June 11, 2021
Parkside Group CEO John McNamara has been appointed to the State Government’s new Native Timber Advisory Panel.
The group will set the direction for the long-term future of Queensland’s timber industry.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the Panel brought together key stakeholders to work on ensuring a long-term sustainable future for the native timber industry that balances jobs and the environment.
“The timber industry is key to Queensland’s plan for economic recovery, employing 8800 people and injecting $3.8 billion into the economy every year,” Mr Furner said.
“The new panel includes representatives from the native timber industry, the conservation sector, the research sector, unions and First Nations people, and will be overseen by an independent chair.
“The panel will consider native forestry on State-owned and privately owned land, conservation outcomes, economic impacts and opportunities for regional communities.
“This broad representation ensures that all views are heard and fully understood.”
The members are:
Alan Feely (chair)
Mick Stephens, Timber Queensland
John McNamara, Parkside Group
Raymond (Curly) Tatnell, DTM Timber
Sean Ryan, Private Forestry Service Queensland
Virginia Young, Strategic Interventions
Dr Aila Keto, Australian Rainforest Conservation Society
Laura Hahn, National Parks Association of Queensland
Laura Gowdie, Australian Workers Union
Leann Wilson, Regional Economic Solutions
Professor Brendan Mackey, Griffith University
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the Panel was the latest step in the State Government’s Native Timber Action Plan.
“We have already extended the continuation of hardwood timber harvesting in the Wide Bay-Burnett for an additional two years, guaranteeing access up to 2026,” he said.
“That has secured the employment of 500 Maryborough and Wide Bay locals working in the industry.”
Minister Furner said a study to identify sustainable future options for timber supply, including on private land, was due to be completed by the end of the year.
