Protecting communities through responsible land management

Responsible land management involves protecting Tasmanian communities from the threat of bushfires.

The Minister for Resources, Guy Barnett recently joined Sustainable Timber Tasmania CEO Steve Whiteley and trained firefighting staff to undertake their annual “fire walk”.

The annual “fire walk” which requires staff to carry a weighted vest for 3km, is part of STT’s extensive training and preparation for the coming fire season.

“STT manages our forests on behalf of Tasmanians, ensuring our forestry industry is world-class and sustainable,” Minister Barnett said.

“STT is working hard to protect communities from the impacts of bushfires, last year contributing 32,000 hours of firefighting activities while attending 47 bushfires.

“We know how easily fire can spread, so ensuring staff are prepared and ready to react quickly and safely is our number one priority.”

The Minister also praised STT for using their fire management expertise to help NSW during the recent horrific fire season, with 23 employees contributing over 750 hours to protect communities.

“I am also pleased that the works to help tourism businesses recover from bushfires, in particular assisting with the repair and re-opening of the Tahune Airwalk,” Minister Barnett said.

“This iconic tourism site now has a new story to share, one of how our landscape is shaped by fire and the regeneration that follows.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure our forestry sector remains as strong as possible as it employs thousands of Tasmanians, injects more than $1.2 billion into our economy and supports regional communities and families across the State.”

STT manage Tasmania’s public production forest for a vast array of environmental, social and economic values. Managing these forest values respectfully, innovatively and sustainably is at the heart of everything STT does.