From the chief executive
From the Winter 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
This is my first column as chief executive of Forests NSW and I must say I am thrilled to be joining an organisation that is held in high regard by both the forest industry and local communities.
I have been in the job for only a matter of weeks, but already I have gained further insight into the complex task facing public forest managers, particularly in the native forest area.
In this issue, we have tried to capture just some of the views held by the community about their State forests, posing the question ‘What does a forest mean to you?’. Read the thought-provoking responses on page 10.
Also in this edition, we highlight the work of researchers in the area of carbon accounting, as we continue to add to the growing field of knowledge about the role of forests and timber products in absorbing and storing carbon. See page 9 for story.
Much of my background is in plantation forestry, and I have been watching with interest the processing industry and the local community work with Forests NSW to minimise the impacts of the devastating fires near Tumut late last year (see page 12). Some valuable lessons have been learnt – lessons that will help Forests NSW, the industry and other forest managers prepare for and manage such fires in the future.
Finally, I would like to thank acting chief executive, Alastair Howard, for his work in steering the organisation to some significant achievement over the past year, especially in achieving certification to the Australian Forestry Standard. I am looking forward to working with the staff of Forests NSW across the state in this profitable and sustainable business.
Nick Roberts
Chief Executive
