The proposal outlines plans for a new RD&E levy component, an increased biosecurity levy component and a 20,000 m3 exemption threshold for growers.
As part of this proposal AFPA is also requesting the removal of the cap on voluntary matched funding, which currently stands at $1.659 million per annum. Since 2015, the forest and wood products industry is the only rural industry subject this type of cap. Removing it would therefore bring the forestry industry in line with other primary industries.
“The current forest grower levy has remained unchanged since 2007. Meanwhile, the industry has become increasingly aware of the need to boost funding to address biosecurity threats, rebuild forestry research capacity, and enable greater collaborative research to take our industry forward,” said a Senior Policy Manager at AFPA.
“Issues associated with fire, climate change, silviculture, tree genetics, pests and diseases have highlighted the need to inspire innovation that will sustain the industry and enable it to grow and thrive.”
Last year, stakeholders had the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions during the industry-wide consultation process. This was followed by a third-party conducted poll.
The data gathered during the consultation process was used by AFPA to inform the proposal, which was put to the industry for feedback before being submitted to Senator Jonno Duniam Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries in July 2021.
If the proposal is successful, the additional funds generated for research will be managed by FWPA, and biosecurity funds would be managed by Plant Health Australia.
Learn more about the forest growers levy here
