Fax from JOINT STATEMENT
PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA, THLE HON JOHN HOWARD MP
PREMIEI OF VICTORIA, THE HON JEFF KENNEYJ7, MLA
HISTORIC REGIONAL FOREST AGREEMENT SIGNED
Today, I was pleased to sign Australia's first Regional Forest Agreement ( RFA)
with the Premier of Victoria, the Hon Jeff Kennett MLA.
The RFA for Ea# t Gippsland expands and consolidates Victoria's impressive
reserve system. Almost 90 per cent of the East Gippsland region is public land,
with 50 per cent of that land within a Comprehensive, Adequate and
Representative ( CAR) Reserve System.
Today's agreement is a milestone in Australian forest management.
The RFA will give greater certainty of access to timber resources, providing the
basis for investment in the timber industry and the creation of new jobs
providing up to an estimated $ 140 million boost for the economy.
The agreement is for the next 20 years and includes provision for a
performance review every five years.
The lead up to today's historic signing has involved extensive cooperation
between the Commonwealth and State Governments.
It is a welcome and positive result for the environment and the economy and
illustrates that with sound policy it is possible to reach a balanced and
responsible outcome in forest management.
Today's signing ensures world class protection of wilderness, old growth and
biodiversity. It provides for the ecologically sustainable development of forests
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The CAR Reserve System in East Gippsland meets or exceeds all the nationally
agreed conservation criteria and surpasses international standards.
Mr Ken~ nett said that " this outstanding result is largely due to the extent of
Victoria's existing reserves and the State's detailed forest planning and
management arrangement?".
The State and Federal Governments will pursue options for complementary
legislation to support the agreement.
Both the Pr-emier and I thank the Ministers and Departmnental officers involved
in the negotiations leading up to the historic agreement.
The Regional Forest Agreement is a result of a great deal of hard work and
commitmnent on the part of everyone involved including scientists, researchers,
officials and coununity groups. It is also a credit to all those members of the
public who took part in the extensive consultation process, workshops and
public meetings.
This is the first of many Regional Forest Agreements for Australia's forests.
3 February 1997