ALMOST 500 forest industry leaders are making their way to Canberra for the Australian Forest Products Association Industry Gala Dinner – the biggest event on the industry calendar – at the Parliament House Great Hall tonight.
AFPA chief executive Ross Hampton said the high-profile event was an opportunity for forest industry leaders to hear first-hand from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, government ministers and other parliamentarians about key policy priorities and developments within the renewable forest, wood and paper industries.
“This is the night of nights for the forest industry,” Mr Hampton said.
“We will be talking about plans for the growth of our industry and building on the already significant contribution to Australia’s environment, innovation, job creation, community well-being and economic development.”
The forest industry contributes about $23b to the economy each year.
“When one includes the full value chain such as truss and frame making, this industry is responsible for about 120,000 direct jobs – many in regional communities around Australia,” Mr Hampton said.
“In terms of innovation, the forest industry is leading the world in adopting leading-edge technology to ensure sustainability and underpin competitiveness – these are achievements that should be suitably recognised.”
Winners of the inaugural 2017 Forest Industry Innovation Awards will also be announced.
Awards are in three categories of innovation in safety, training and business.
Winners in each category will win a $1000 cash prize and timber trophy.
