There is undeniable evidence that the massive increase in woodchipping is occurring simultaneously with a serious decline in sawlog output. Despite this Norm Huon, representing the logging industry (20/11), continues to stand behind his worn-out argument that the (highest ever) mountain of woodchips is really just the "waste" from (ever diminishing) sawn timber production.
His concern for this country's trade deficit is very patriotic and touching but equally unconvincing. When we look at the income export woodchipping generates for this country, it accounts for a trifling 0.66%. However, the profit margins to the exporters and overseas buyers is almost obscene.
To secure this outrageous trade deal for the next 20 years, the governments are bending over backwards to placate the off-shore pulp companies, the now discredited RFA process is being rushed through to offer East Gippsland as the first export sacrifice. The entire process is deviod of credible science, environmental predictions, economic analuysis, social imapct etc.
This will not solve the conflict - it will escalate it. Not onluy will our remaining mature and old growth forests disappear to become intensively managed industrial tree farms perfect for chipping, jobs in the native forest industry will continue to be lost as woodchipping increases. It takes a tree seven seconds to go through a chipper. Then it's off to make profit for overseas companies. Just who does Norm Huon really represent? (220 words)