State Government promise to create a better forest industry “roadmap” by August involves public say at regional forums beginning this week.
The tour began in Lismore on Tuesday, amid loud protests from environmentalists who say previous Regional Forest Agreements failed both the industry and the environment.
Industry representatives, who are critical of how their livelihoods were handled during the Carr era and want a review of new national parks, have adopted a wait and see attitude to any new rule changes. Both sides fear the worst.
DPI director forest research, Paul Wells, says the aim of the new RFA is to provide balance and sustainability with “multiple-outcomes” for stakeholders.
Forums will be held at Coffs Harbour, Buladelah, Bateman’s Bay, Eden, Tumut and Sydney.
