B+LNZ calls for government action as sheep and beef farm sales to forestry climb
Red meat farmers are urging the Government to act on the growing number of whole sheep and beef farm sales for conversion to forestry, particularly carbon farming.
The Forest Industry Contractors Association points out that while roading accessibility and safety remain key concerns, forestry contractors still have bills to pay and staff to retain until they know when they can go back to work or not.
But they are not sitting idle: contractors are mucking in to help clean up post Cyclone Gabrielle.
Association chief executive Prue Younger says contractors are adapting as best they can, redeploying machinery and manpower while they try to keep staff busy and income coming in.
She questions whether contractors are going to be supported by government, like other sectors so reliant on the land for employment are.
“We’re hearing stories of contractors getting stuck in and helping out in their communities, whether that’s volunteering or seeking alternative revenue through short-term clean up jobs,” she says.
“As the workforce on the ground within the wider forestry industry, they’re doing us proud, looking for opportunities to pitch in and help, while also keeping their staff busy.”
Chrystal and Gavin Edmonds run Stirling Logging, based in Wairoa and Gisborne. They employ about 20 staff and have more than half their team out and about helping to clean up.
“We’ve got about 11 of our guys out clearing silt in Gisborne with four diggers we’ve hired. We are just going house to house, trying to give a hand and help out wherever we can.”
Although at the moment the cost to help is mostly coming out of their own pocket, Gavin says either way it’s got to be done, especially with the increasing hygiene health risks. But he says it’s also good to be busy.
“We know we’re stronger together. We’re keeping our guys employed and busy and keeping good morale going till we can get back to work.”
The forestry sector has come under fire after the recent flooding on the east coast of North Island.
Forestry slash, a waste product from commercial forestry, is being blamed for causing major damage to infrastructure during the flood.
