General Manager's report

During the past financial year, the Commission rolled out a systematic program of staff training and development with emphasis on a culture of teamwork across the organisation. This program recognised the critical importance of Commission staff to the success of the organisation. Simultaneously as the year developed, the qualities of our people became more important and also ever-more visible.

In her report, the Chair has covered the financial impacts of the Varanus Island incident, wildfires and the economic conditions faced by the Commission in 2008/09. The way in which the Commission responded to those challenges is a reflection of the quality of the agency’s people. In tough conditions, one really sees the calibre of the individuals and the value of the teamwork which epitomise the agency.

When industry was forced into shutdown during the gas shortage, Commission staff working with harvesting and transport contractors had to reschedule operations, often on a daily basis and with less than twelve hours notice. Their efforts skillfully managed the reduced and fluctuating demand for log products to businesses with access to intermittent gas supplies.

In February, as soon as the three major plantation wildfires were safely under control, the Commission’s staff, again working in concord with contractors, rescheduled operations to salvage valuable timber before it started to degrade beyond saleable standards. Agreements were made rapidly with private plantation owners which enabled the Commission’s contractors to switch to work on private plantations.

Once again, new balancing acts were required to meet the variable demands of different customers.

Reaching agreement on a carbon project with Synergy represented a major achievement in business development. With approval to commence land acquisition and planting only finalised in January, plantations staff achieved an amazing job of securing the entire 5000 hectares of land required for planting during the winter. They have been supported from across the organisation by staff who negotiated with local governments for planning approvals, surveying the plantations for registration with Landgate and of course, supplying the seedlings for planting.

Even under such trying conditions, the Commission’s staff refined the procedures necessary under the Australian Forestry Standard and passed the audit required for accreditation of jarrah and pine operations, adding to the certification received last year for our karri operations. Equally, the teams in Corporate Services and Business Development and Technology have been indefatigable in their efforts to secure the Commission’s financial position, its contracts, and the science and information underpinning the business.

As we move into 2009/10, we are asking even more of the Commission’s staff, such as managing in very uncertain conditions until the future of investment in carbon and forestry is resolved; and while the economy slowly rebuilds out of recession.

It is the commitment and dedication of our people that gives us confidence in the future of the business, the industry and the community it serves.

Dr Paul Biggs
General Manager