Australia produces some of the most stunning timbers in the world. Whether used in the framework of a structure or as the basis of a piece of furniture, timber still represents a low cost and environmentally friendly building solution.

In recent years, with better technology and a greater understanding of environmental concerns, the use of timber has become a far more sustainable proposition. The Australian Forest Certification Scheme enables all users and consumers of timber products to choose stock from sources that have been certified as being derived from sustainably managed forests.

The launch took place before a substantial gathering of invitees from the forest and timber industry, environmental interests, other sectors associated with forest certification and representation from both sides of the Parliament demonstrating the bi-partisan support for the AFS.

The gathering assembled to hear a programme of speeches from:

• Mr Geoff Gorrie, Chair of Australian Forestry Standard Limited
• Senator the Hon. Eric Abetz to officiate in the formal launch of the AFS
• Dr Ross Peacock of The Ecological Society of Australia
• Mr Neil Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of A3P
• Mr Warwick Ragg, Chief Executive Officer of AFG
• Mr Allan Hansard, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NAFI
• Mr Richard Stanton, a member of and on behalf of the AFS Technical Reference Committee – the standard setting body for the AFS
• Dr Hans Drielsma, a Director of the PEFC Council who delivered a message from Mr Mike Clark, Chair of the PEFC Council.

To read the media release from Mr Gorrie on the launch Click here [133Kb PDF]
To read the speech made by Mr Gorrie at the launch Click here [ 58Kb PDF]

"A review of forest certification in Australia" is a report undertaken by Cailum P/L for and published by the Forests & Wood Products Research and Development Corporation in late 2006 which details the development of and the current status of forest certification schemes operating in Australia. …More information