Welcome to 2020 from the Network!

The Network acknowledges our many colleagues and friends who have not had the summer they were hoping for. Instead, they have been battling the devastating fires that have been raging across Australia over the summer period. To our many colleagues and friends who have been fighting these fires or affected by these fires, our thoughts go out to you.

These fires appear to be like no others of recent years. Reports have suggested that fires have burnt through more than 7.3 million hectares across Australia thus far.

Here in Tasmania, we are well aware that the fire season is not over and although we have suffered losses around the Fingal Valley fire, we hope that the worst of the summer is over and much needed rain will assist in dampening fire potential.

We are looking forward to working with you again in 2020 providing information, services, regional events and more to help you keep informed on development and issues within the Tasmanian Forest and Forest Products industry.

The Network has a number of events already planned in the calendar so please watch our website and social media for events in your region, as well as regular updates in our monthly newsletter.

We will be coordinating a forest industry site at AGFEST from the 7^th to the 10^th May. This showcases the best in the industry and allows the forest industry to unite under one roof.

Planning is underway for the 2020 Network Forum to be held in August in Launceston. We will hear from a range of speakers across a number of current issues in our industry in Tasmania.  The Forum Working Group is working on bringing you information on the issues that matter to you now.  There will also be an industry dinner following the Forum – so please stay tuned for further information soon.

One of the strengths of the Network is its member base. We currently have approximately 600 members. We are a grassroots organisation and planning and issues are progressed through member working groups. These working groups are assisting with planning for AGFEST, The Forum, Communications, and the Review of Forest Safety Code.  We will be working to increase our membership this year to ensure we engage the whole forestry supply chain, from nurseries to artists working in wood.

There will be a number of events held across the regions to enable members to engage with each other.  These may be BBQs or speakers on relevant issues.

The Network will continue to be administer the Northern Tasmania Forestry Hub.  The Hub Steering Committee is working with stakeholders across North and North West Tasmania to identify impediments to growth in the industry and develop pathways to achieve more trees in the ground and efficiencies in the supply chain. We will keep you informed on progress.

We will also keep you posted on events to celebrate 100 Years of Forestry in Tasmania – quite a milestone and one worth celebrating! Among other events, we are planning a Gala Dinner to celebrate this – to be held in November in Launceston.  Put the date in your diary when the save the date appears!

We look forward to working with you this year and remember to send your suggestions to us!