The AGM highlighted significant developments, including the ongoing revision of the National Forest Stewardship Standard for Australia. Senior Policy Manager Stefan Jensen shared key updates, such as strengthened protections for Intact Forest Landscapes and Indigenous Cultural Landscapes, improved worker rights, and tighter regulations on the use of highly hazardous pesticides. A first draft of the revised Standard will soon be available for public consultation.
Among other notable achievements over the past year:
- Revenue from the Promotional Licence Holder Program grew by 96% between 2023 and 2024, with continued growth expected in 2025 as more businesses join monthly.
- FSC Forest Week 2024 saw a 64% rise in participation from Australian and New Zealand brands, highlighting FSC certification’s key role in tackling climate and biodiversity challenges. The campaign encourages our FSC network of certificate holders, licence holders, and members to celebrate the importance of FSC certification and urges consumers to look for the label on forest-based products to support sustainable forestry.
- The launch of the world-first 2024 FSC Fashion Roundtable Series, held in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland, sold out rapidly. These events highlighted the vital link between forests and fashion, raising awareness about responsibly sourced forest-based materials in the textile industry.
At the AGM, members appointed Simon Cook as Board Director representing the Economic Chamber. Simon brings over 25 years of forestry sector experience across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Since 2014, he has been Sustainability Manager at Forico, where he has been pivotal in shaping the company’s internationally recognised Natural Capital Reports and has driven its Reconciliation Action Plan and partnerships with First Nations communities. Simon also contributed to the Standards Development Group for the National Forest Stewardship Standard revision and now steps down from that role as he joins the Board.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jon Dee for his exceptional leadership as Chair of the FSC ANZ Board. Serving an unprecedented second term, Jon has brought clarity, purpose, and strong values to every discussion. His unwavering support for the team has made a lasting impact. We’re grateful that Jon will remain on the Board, continuing to share his energy and insight. In accordance with the Constitution, the next Chair will be appointed by the Board at its first meeting following this term.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Carlie Porteous, who concluded her term as Director within the Economic Chamber after serving since August 2020. Carlie’s insightful and dedicated contributions have been invaluable to FSC’s mission and governance.
Members also approved a special resolution to extend the Board Chair’s term from one year to two, enhancing continuity and strategic focus in governance and aligning FSC ANZ with FSC International’s practices.
Finally, we thank our guest presenters for their valuable insights: Michelle Wong, Deputy Regional Director, FSC Asia Pacific, who provided an update on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR); Tolita Davis-Angeles, Chair of the Indigenous Working Group, who shared progress and future plans; and Michael Schofield, Resource and Sustainability Manager at Midway Tasmania, who presented on FSC-certified native forest regrowth thinning.
We thank all our members for their ongoing commitment and support in advancing responsible forest management across Australia and New Zealand.