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

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The Victorian Division actively pursued the Victorian ombudsman and the Victoria Environment Assessment Commission regarding river red gum management over a lack of due process when undertaking assessments and decisions. All of the Divisions took the lead at some time during the reporting period and recruited the expertise of members to prepare submissions on various issues. The following submissions were made on behalf of members during 2009/10: Inquiry into Agribusiness Managed Investment Schemes WA Forest Management Plan 2004-2013 Interim Report of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999(EPBC Act) River Red Gum Forests Response to Natural Resources Commissions recommendations for the Riverina Bio-region FSC framework for assessing HCV Investigation in Government’s tree management practices and the renewal of Canberra’s urban forest Victoria’s Regional Forest Agreement Review Australia’s Native Vegetation Framework South-Western Cypress State Forests Assessment Development of the South Australian Forest Industry Strategy Comments on Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum Draft Masterplan. Incidence and Severity of Bushfires Across Australia The IFA Board of Directors is aware of the need to be energetic and persistent in its attempts to increase the IFA profile and that to do so is a combined effort of individual IFA members. The comprehensive list of submissions and media releases during the reporting period is positive reflection of the committed dedication of IFA members to the science of their profession. 1.3 Provide information on forestry including a comprehensive set of forest policies The Institute continued to enhance its comprehensive suite of forest policy statements by approving 6 new policies and 1 substantial revision. The Institute undertook to review and update all policy statements of significant age. The process was started early 2010 and will continue throughout the year into 2011. New IFA forest policy statements approved during 2009/10 include: 1.5 Conserving forest health 1.6 Conservation of remnant native woodlands 1.7 Conservation of Australian native forests and woodlands 2.10 National Forest Policy 2.11 Criteria and indicators of Sustainable Forest Management 5.6 Ecotourism in Australian public forests 6.2 Forests and Climate Change Mitigation - Revision 1 DSE Forester Mick Morley explaining the Marysville fire using a fire spread map 8 IFA Company Annual Report 2009/10 The IFA forest policy statements continue to be a sound scientific whilst practical and adaptive approach to sustainable forest practices and the educated views within these policies remain the basis for all IFA submissions. The Forest Policy Editorial Committee consists of Tony Bartlett, Rod Bristow and Rod Keenan. The WA Division also provided comments on the FSC audit of Albany Plantation Forest Company. The weekly IFA Email Bulletin remains the most effective form of communication allowing members to efficiently receive current updates on research activities, professional development opportunities, positions vacant and other activities in Australian and overseas.. In addition to this the Institute continues to produce its quarterly newsletter ‘The Forester’
highlighting activities of the members throughout Australia, feature articles on Registered Professional Foresters and articles ranging from Internet publishing to results of research activities delivered through IFA grants. 2 To maintain a high standard of qualification and professional standards and ethical practice among those engaged in forestry 2.1 Promote high standards of tertiary education in forestry and related natural resource management in Australia Early in 2010 changes to tertiary education were announced. This is Participants on the ‘Forestry in the Investment World’ a highly topical subject and in response to the concerns of it’s seminar run by the ACFA Division members, the Institute reformed the Education Sub-Committee. The first job for the Sub-Committee is to review the current tertiary education content available in Australia. This will lead to the IFA establishing a position on the basic ‘core’ elements that tertiary forestry education should include. During the reporting period the Institute continued to work in conjunction with universities in garnishing support and understanding for the National Forestry Masters Program (NFMP). The Institute collaborated with the NFMP coordinator and ForestWorks by hosting a forum aimed at again bringing together sectors of the forest industry most affected by lack of student intake. The forum agenda included updates on the skills shortage survey, current VET and University sectors and future skills requirement. The forum provided an opportunity for industry groups and universities to talk openly and frankly to each other about the needs and current issues facing undergraduate and post graduate forestry education in Australia. In addition to this the NSW Division is continuing to collaborate with the University of Sydney on the development of a forestry masters course as there are currently no tertiary forestry courses on offer within Sydney. 2.2 Promote careers and tertiary education in forestry Institute members continue to remain active in attending local career days to promote all areas of forest science as an attractive career option. The National President and Chief Executive Officer held meetings with industry representatives in establishing advertising opportunities through their networks to increase the awareness of forestry as a career. Queensland Division member Dr John Herbohn, Associate Professor/Reader in Tropical Forestry at the University of Queensland has encouraged and involved students currently enrolled in tropical forestry to attend Institute meetings, field trips and the IFA National Conference. NSW member Tamara Campbell has been involved in a science in schools initiative ‘Science in the City, Suburbs and Bush’ that conducts science education events for schools (run by the Australian Museum and the University of Sydney with funding provided by the Australian Government). Plans are underway for recent forestry graduates to talk about their forestry experience in Sydney high schools. The Tasmanian Division hosted students from the Australian National University, which has become an annual pilgrimage. This year provided a good reason for an IFA get together at the Hilltop Function Centre in Granton (Hobart). Students heard from IFA members from the Chief Forest Practices Officer and General Manager of Forest and Forest Industries Council. The Tasmanian Division has also been involved in the launch of a mentoring program to encourage Year 9 students to consider a career in forestry. The first group of 16 students commenced with a two day introduction which will lead on to further activities. The highlight of the year was the launch of the Forestry Scholarship Fund. The Fund has been in the process of establishment for the past few years and fruition was finally reached with the awarding of two scholarships in early 2010 to a total value of $10,000. The recipients were Andrew Egan and Nick Rudder both in their 1 st year at Southern Cross University. 2.3 Promote high standards and recognise achievement in Australia’s forestry professionals including managing the Registered Professional Forester scheme The Institutes highest award, the N.W.Jolly Medal was awarded to Dr Ian Bevege of Batemans Bay NSW. The presentation ceremony took place at the IFA National Conference in Caloundra, Qld in September 2009. It was a celebrated event with Ian also presenting the Max Jacobs Oration at the opening of the conference. Fellow membership recognition was awarded to Peter Crowe (NSW), Mark Poynter (VIC) and Dr D. (Ian) Bevege (NSW). IFA Company Annual Report 2009/10 9
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: Report against the IFA Strategic Pl
Page 11 and 12: intensity harvesting trials in Blac
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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