Conservationists cautiously welcome new Qld forest review but call for more protected areas
A change to forestry is on the way with the Premier to today announce a vision for the future of forestry in Queensland, to be steered by a stakeholder advisory group. The new group will put forward recommendations on biodiversity conservation, sustainable commercial forestry practices, timber industry innovation, and adding value to forest and timber supply chains.
The Queensland Conservation Council say the Miles Government’s timber industry framework could result in big wins for nature if biodiversity protection is prioritised alongside timber supply.
Queensland Conservation Council nature campaigner Natalie Frost said:
“The new Queensland Sustainable Timber Advisory Group is a first step toward protection of Queensland’s iconic native forests, home to wildlife like the greater glider and koala that Queenslanders love. The advisory group process must lead to real outcomes including the expansion of the protected areas estate and we will be working hard to ensure it does.
“We welcome the announcement of a comprehensive statewide assessment of biodiversity values mapping. This is long overdue and will provide robust data to ensure that decisions relating to Queensland's iconic forests and threatened species lead to conservation outcomes.
“The government still has much more to do to protect the species that call our native forests home. We welcome the urgency in convening the stakeholder advisory group - we need to work quickly to achieve results. Gliders and koalas can't afford any further delay.
“Native forest logging is a small section of the Queensland timber industry, making up only 9% of the market. With innovation, there is real potential to ensure that the industry makes the changes needed to ensure that conservation outcomes can be achieved alongside a sustainable timber industry.
“We also welcome the announcement that a new Greater Glider Forest Park will be established, and look forward to more details.”