Submissions & Correspondence
From time to time the IFA/AFG correspond and prepare submissions to Federal and Local Governments, as well as Inquiries and Royal Commissions, copies of our recent submissions are listed below:
Code of Forest Practice Timber Production
On behalf of members, the IFA/AFG Victorian Division made a submission to DELWP on the proposed Variation of the Code of Forest Practice for Timber Production. The IFA/AFG strongly supports codes of practice as an effective tool to regulate forest management and indicated our willingness to be actively involved in its continual development.
July 2021
Precautionary Approach: Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management
Following consultation with members, the IFA/AFG commented on the revision of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management in relation to the precautionary approach.
June 2021
NSW Inquiry into the Long-Term Sustainability and Future of the Timber and Forest Products Industry
Addressing the forestry science, environmental, economic and community impacts and opportunities for timber and forest products in NSW.
June 2021
Feedback: Karri Forest Management Plan
The IFA/AFG made a submission to provide Feedback on the on Karri Forest Management Plan.
May 2021
Submission: Farm Management Deposits Scheme (FMDS)
The IFA/AFG’s submission to the Farm Management Deposits Scheme (FMDS) review addresses the elements of the FMDS that are most relevant to private forest growers. Conceptually, the FMDS is a sensible policy designed to assist primary producers manage the risks and variability inherent in primary production. However the IFA/AFG submission highlights that the FMDS does not currently embrace forestry as a form of primary production, nor recognise the unique characteristics of long term forestry enterprises.
Consequently, despite years of advice and representations from AFG, the scheme has not been adapted in any way to accommodate private forestry. The IFA/AFG submission draws attention to limitations of the current scheme and provides recommendations as to how these should be addressed.
May 2021
Submission: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (EPBC) RFA
The IFA/AFG made a submission in strong support of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment.
March 2021
Submission: Tasmanian Draft Bushfire Mitigation Measures Bill 2020
The IFA/AFG FFMC and Tas Division were invited to make comments on the draft Tasmanian Bushfire Mitigation Measures Bill 2020
October 2020
Submission: Draft ACT Urban Forest Strategy
The ACT Division made a submission to the draft ACT Urban Forest Strategy
August 2020
Submission: Inquiry into Ecosystem Decline in Victoria
IFA/AFG Submission to the Victorian Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee
August 2020
AS/NZS 4708- 2020 Sustainable Forest Management Standard – For Public Comment
Public comment covering letter
Draft ASNZS 4708 – 2020 Sustainable Forest Management Standard
Public Comment Submission Sheet
August 2020
Submission: Inquiry into timber supply chain constraints in the Australian Plantation sector
Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources; Timber Supply Chain Constraints
August 2020
IFA/AFG Submission to the Discussion Paper
National Agricultural Workforce Strategy
August 2020
Correspondence from Senator the Hon. Jonathon Duniam
$40 million Forestry Recovery Development Fund
23 June 2020
Submission: Climate Change Authority
Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund
June 2020
Submission: NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
Koala Habitat Protection Guideline (2019)
April 2020
Submission: Tree Management Policy, National Capital Authority
The ACT Division made a submission to the development of the NCA Tree Management Policy.
March 2020
Letter to Hon David Kelly Minister for Forestry, WA
Responding to sudden announcement that harvesting of a specific class of coupes in karri forest would be suspended in the 2020 harvest plan.
March 2020
Submission to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
February 2020
Update on ERF (Water Rule) submission – 7 April 2020
Amendments to Emission Reduction Fund rules on water interception requirements
The IFA/AFG has joined the plantation industry in welcoming news of a Regulation Amendment designed to reduce the regulatory burden for new plantation forestry and farm forestry projects proposed under the Federal Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF).
The amendment has been made to the existing water interception requirements established under the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI). The amendment allows new projects in areas with over 600mm of annual rainfall to proceed with registration if they are located in a region declared by the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction to be a region where material risks to water availability are likely to be addressed. This change removes a key constraint on ERF eligibility for new plantation projects within medium to high rainfall areas, notably within Regional Forestry Hubs. Project proponents will still need to address water interception requirements in accordance with State and regional planning provisions, and other ERF eligibility requirements.
The amendment was made following a consultation process conducted by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources in February this year. The IFA/AFG made a submission to the Department to support the proposed amendment.
For further information: The amendment is contained in the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Amendment (Excluded Offsets Projects) Regulations 2020,
2 April 2020.
Submission to the Department of Agriculture Consultation
December 2019
November 2019
Submission: Inquiry into Australian Forest Industry
April 2011