Forestry of NSW : honours its centenary

13 Jan 2016 - Jacinta Healy

Forestry Corporation of NSW's CEO Nick Roberts today announced 2016 marks the centenary of the work of Forestry Corporation, which sustainably manages more than two million hectares of native and plantation forests in the State.

In 1916 the Forestry Commission of NSW, the predecessor to Forestry Corporation of NSW was officially formed through the enactment of the Forestry Act 1916 - the first formal forestry legislation in Australia.

'Millions of trees have been harvested from NSW State forests since the Forestry Act 1916 was passed and formal forest management began,' Mr Roberts said.

'The Act was aimed at protecting forests from further unmanaged clearing to ensure long-term sustainable management of the State's timber reserve. Today, our forests remain full of trees, are great places to explore and support an intricate web of plants and animals.

'NSW State forests are managed to balance the ways people use forests for timber production and recreation with the conservation of unique forest features like wildlife, clean water and cultural heritage sites.

'As a community, we need sustainable materials to build our homes and infrastructure like bridges, wharves and railways. But at the same time, we want to conserve our unique plants and animals, cultural heritage sites, have clean water to drink and enjoy bushwalking and camping in the great outdoors.

'Forests provide timber, employment, habitat, clean air, water and a place to be. They are resilient, dynamic and evolving - an integral part of a healthy landscape.'

Today, Forestry Corporation manages more than two million hectares of forests and contributes 14 per cent of all timber produced in Australia each year, making it a major force in the state's forest and wood products industries which employs 22,000 people and adds an estimated $2.4 billion to the economy annually. Our softwood plantations produces enough pine to build a quarter of all houses across Australia each year.

'The Corporation's staff, past and present, are rightly proud of the contribution they have made over the last 100 years to the economic development of the State through the timber they have provided for thousands of kilometres of railways, road bridges, wharves and buildings to name just a few,' Mr Roberts said.

'They are equally proud of the sustainable way they have managed the forests that continue to support eco systems and habitat of numerous native plants and animals.

'Forestry has changed significantly over the last 100 years with major improvements in safety, technology and the scientific understanding of sustainable forest management. With these improvements, a bright future for the industry is assured and Forestry Corporation will play its part in supporting a vibrant forest and wood products industry and protection of environmental values of NSW State forests.'

Mr Roberts said Forestry Corporation would also continue its commitment to initiatives such as the provision of public access, amenities and recreational opportunities for the thousands of people who visit State forests every year.

'Offering spectacular scenery, State forests attract tourists for bike and horse riding, bush walking, fossicking, camping, mushrooming, hunting and orienteering,' Mr Roberts said.

For more information view the centenary video or visit forestrycorporation.com.au/about/history or #visitnswforests on Facebook.

Media contact: Jacinta Healy 0408 779 903