The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

4 reasons why the Morrison government's forestry cash splash is bad policy

  • Written by David Lindenmayer, Professor, The Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University
4 reasons why the Morrison government's forestry cash splash is bad policy

This federal election campaign has involved very little discussion of environmental or natural resource policies, other than mining. An exception is a A$220 million Morrison government pledge for the forestry industry.

The money will be invested[1] in new wood-processing technology and forest product research, and used to extend 11 so-called “regional forestry hubs”. Some $86 million will aid the establishment of new plantations.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would not support “any shutdown of native forestry” and claimed the funding would secure 73,000 existing forestry jobs. The spending on native forests, however, is problematic. In 2019-20, 87% of logs harvested[2] in Australia came from plantations, and more investment is needed to bring this to 100%.

Here, we show how directing public funds to native forest logging is bad for the economy, the climate and biodiversity, and will increase bushfire risk.

logging truck in plantation timber forest
Money for plantation timber operations is welcome. Shutterstock

1. Economics

Native forest logging has long been a marginal economic prospect. The Western Australian government has recognised this, electing to halt[3] the practice by the end of 2023. It will instead create sustainable forestry jobs by spending $350 million expanding softwood timber plantations.

The move followed Victoria’s promised end to native forest logging in 2030.

In Victoria, native forest logging has repeatedly incurred substantial losses[4] across large parts of the state. Data from the state’s Parliamentary Budget Office in 2020 show Victoria would be more than $190 million better off without its native forest logging sector.

Native forest logging sustains far fewer[5] jobs than the plantation sector, and does not produce substantial employment opportunities in any mainland Australian state.

For example, only about 300[6] direct and indirect jobs are sustained by native forest logging in southern NSW.

A recent economic analysis[7] showed ceasing native forest harvesting in that region would bring $62 million in economic benefits – a result likely to be repeated in native forestry areas across Australia.

About 87%[8] of sawn timber used in home construction is derived from plantations. The vast majority[9] of native forest logged in Victoria and southern NSW goes into woodchips and paper pulp.

Victoria exports 75% of plantation-derived eucalypt pulp logs. A small percentage of this diverted for domestic use would readily replace[10] native forest wood at Victoria’s biggest paper mill at Maryvale. The feasibility of this has been known for years.

Read more: Logged native forests mostly end up in landfill, not in buildings and furniture[11]

stacks of milled timber
Jobs in plantation timber far outweigh those in native logging. Shutterstock

2. Climate change

Native forest logging in Australia generates around 38 million tonnes[12] of carbon dioxide (CO₂) a year.

Victoria’s phase-out of native forest logging by 2030 will reduce emissions[13] by 1.7 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent gases each year for 25 years, equivalent to taking 730,000 motor vehicles off the road annually.

Ending native forest logging in southern NSW would likely be the biggest[14] carbon abatement project in that state.

These benefits also bring economic value. Even under relatively low market prices for carbon, the value of not logging, in terms of reducing greenhouse gases, far exceeds[15] the economic benefits of native forest logging.

Read more: Decaying forest wood releases a whopping 10.9 billion tonnes of carbon each year. This will increase under climate change[16]

3. Bushfire risk

There’s now unequivocal evidence that logging native trees makes forests prone to more severe bushfires. Analysis[17] of the 2019-20 Black Summer fires showed logged forests always burn more severely than intact ones.

Under moderate fire weather conditions during Black Summer, logged forests burned at higher severity than intact forests burning under extreme fire weather.

These logging-generated risks were particularly pronounced in southern and northern NSW. Importantly, they were also evident[18] in Victoria’s 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria.

Read more: Coming of age: research shows old forests are 3 times less flammable than those just burned[19]

smoke and fire in native forest
Logging makes forests more prone to severe fires. Darren Jennings/AAP

4. Biodiversity conservation

Numerous studies have demonstrated the damage native forest logging causes to biodiversity. In Victoria, for example, a 2019 analysis of areas proposed for logging showed[20] it would negatively affect 70 threatened forest-dependent species, such as the Leadbeater’s possum.

The bottom line is that ongoing logging will drive yet further declines of Australia’s threatened species and add to the nation’s sad record on biodiversity loss.

The upshot

The empirical evidence points in one direction: ending native forest logging in Australia would bring substantial and multiple benefits to society and nature.

We welcome the Morrison government’s spending on supporting new plantations. To create the most positive return on taxpayer investment, however, the bulk of other industry funding should be directed to enhancing manufacturing and markets for high-value wood products from plantation timber.

References

  1. ^ be invested (www.afr.com)
  2. ^ 87% of logs harvested (www.agriculture.gov.au)
  3. ^ halt (www.theguardian.com)
  4. ^ substantial losses (www.theage.com.au)
  5. ^ far fewer (www.fwpa.com.au)
  6. ^ about 300 (www.frontier-economics.com.au)
  7. ^ economic analysis (www.frontier-economics.com.au)
  8. ^ About 87% (www.google.com)
  9. ^ vast majority (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ replace (www.mdpi.com)
  11. ^ Logged native forests mostly end up in landfill, not in buildings and furniture (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ around 38 million tonnes (law.anu.edu.au)
  13. ^ reduce emissions (www.premier.vic.gov.au)
  14. ^ biggest (www.frontier-economics.com.au)
  15. ^ far exceeds (www.nature.com)
  16. ^ Decaying forest wood releases a whopping 10.9 billion tonnes of carbon each year. This will increase under climate change (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ Analysis (www.anu.edu.au)
  18. ^ evident (conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  19. ^ Coming of age: research shows old forests are 3 times less flammable than those just burned (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ showed (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/4-reasons-why-the-morrison-governments-forestry-cash-splash-is-bad-policy-182145

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping