Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 12/Nov 23:32

Five steps to making WA self-reliant in timber

WA’s forest industries have released a document outlining steps to make WA self-reliant in timber production. The document, 5 Key Industry Asks, has been prepared by the Forest Industries Federation WA (FIFWA) in the lead up to the 2025 State Election. Source: Timberbiz According to FIFWA Chief Executive Officer Adele Farina, the document details five simple but key steps for government to bolster the industry and secure local timber supply for the future. “Our Key Industry Asks document has been carefully thought out to act as a guide for both government and opposition members,” Ms Farina said. “The goal is to strengthen our homegrown timber production and processing capabilities, avoiding reliance on timber imports. There are many other benefits associated with reaching that goal, including helping fight climate change, providing employment, underpinning regional communities and creating renewable and sustainable products.” The Key Industry Asks document calls for a real commitment by government to encouraging the use of building with local timber through the implementation of the Wood Encouragement Policy. “We would like to see government also take the initiative to set a target of 50% use of sustainably sourced and locally produced timbers in its infrastructure projects,” Ms Farina said. Ms Farina said a State Plantations Policy, developed in consultation with FIFWA, was needed to facilitate and streamline the development and expansion of plantations in WA. Further to that, she said action was needed to “rewind the decline” of the state’s plantation estate. “We need to encourage investment and growth in this sector including expanding the industry softwood plantation estate to a minimum of 100,000 hectares,” Ms Farina said. “This is absolutely possible if we foster the right investment environment.” Ecological thinning is endorsed in the Key Asks document, with FIFWA calling for removal of barriers in the process to encourage active sustainable management of all forests, to ensure long-term health. Fire management is critical to industry success and the safety and security of WA communities, subsequently, Ms Farina said improvements in fire mitigation and insurance were needed. “These include committing to expanding the prescribed burning program, embracing forest thinning and mechanical fuel reduction techniques, and using artificial intelligence systems for fire detection,” she said. “As an industry, we are looking forward to working with the State Government to grow a sustainable future for local timber.”