The National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) in Australia and Timber Communities Australia (TCA) have welcomed the Garnaut Interim Report which has identified the positive role forestry can play in addressing climate change.

NAFI’s acting CEO, Allan Hansard, said he was particularly pleased that Professor Garnaut has recommended forestry be part of an emissions trading scheme as early as possible. “The forest industry has a lot to offer in the way of carbon offsets – in the order of 80 Mt/y by the year 2020. The industry can not only drought proof rural areas but can help carbon proof them. NAFI welcomes the recommendation that forestry be included early-on in an emissions trading scheme,” he said. Hansard welcomed the reports’ statement that inclusion of agriculture and forestry could require consideration of measures available to other trade-exposed, emissions-intensive industries. “Measures intended to protect international competitiveness for emissions-intensive industries – such as steel, concrete and aluminium – need to be carefully considered as they may impact domestically on carbon friendly industries like forestry in Australia,” Hansard said. TCA Chief Executive, Jim Adams, said he also welcomed the Garnaut Interim Report as it recognised the value the forest industry, and the regional communities it supports in addressing climate change. “I welcome the report and the positive message it sends to the thousands of people who make up the forest industry, that their industry is helping reduce greenhouse gases,” he said. Adams echoed the point on the need to take care when developing measures to maintain international competitiveness. “Care should be taken when developing any policies for trade exposed carbon intensive industries – such as steel concrete and aluminium – that this is not done to the detriment of our timber based rural communities,” Adams said.