National Forestry Day

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (16:03): By leave, I move my motion in an amended form:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges that Tuesday 22 August 2023 is National Forestry Day, celebrating the important work of our nation's forest industries;

2. Notes the contribution of the forest industry to our state's jobs and economy;

3. Acknowledges the important role that the forestry industry plays in combating climate change through growing trees that absorb carbon and making sustainable and renewable products; and

4. Recognises the vital importance of the forestry industry in supplying essential products that Australians use every day and that continue to build a nation.

It is particularly pleasing to be able to move this motion as the Minister for Forest Industries in South Australia. As I have said on many occasions in this place, the forestry industry in South Australia is a key employer and plays an enormous role in contributing to the state's economic prosperity. According to the South Australian Forest Products Association, the forest industry employs both directly and indirectly over 21,000 people, many of whom reside in the South-East of our state, and the industry contributes over $1.4 billion in economic value every year.

Within the industry I often hear the remark that the best time to plant a tree was yesterday, but the second best time is today. Of course, that is because it takes many years of dedication from planting a tree until it is ready to harvest, usually around 32 years in South Australia in the Green Triangle if we are talking about pinus radiata. The Malinauskas government is committed to getting more trees in the ground and we are continuing to work with the industry to make this happen.

Members in this place may have seen or heard the ultimate renewable advertisements that have been playing recently across various media channels. A key message they have sought to convey is that wood is sustainable; sustainable wood comes from sustainably managed forests that operate with a future in mind.

In Australia, forests are sustainably managed from planting through to harvest, maximising resource utilisation, increasing the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere and increasing carbon dioxide stored in wood products. In South Australia the average pinus radiata tree stores 30 kilograms of carbon every single year. When that is multiplied by the average plantation age of 32 years, it is clear to see the environmental benefits and the way the industry assists in decarbonisation. The South Australian forest industry has an impressive story to tell:

4.64 million tonnes of CO₂ is sequestered every year from the atmosphere;

60 per cent of Australia's agricultural timbers, such as poles, posts and fencing products, come from South Australia;

48 per cent of packing and industrial grade timber comes from South Australia; and

25 per cent of the nation's particle board and 35 per cent of Australia's locally produced house framing and interior sawn wood is produced in SA.

I am extremely pleased to have the privilege of being the Minister for Forest Industries at such an exciting time for the forest industry in South Australia.

The Malinauskas Labor government made a suite of election commitments for the forest industry in the lead-up to the 2022 election, which are now being delivered. Some of these commitments include:

$15 million for the establishment of a centre for excellence to create a long-term forestry research and development capability in Mount Gambier;

$2 million to replace fire towers with new technology, to provide a landscape-level fire detection program; and

$2 million to develop a forest products domestic manufacturing and infrastructure master plan.

They are just a few from that suite of commitments. I look forward to being able to update members in this place about these and our other election commitments over the coming months.

Another exciting development currently underway within the forestry industry that I believe is worth highlighting is the soon to be completed, Australian-first, state-of-the-art CLT (cross-laminated timber) and GLT (glue-laminated timber) combined manufacturing facility, which is set to open in Tarpeena in the state's South-East in the near future.

CLT and GLT products are being embraced across the world and have the ability to replace concrete and steel for the construction of large buildings. Every cubic metre of CLT or GLT will store 631 kilograms of carbon, and enable the construction of buildings that can store carbon rather than create more greenhouse gases. I have previously had the opportunity to tour the site under construction and I look forward to being able to attend the opening in the near future. I commend the motion to the council and seek the council's support.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (16:07): National Forestry Day, which was held on Tuesday 22 August this year, is an annual moment for us to really reflect on the significance of our forests and the role they play in preserving our environment, economy and way of life. South Australia is blessed with a diverse range of landscapes, from arid regions to lush woodlands. Our forests, both natural and cultivated, have long been a vital part of our heritage and an essential contributor to the growth of our state.

We have often heard the term 'forests are the lungs of the earth'; they absorb carbon dioxide and there is a growing demand for forests as a carbon market, offsetting corporate and industrial emissions. Preserving and expanding our forests is an effective way to mitigate climate challenges. South Australia has a significant role to play in this effort as our forests, both sustainably managed systems and natural landscapes, are also called on for carbon sinking and storage. In fact, South Australian forests are estimated to sequester 4.64 million tonnes of CO₂ each year.

In broad terms of our economy, forestry plays a pivotal role. In our economy the timber industry provides employment to thousands of South Australians and contributes significantly in particular to our regional communities. Moreover, it supplies the raw materials for construction, furniture, paper and countless other products that we use in our daily lives. While there is, of course, the benefit of raw material, the value add to our economy can be multiplied when we utilise local businesses for product development and value add.

Keeping local sawmills in business is a key component, ensuring that our economy continues to benefit from the forestry industry as local family-owned sawmills are important employers in several regional towns right across our state, but particularly in the South-East. Our forests are also a hub for outdoor recreation and tourism. South Australia's beautiful national parks and forests attract visitors from all over the world. Our forests offer recreation opportunities, such as hiking, camping, birdwatching and much more. National Forestry Day reminds us of the importance of maintaining those spaces for future generations to enjoy.

I would like to take a moment to place on the record some points of interest about the timber industry, the commercial, cultivated side of forestry in South Australia. According to the SA Forest Products Association (SAFPA), our forestry industry comprises approximately 1.9 million hectares of forests and plantations and supports over 21,300 jobs directly and indirectly. They also note that the industry contributes $2.95 billion per annum to gross state product. Our forests produce a wide range of timber products, including hardwood, softwood and specialty timbers. Our pine and eucalyptus species are the most heavily planted in South Australia.

We have implemented sustainable forest management practices and are home to forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This certification ensures that forests are managed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. These facts and figures illustrate the importance of forestry in South Australia, especially for the regional communities that manage timber plantations. My colleague the Hon. Ben Hood will speak more on the impact that the industry has on his own local community in the South-East at a later date.

National Forestry Day is not just a celebration of our trees and woodlands, it is a celebration of our history, it is a celebration of our current day and it is a celebration of our future. The South Australian Liberal Party supports sustainable forestry practices and a sustainable local industry.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.