Report into native forest operations released
From the Spring/Summer 2009 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
The implementation of its recommendations from the NSW Auditor-Generals report will assist in improvements to native forest operations. Photo: Forests NSW Image Library
The NSW Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat, released a performance audit report on the native forest and hardwood plantation operations of Forests NSW in April 2009.
The report made nine recommendations to improve Forests NSW knowledge of timber availability and to address business risks.
Essentially, the audit was to assess Forests NSW ability to identify how much native forest and plantation hardwood is available for harvesting and whether the volume is sufficient to meet timber supply commitments.
The Auditor-General found there should be sufficient timber to meet wood supply commitments up to 2023, but the cost of harvesting and hauling this timber is likely to increase.
He also found Forests NSW has adequate estimates of the quantity of native forest timber available, but more could be done to improve the reliability of these estimates.
Forests NSW advised the Auditor-General that any supply problems from traditional sources will be met by sourcing timber from plantations, private property and leasehold areas.
The audit also identified that native forest operations ran at a loss of more than $14 million in 2007-08.
Forests NSW has advised the Auditor-General it is working to achieve a cash neutral or better financial outcome for its Native Forests Operations Branch by 2012 and move to a better financial outcome from there on.
The report and the implementation of its recommendations will assist Forests NSW to improve all aspects of native forest operations.
