29 March 2011
DAFF11/109L
Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, today welcomed the release of Australia’s Forests at a Glance 2011.
Australia’s Forests at a Glance 2011 is a pocket-book compendium of data and information about Australia’s native forests and timber plantations. It is compiled annually by the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences.
“The forest industry in Australia is important to the economy of many regional areas,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Australian forests remain some of the best managed in the world. Over 75 000 people were employed in the forestry, logging and wood manufacturing sectors in 2010.
The publication contains summary information on forest types, areas and how native forests—including old growth forests—are conserved and managed. It also covers timber harvesting, production and consumption of wood products and employment in the forestry and wood products industries.
Minister Ludwig said Australia’s Forests at a Glance 2011 is particularly relevant as 2011 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Forests.
“This year we want to raise awareness of the sustainable management, conservation and development of forests internationally.
“Almost 75 per cent of Australia’s log supplies now come from plantation forests. This is an increase of around 20 per cent since 2000.
“I encourage everyone to use this publication as a resource for information on the state of our forest industries.”
For a copy of the publication please visit www.abares.gov.au/publications.
