Forests NSW has recently appointed Jim Shirley, a senior resource analyst with a wealth of experience, to be based in its Bathurst office.

Mr Shirley, a New Zealander, will coordinate the work done by Forests NSW in estimating future wood supplies and in valuing its extensive softwood plantations across the State.

He is a professional forester with nearly 40 years experience in the management of forest plantations and has held senior management positions in some of New Zealand's largest forestry corporates.

Mr Shirley began his forestry career at Australian National University in 1969. Career highlights include being in charge of all tree crop operations in Kaingaroa Forest, New Zealands largest plantation forest, and assisting with the sale of New Zealands State Forests in late 1980s.

He also worked for Forestry Corporation New Zealand Ltd, and for Fletcher Challenge Forests Ltd in New Zealand for several years as Forest Resources and Valuation Manager.

After leaving the corporate sector in 1998 Mr Shirley practiced as a consulting forester with his own New Zealand-based business for 10 years, gaining considerable experience of a range of Southern Hemisphere plantation forests, prior to joining Forests NSW.

His role with Forests NSW will involve working with regional planning staff across the State to assess the forest resource and to identify wood supplies to meet customer requirements.

"Forests NSW is a world-class operation and I look forward to making a contribution to maximising its financial performance. I am impressed with the dedication and skill of the people with whom I will be working," Mr Shirley said.

"I am also looking forward to exploring and experiencing all that the Bathurst region has to offer as a place to live and work and as a place to pursue my interest in outdoor photography."

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669