TFGA position: Recognise the use of residues and low quality timber for energy to be an important part of the Tasmanian forest industry

This policy regards the use of biomass (biological material derived from living or recently living organisms) and turning it into bioenergy (a form of renewable energy derived from biomass). This type of energy production can create opportunities for value adding by using low value biomass waste and turning it into biofuel. The policy outlines ways that this can be achieved in the context of Tasmania and Tasmanian forests.

TFGA positions: Tasmania has an advantage in the optimal environment for tree growing. Private forests are an integral part of quality wood. Tasmania does not have the capacity to fund the management and maintenance of large areas of our landscape from the public purse. Social, environmental and economic outcomes attained through private native forestry are recognised.

This policy relates to the use of private forests in order for farmers to best utilise their land. Over half of Tasmania’s 6.84 million hectares is under conservation reserves. This policy aims to address the issue of the vast areas of land and forest to manage, focusing on landowners. It accounts for the environmental, social and economic factors and provides detailed research on the topic.

TFGA positions: Support culling by hunters in state reserves; Maintain the recreational deer season; Access to all year round crop protection permit (CPP) for farmers (same as is the case for wallaby and possums); Educate farmers on crop protection permit system; Economic benefit is available for farmer to utilise, and Government to undertake risk assessment of wild fallow deer to consider eradication as a choice for farmers.

This policy relates to the wild fallow deer issue, the introduced species can be very damaging to property and crops and this policy discusses the management and the hunting of the species. The stance of the TFGA is that reduction of the species ought to be done under the guidance of a risk assessment. The TFGA supports further investigations into the issue.