Forest Industry Development Board

Forest Industry Development Board (SA)

The Forest Industry Development Board is an advisory board established by the Minister for Forests on 1 January 2009 to provide leadership for innovation and development in the forest and forest products industry sector that support sustainable economic growth in South Australia.

The Board’s principal task is to develop an industry strategy to ensure appropriate planning is undertaken in the forest and forest products sector.

The current Board members have been appointed based on their skill sets rather than representation from industry groups or associations. This has been a particular focus to ensure that the Board has a broad range of skills to maximise the scope of its capacity.

The Board is currently undergoing a very active phase as they apply themselves to the development of a forest industry strategic plan for South Australia.

Terms of Reference

The Forest Industry Development Board will:

  • Identify the impediments and opportunities for growth;
  • Foster the ongoing adoption of innovation;
  • Monitor research and development, workforce developments and other resources that are attuned to future needs and challenges;
  • Promote the implementation of best practice natural resources management;
  • Promote a sustainable and safe forest and forest products industry sector;
  • Advise on the most effective roles and recommend priorities for industry and Government to achieve growth;
  • Develop, review and support the implementation of a strategic plan to further the above; and
  • Provide an Annual Report of activities to the Minister for Forests.

The FIDB fulfils these roles by:

  • Meeting with industry organisations to discuss the development of the industry and regions, and identify strategies to address issues or constraints;
  • Convening forums of relevant industry groups to promote discussion of current issues, emerging trends, and to generate synergies;
  • Facilitating communication between groups servicing the forest and forest products industry;
  • Advising on the most effective roles for industry and government and recommending priorities to achieve growth; and
  • Developing, reviewing and supporting the implementation of a forest industry strategy to further the above.

PIRSA Forestry supports the activities of the FIDB as it addresses forest industry issues. Where an issue is not being adequately addressed, this support will help to initiate activities, develop communication links within the industry, and facilitate dialogue between industry, government and other stakeholders.


Membership of the Board  (as at 22 February 2012)