The maligned forestry industry has welcomed the appointment of eminent Australians to guide its future in NSW as it battles financial losses, environmental penalties and fierce stand-offs with protesters.
But some environmentalists have criticised the “bizarre” lack of forest scientists at the helm at a critical juncture for state forests.
NSW will soon halt logging in an area larger than London for its Great Koala National Park to protect the iconic marsupial, despite rising demand for timber for housing and industries.
It comes as calls grow for NSW to exit native forest logging entirely, in line with moves by Victoria and Western Australia.
Concern has also been raised for vulnerable native species including the greater glider.
The native forest logging or hardwood division of Forestry Corporation NSW has recorded losses for three successive years and was in July fined $360,000 for destroying hollow-bearing trees.
Forest governance expert Kate Dooley said ending native logging would do more to help Australia’s climate goals than planting trees due to the time taken to replace old-growth forests’ carbon-storage potential.
Peter Duncan, who has had leading public service and advisory body roles in multiple states, will chair a panel charting a course for the NSW timber industry and the 22,000 jobs dependent on it.
“This process is likely to result in the most significant changes to the native forest logging in NSW in more than 20 years,” Wilderness Australia’s Andrew Wong said on Monday.
“It means the Minns government accepts that business as usual isn’t working.
“We’re supportive of the government’s desire to do better in our forests.”
The industry said the panel’s extensive experience across the natural resource sector would help write the next chapter of the state’s sustainable forestry sector.
“NSW is the fastest-growing state for new softwood plantations but we will need to step into a new phase of plantation expansion to support our housing construction industry,” Australian Forest Products Association NSW branch chief executive James Jooste said.
The Greens dubbed the lack of forest scientists on the panel a “bizarre” move.
“NSW doesn’t need another drawn-out investigation into native forest logging,” MP Sue Higginson said.
“We already have the evidence before us that it is driving the extinction and climate crises.”
The Independent Forestry Panel will examine the future of softwood plantations and private native forests such as those on farms.
The environmental and cultural values of forests, including threatened species, and opportunities to support carbon and biodiversity markets will also be examined.
Communities can sign up to stay abreast of the panel’s progress and consultation with stakeholders.
“The families, businesses and communities that make up this industry … their knowledge and experience will be essential for understanding the issues and finding the solutions,” Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said.
The panel also includes former NSW chief scientist Mary O’Kane and former Labor MP and forestry industry advocate Mick Veitch.
