I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R SEPTEMBER 2015 • P: (03) 9888 4834 • www.timberbiz.com.au
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Aussies commended for fire fighting in Canada
J
ASON LAVERTY, a Tumutbased harvesting controller for the Forestry Corporation of NSW, has returned from Canada after assisting with raging wildfires in the south-west of the country. Jason joined the 100-strong contingent of Australian personnel deployed to help control more than 5000 wildfires in Canada this season. Three million hectares have been burnt so far, more than double the land area affected by fire in 2014. CEO of Forestry Corporation of NSW Nick Roberts congratulated Jason for joining the fire fighting response team, which was made up of crews from throughout Australia as well as staff from the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fire and Rescue NSW. “The NSW contribution of 32 fire personnel was part of a contingent of 104 Australians sent to Canada to assist with the wildfire situation and included fire fighters from the Forestry Corporation,” Nick said. “Canada looked to Australia for assistance with devastating
forest fires across British Columbia, Alberta and northern Saskatchewan and the Forestry Corporation responded, deploying four specialist fire fighters to contribute to the emergency response. “As well as being skilled forest managers, ecologists, roading experts and more, Forestry Corporation staff are highly trained in fire fighting so these four qualified and experienced field commanders will bring valuable skills to the fire front to relieve local crews and help bring the blazes under control. “Fire fighting is a difficult and dangerous task and I commend Mr Laverty and all the crews involved for offering their willing support to our Canadian counterparts.” Forestry Corporation is responsible for more than two million hectares of native and plantation forests and has been formally involved in fire fighting in NSW for almost 100 years. Jason said being part of an international emergency response was very rewarding, especially knowing that the international effort helped Canada keep their
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¢ Jason Laverty in the fire field.
wildfires under control and experienced fire fighting in a completely different landscape. Forestry Corporation also deployed fire fighters from Wauchope, Grafton and Eden as part of the combined fire fighting response. Crews from Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia,
Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia flew into Vancouver, and then travelled to key areas that were affected in British Columbia and Alberta. Emergency Management Victoria coordinated the deployment on behalf of all Australian states and territories.
Forestry should be at forefront of sustainable economy AUSTRALIA’S FOREST products industries can play an extensive role in a low carbon future “The forest products industry is based on a renewable biological resource and can contribute to long term carbon emissions abatement through multiple pathways,” said Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton. “These pathways include the atmospheric carbon captured and stored in growing forests and in durable wood products; the substitution of emissions intensive materials such as steel, aluminium and concrete with timber; and the use of woody biomass for renewable bioenergy.” Mr Hampton was commenting on the Federal Government’s announcement to reduce emissions 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030.
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