2009/2010 IFA Annual Report - Institute of Foresters of Australia

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David Gough, John Huth, Robert Riddel and Joanna Besley at a Qld. Division public lecture. 10 IFA Company Annual Report 2009/10 The WA Division has embarked on recognition of foresters of long standing who have made outstanding contributions to forestry. Division Chair David Wettenhall is progressively making his way around the State to present the certificate to the recipients. In addition to this the Division has awarded it’s annual Forester of the Year award to John Bartle. The ACT Division presented forester Claire Howell with the 2009 Forester of the Year award along with recognition awards to Bob Newman and Wendy Dashwood and to the members of the Publications Committee charged with producing Australian Forestry: Alan Brown, Colin Matheson, Brian Turner and Ross Florence. ACT member Bob Newman and Mark Parsons have tirelessly developed a submission of significant foresters for the ACT Street Naming Committee. The NSW Division is working closely with Forest NSW on the closure of its forestry library. Around half a dozen IFA members have reviewed the library’s shelf lists and provided recommendations to ensure that the collection which is widely recognised by forestry professionals as one of the most significant in Australia is not broken up. The Registered Professional Forester Scheme (RPF) continues to gain momentum as it becomes clear that in today’s society, accreditation and recognition of skills is increasingly important. The reporting period saw 11 new approvals bringing the total of currently accredited professionals to 79. The Scheme has undergone it’s first independent external audit (and passed with flying colours!). To ensure that the intent of the scheme is maintained the revenue raised is not intended as an income stream for the IFA and this is reflected in the modest fees applied to new applications and renewals of existing RPF’s. The Scheme is also not restricted to members of the IFA however applicants must meet the criteria of ‘Voting’ level of IFA membership. The ACFA Division of the IFA ran a highly successful CPD activity in 2009. The two day seminar ‘Forestry in the Investment World’ was attended by members and non members of the IFA and focused on the broader world of investment processes and structures. 3 To promote social networking between persons engaged in forestry 3.1 Encourage interaction among members and others engaged in forestry and natural resource management Throughout the reporting period, numerous fieldtrips, discussion groups and other activities have been planned amongst the members of each Division. Focus naturally centres on World Forestry Day held in March each year with many Divisions using the opportunity to gather together as a community and celebrate their profession. Some activities throughout the year included: WA Division Field trip and BBQ lunch involving land rehabilitation and tree care on at Gwambygine, south of York hosted by Roger Underwood. IFA members Fariba Outadi and Hooman Tabarestani with David Wettenhall, Chair WA Division Qld World Forestry Day celebration: ‘The intersection of forestry and mining in Queensland’s booming Coal Seam Gas Industry’ - an insight into Tree Crop Technology’s development of the world’s first industrial scale approach to management of Coal Seam Gas water using irrigated plantations, and their experiences in this new frontier for forestry by Dr Glen Dale (BSc For Hons, B Sc Biochemistry, PhD, MBA), Managing Director & Ian Robb (BSC For), General Manager,Tree Crop Technologies P/L. In addition to its AGM and World Forestry Day functions the NSW Division held three successful weekend field trips. Two events were organised by the Division’s Northern Branch (John Ball and Steve Pickering). The first in the Urbenville and Casino Districts occurred on 20-21 November 2009. This meeting visited the Boral timber processing plant at Kyogle to inspect the drying and dressing facilities followed by a visit to Mt Lindsey State Forest to inspect the silvicultural rehabilitation of areas suffering from Bell Minor associated Dieback. After lunch the group looked at first thinning operations in 1999 age class eucalypt plantations. The second meeting was held on 7-9 May 2010 at Port Macquarie and visited forest areas near Wauchope. Field inspections looked at high
intensity harvesting trials in Blackbutt stands and Dr Ross Peacock’s study of high altitude rainforest in national park areas near Cameron’s Camp (ex Mt. Boss State Forest) and how it might be affected by climate change. In the State’s south-east local members (Ian Barnes and Martin Linehan) organised an excellent IFA weekend in late April 2010. This event was focused on the region’s extensive regrowth forests which were inspected first hand and discussed in the context of their management history and their future management potential. The event successfully brought together 25 members including many foresters who have played a significant role in shaping the forests that can be seen today. Attendees were also privileged to receive a full guided tour of South East Forest Exports Pty Ltd wood chipping facility at Jews Head. Members of the South Australian Division celebrated World Forestry Day activities at an event held at Mount Gambier. Many turned out for the forestry displays, GPS treasure hunt, Forestry SA FireKing and children’s art and craft activities. The Victorian Division also held events in central and regional areas and have included the annual Sticks and Spechts trivia evening. A Department of Sustainability and Environment Toolangi Forest discovery Centre hosted talk by Brett Mifsud on Australia’s tall trees, past and present. Parks Victoria seminar on the future of parks by Neil McCarthy. Tours of the affected areas of the Black Saturday fires. A farm forestry visit hosted by Rowan Reid, Hugh Stewart and Andrew Stuart proved examples of how forests can be integrated into the agricultural landscape for economic, environmental and aesthetic improvements and a seminar with Louise Hicks from DLA Fox Phillips on the Princes rainforest project and the difficulties associated with obtaining equitable outcomes in reducing deforestation in tropical countries. Tasmania held a number of field trips including one to Florentine Valley where members explored the Upper Florentine area, the Forestry Tasmania tourism development at Abbots Lookout and various native silviculture treatments through the Florentine and Repulse area. An east Coast Trip saw members gathering to visit and revisit the east coast forests that were part of the beginning of the woodchip industry in Tasmania in the early 70’s. Under the guidance of David Tucker and Brett Warren they viewed excellent examples of dry schlerophyll regrowth from the harvesting of that time. Tas members had opportunity to spend an evening with Evan Shield and hear about his activities as a consultant in Bolivia, developing improved silvicultural techniques in hardwood plantations to maximise grower returns. 4 To promote the Institute to members and forestry organisations inside Australia and in overseas countries 4.1 Promote the Institute as a national advocate for professional forestry expertise The Institute has represented members and the forestry profession at the national level through personal representations at a number of inquiries, discussion groups and conferences. The Institute represented professional foresters at education forums and meetings with other organisations. The IFA National Conference titled ‘Forestry: A Climate of Change’ was held at Caloundra, Qld during September 2009. Some 200 delegates from Australia & overseas attended a very successful conference. The Queensland Division Committee provided extensive resources in the lead-up and during the conference ensuring it’s success. The WA Division corresponded with the Forest Products Commission on recent changes within the commission and the merits of maintaining a strong professional forestry staff. The Peter Volker and colleague measuring the diameter of Eucalyptus globulus in Spain (this is claimed to be the largest tree in Europe at 85m tall and 93cm diameter and 120 years old). International Forestry Students Association meeting at Mathisle Hut, Hinterzarten, a 300 year old workers hut in the Black Forest near Freiburg, Germany. IFA Company Annual Report 2009/10 11
Page 1 and 2: Institute of Foresters of Australia
Page 3 and 4: President’s Report The past 12 mo
Page 5 and 6: Institute Company Secretary, IFA Bo
Page 7 and 8: Report against the IFA Strategic Pl
Page 9: highlighting activities of the memb
Page 13 and 14: Financial report for the year ended
Page 15 and 16: Balance Sheet Statement of Comprehe
Page 17 and 18: Expected Impact Reference Title Sum
Page 19 and 20: 8. Trade and other payables 11. Mem
Page 21 and 22: Financial Risk Management (continue
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2009/2010 IFA Annual Report - Institute of Foresters of Australia

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