Forestry Tasmania welcomes Garnaut Forest Review

Forestry Tasmania welcomes the announcement that the forestry sector will be included in the Garnaut review of climate change.

Forestry Tasmania’s Managing Director Bob Gordon said this week’s Old Forests New Management Conference was evidence that Forestry Tasmania was always prepared to expose its practices to scientific analysis.

“An independent review has found that state forests will store on average an extra 720,000 tonnes of carbon a year until 2050.

“That’s the equivalent of 24 per cent of the state total carbon emissions.

“But Forestry Tasmania is committed to a journey of continuous improvement and we are optimistic that Professor Garnaut can suggest ways we can further improve that performance.

“It is very important that the focus on forestry be put into context and I would be prepared to debate anyone that renewable timber products are better for climate change and have a lighter environmental footprint than any other construction materials including steel, bricks and cement.”

ENDS
22 February 2008

Media inquiries:
David Tuck,
Corporate Relations
6233 8249
.