishment and management operations.
Members discussed continued progress toward the delivery of priority projects under the South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan and further input to finalise the annual review of the Master Plan. Master Plan projects nearing completion include the ‘State of South Australia’s Plantation Forests’ report, and the ‘Electric Log Truck trial – Stage 2’.
Additions to FIAC-SA’s Annual Work Plan were discussed, including a forward agenda of key topic presentations to maximise FIAC-SA as an ongoing platform for the government, industry and other stakeholders to work together for the growth and development of the state’s forest industries.
The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for September 2025.
The seventh meeting of the Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) was held in Adelaide on Wednesday 5 February 2025.
The Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Forest Industries hosted the meeting. The Minister acknowledged the continued progress toward the delivery of priority projects under the South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan (Master Plan), including those supporting industry data analysis and intelligence, workforce development and improved fire management.
The Minister also acknowledged FIAC-SA's ongoing contribution toward supporting the government's forestry priorities and highlighted the significance of the state's forest industries, particularly in the context of commemorating 150 years of commercial forestry in South Australia this year.
Members discussed the wider trade and industry developments influencing the forestry sector including the challenges and opportunities presented by these toward improved digital connectivity, transport, water management and investments.
An annual review of the Master Plan has commenced and aims to reflect on achievements to date and update priorities to account for changing trade and market environments.
Members met Professor Jeff Morrell, the inaugural Director of the Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE), and discussed the industry-focussed collaborative research and development activities, and the progress of the FCoE building project.
The Council's next meeting is to be scheduled for April 2025.
The sixth meeting of the Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) was held in Mount Gambier on Friday 29 November 2024.
The meeting was hosted by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Forest Industries. The Minister acknowledged the importance and diversity of forestry research occurring across Australia which had been discussed at a meeting of all Australia’s forestry ministers earlier in the day.
Members discussed the progress of projects under the South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan, including the ‘This is Wood Work’ campaign and its strong public engagement to date. Members noted the Master Plan is a living document which will be reviewed and updated in 2025.
Members discussed the provision of a contribution from the Master Plan fund toward the Treated Timber Stewardship Project, noting its alignment with the Master Plan priorities, specifically ‘Goal 3 – A clean green circular economy’.
Members discussed the progress of the Forestry Centre of Excellence research activities and building project, as well as opportunities to celebrate 150 years of forestry in South Australia in 2025.
The meeting also discussed PIRSA’s presentation on Kanyini – the first South Australian owned and manufactured satellite – and the opportunities for industry to utilise its thermal sensing and vegetation mapping capabilities.
FIAC-SA’s next meeting is to be scheduled for February 2025.
The fifth meeting of the Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) was held in Mount Gambier on Friday 23 August 2024.
A minute’s silence was observed to acknowledge a workplace fatality in the local industry and members reflected on the need for continued improvements and vigilance for work, health and safety in the workplace.
The meeting was hosted by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Forest Industries. The Minister acknowledged the progress of projects under the South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan, as well as activities planned to mark the 150 Year Commemoration of Forestry in South Australia in 2025.
A representative from the Limestone Coast Landscape Board discussed with members, the amendment process to revise the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan and how forest industries are being engaged in the process.
Members also discussed the artificial drainage network, which is managed by the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board, and its interaction with groundwater in the region.
Members made a recommendation to develop a Wood Encouragement Policy for South Australia.
Members noted the progress of the Forestry Centre of Excellence initiative.
The Council’s next meeting is to be scheduled for November 2024.
The fourth meeting of the Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) was held in Mount Gambier on Thursday 18 April 2024.
The meeting was hosted by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Forest Industries. The Minister acknowledged members' input toward the ‘South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan’, which was published on 29 February 2024.
Members discussed the approved initiatives to date and possible further projects to be funded that could deliver on the Master Plan’s strategic objectives. FIAC-SA’s working group will continue to meet to review the progress of projects and any proposals that are referred to it by the Minister.
Members noted the progress of the Forestry Centre of Excellence initiative.
The Council’s next meeting is to be scheduled for June 2024.
The third meeting of the Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) was held in Mount Gambier on Friday 10 November 2023.
The meeting was hosted by the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Forest Industries and discussions focused on finalising the industry master plan, provisionally titled ‘South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan’.
Members discussed the improved goals and strategic actions developed at the September workshop, and provided in-principle support for the plan, noting the ‘living’ nature of the document will allow for regular reviews to enable adjustments to meet evolving conditions.
The master plan will be finalised for endorsement out-of-session.
A working group was formed to develop the scope and budget of priority projects to be funded under the master plan.
The Council’s next meeting is to be scheduled for early 2024.
The second meeting of the Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) was held in Adelaide on Thursday 17 August 2023.
Developing the domestic manufacturing and infrastructure masterplan is a key component of FIAC-SA’s workplan. The meeting focussed on its development and agreed it would be inclusive of the entire forestry value chain, with manufacturing and infrastructure as significant components. The masterplan will be flexible to account for emerging priorities.
FIAC-SA will meet prior to its next meeting to workshop the draft masterplan and ensure alignment between objectives, actions and outcomes. There will be a key focus upon actions that can be initiated now and over the next 3 years.
FIAC-SA identified the need to have an accurate stocktake of the State’s fibre resources and associated potential value-adding opportunities, with implications for revenue generation and jobs.
The next meeting is scheduled for early November.
The newly expanded Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) members held their inaugural meeting in Mount Gambier on Thursday 29 June 2023.
The Council reviewed and discussed the proposed Terms of Reference which include providing advice on domestic manufacturing and infrastructure master planning; providing advice regarding future workforce requirements, and undertaking tasks as requested by the Minister
It was agreed a communique would be published following each FIAC-SA meeting to update the public of meeting progress.
The State Government expanded the membership of the FIAC-SA as a key election commitment to ensure representation covering the full scope of the sector’s knowledge base, providing a clear and ongoing platform for government, industry, workforce and other stakeholders to work together for the betterment of the whole industry and its various sectors.
The Minister outlined key government forestry commitments including areas for the FIAC-SA support and confirmed the requirement for members to develop a FIAC-SA Workplan that establishes priorities and considers opportunities. Members agreed key areas of domestic manufacturing, infrastructure planning and future workforce requirements would form the basis of the Workplan and resolved to provide further improvements out of session.
Next meeting is scheduled for mid-August to progress the development of the FIAC-SA Workplan.
Contact
FIAC-SA Secretariat – PIRSA Forestry
Email: pirsa.forestry@sa.gov.au
Postal address: GPO Box 1671, Adelaide SA 5001