World Forestry

THE NSW government has bought up 7,000 hectares of plantation forest across the state to help secure forestry jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
State forest resources minister Ian Macdonald on Thursday announced the acquisition of TEPCO Forests Australia's NSW operations, including plantations on the state's north coast, south-west and central west slopes.
The government would not reveal the price paid for the assets, saying the deal was commercial-in-confidence.
The purchase demonstrated the government's commitment to the NSW timber industry and the environment, Mr Macdonald said.
"Forests NSW will manage the forests which will provide many benefit, including carbon sequestration and timber, and providing valuable regional employment," Mr Macdonald said in a statement.
"The forests will also contribute towards Australia's 2020 carbon emission reduction target.
"Because they are young forests, aged from one to 10 years old, they are also rapidly sequestering carbon."
The forests are a mix of hardwood and softwood, and would fill gaps in future wood supply, the minister said.
"The age of the forests complements Forests NSW existing planted forest estate, as the timber from the forests will help fill some gaps in future wood supply, and in doing so ensure the continuity of domestic wood supply to the people of NSW," Mr Macdonald said.

Source: Coffs Coast Advocate