Multi cultural face of forestry at Tumut

Forests NSW regional office at Tumut is becoming even more multi cultural with one of its latest recruits, Kobus Maree, a forester from South Africa.

Forests NSW infrastructure manager, Roger Davies said the organisation was tapping into Mr Maree’s knowledge of forest engineering.

"His employment is very timely as Forests NSW is currently reviewing how it develops its forest infrastructure, particularly roads, and Kobus’ input is very valuable."

During the past six months Mr Maree has been joined by two other new foresters - Tony Johnson from New Zealand and Mark Stretch from Victoria.

Both these men are now part of the region’s harvesting team.

Before coming to Australia, Mr Maree worked as a harvesting forester for the South African company Mondi Forests, while Mr Stretch worked in Tasmania for Gunns and Timber Corp, and Mr Johnson for Fletcher Challenge in New Zealand.

Mr Maree said the plantation pine industry in Australia was similar to South Africa although Australia was much more mechanised.

"In South Africa, it’s very manual with big teams of people doing things. For example, most of the harvesting is done by hand with chainsaws, whereas here it is nearly all done by harvesting machines," he said.

Mr Davies said Forests NSW had previously employed various New Zealanders but this was the first South African.

"It is excellent to have foresters from far a field on board, bringing new skills and ideas to the region.

"Newcomers are continuing to add to our skill’s base and replace foresters as they move on to other challenges. Competent and skilled foresters are in high demand.

"If you want to get skills in large plantation management, there is probably no better place than Tumut to do it," he said.