Good Neighbour Charter
Representatives of the forestry industry signed a new Good Neighbour Charter on the 27th of November 2008 that is aimed at promoting cooperation and increased communication by the industry with stakeholders and neighbours.
The charter was developed by Forestry Tasmania and the Forest Industry Association of Tasmania and was signed by representatives from Forestry Tasmania, Gunns Ltd, Norske Skog Boyer Mills, Timberlands Pacific, Forest Enterprises Australia and Great Southern Plantations.
It has also been endorsed by forestry, farming and tourism organisations and the Local Government Association of Tasmania (including the FFIC).
The original charter was published in 2000 and a review was undertaken between 2006 and 2008 in consultation with forestry companies, local government, regional authorities and farming and tourism groups.
The charter aims to lead to improved relations with stakeholders and neighbours, and improve communication with regard to:
- Planned forest operations;
- Details of the Forest Practices Plan;
- Issues of concern; and
- Access.
The charter also provides guidelines for planning processes for forestry operations, including:
- Adhering to legislative and environmental prerequisites;
- The role of the Forest Practices Authority;
- Planning and Certificate of Compliance requirements; and
- The need to inform neighbours and key stakeholders before forestry operations begin.
The charter also increases awareness of the need to protect tourism and landscape values and of the importance of safety on roads.
There is a strong emphasis on the necessity of consulting with neighbours on development of new plantations, control of pests and weeds, planned burns, shading and boundary fences.
Additionally the Good Neighbour Charter deals with looking after the environment and managing fire risk, as well as consideration of recreational values and issue resolution.
Download: Good Neighbour Charter (PDF)