Timber Queensland welcomes appointment of Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner and role of forestry in delivering positive outcomes

Queensland’s forest and timber industry has recognised the potential for mine rehabilitation to deliver environmental and economic benefits in regional communities and congratulates James Purtill as the state’s inaugural Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner appointed by the Queensland Government.

Mick Stephens, Timber Queensland CEO, said he looks forward to briefing Mr Purtill on the role that productive forestry can play in mine site rehabilitation to deliver multiple outcomes.

“Where feasible on suitable sites, rehabilitation using productive forestry can deliver multiple benefits in terms of regional jobs and economic development, enhancing future wood and timber supplies, and restoring degraded landscapes with improved environmental outcomes,” said Mr Stephens.

“Given we have members with extensive experience in revegetation, forestry, soil management, the carbon sector and disturbed land remediation for mine rehabilitation, we would be happy to assist with any future consultations between the forestry sector and the mining industry,” he said.

Mr Stephens said that incorporating productive forestry activities in mine rehabilitation projects

can deliver incentives for sustainable outcomes.

“Given the future value of the wood resources to land managers and local communities, there is a real commercial driver to manage these sites over the longer-term,” he said.

“Mine rehabilitation activities may also be eligible to create carbon credits where mines elect to establish trees as a remediation strategy over and above the requirements of their Environmental Authority.”

“These opportunities can be a win-win for the mining sector and the timber industry, in terms of providing additional wood resources while at the same time as providing environmental services such as soil protection, vegetation management and dealing with challenging sites.

“In Far North Queensland, for example, research is already underway looking at prospective commercial timber species on former mine sites, which can provide future income for landholders and stakeholders including indigenous communities.

“We look forward to working with the new Commissioner, James Purtill, and the mining industry to explore these opportunities into the future.”