Page 75 - TA Magazine

We’ve found this in in in past Tasmanian studies showing that farmers make a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a net gain Farmers also get an an an an improved property value from aesthetics and potential increase in in in in income if the the timber is chosen to to be be harvested It’s a a a a a a a a a no brainer ” says Monckton Dispelling negative perceptions
The message to get trees planted on farms and and private land is not new With various schemes being implemented in in in the past that that have adverse outcomes for some some Monckton explains that that while he he he understands there may be some some negative perceptions
this Matching Project is not pushing an industry line “We need to debunk the the negative perceptions
in in in the the tree growing landscape People’s fingers have been burnt in in the past This project works and and communicates with
the farmer and and and takes a a a a a a a holistic perspective with
honest and and transparent objectives objectives working in in with
the farmer’s own objectives objectives ” With several stakeholders involved to to execute a a a a a a positive outcome Monckton explains that Private Forests Tasmania is is a a a a a a a a a a a a logical facilitator for the the project “PFT is is the the statutory body and honest broker with
no investment return We are here to to encourage planting trees for all parties who everyone can can trust While
we we may not provide commercial advice we we can can point farmers to consultants and and offer a a a a a a a a a a a a list o of of credible names for professional help and and advice ” Benefits for investors
While
farmers may be one of of the the the key key players in in in the the the Matching Project investors
are key key to to the the the the success of of this plan and and getting trees in in in in in the the ground The project will seek specific opportunities and and funding mechanisms to encourage new commercial tree plantings on private property targeting direct investors
investors
investors
(such (such as as as super funds) and and passive investors
investors
investors
(such (such as as as carbon investors) and and the forestry industry (growers processors) Each will require
specific targeted approaches working together with
Tree Alliance to to to create strategies and supporting policies
to to find matching opportunities with
with
mutual benefit Communication with
with
these groups will involve research and and and consultation to understand their strategic goals and and and where commercial tree planting can have mutual benefits This information will then be be used to develop opportunities with
collaborating parties for for landowners to establish commercial tree plantings “There’s a a a wide range of investor benefits Whether you’re a a a a superfund or or bank considering putting money behind trees to to a a a a a carbon investor seeking an offsetting program by putting trees in in in in in the ground to to timber processor looking to to expand your resource this program will be able to match you you with
with
a a a a a a a a a landowner that will also align with
with
what your objectives are This program is is not a a a a a a a a one size fits all but a a a a a a a a completely customised approach ” says Monckton Ensuring that this project is is meeting the interests of all all parties involved involved Monckton says all all stakeholder groups will be involved involved throughout the process “We’re setting up up a a steering group of people from the the Tree Alliance the the forestry industry landholder organizations and and and potential investors
to to help guide this project and and act as a a a a a a a a a a sounding board for what’s going on to to to make this a a a a a a a workable program to to to be continued into the future ” treealliance com au 75