AUSTRALIA: Labor launches forests policy, says will maintain RFA
Copyright 2001 AAP
November 5, 2001
CANBERRA, Nov 5 - Labor's forestry policy would maintain the Regional Forest Agreements (RFA) process but would work more cooperatively with the states, opposition forestry spokesman Laurie Ferguson said today.
The plan includes $16 million for a renewed wood and paper industry strategy. Labor would also move to establish a commit on RFAs, he said.
"Labor remains committed to the RFA process to provide secure wood supply to industry and to deliver improvements in forest management practices," Mr Ferguson said in a statement.
"This process has seen over 2.5 million hectares of native forests added to the reserve system.
"Unlike the coalition, Labor will work cooperatively with the states to deliver RFA outcomes and to address the adjustment challenges that face the timber industry."
Other parts of the policy include:
* Priority to passage of commonwealth legislation to give backing to RFA process.
* Recognise tree farming has an important role to play in providing industry with extra and high quality wood reserve while addressing natural resource management issues.
* Remove unnecessary barriers to coalition's renewable energy regulations.