The country's forest growers have returned a more than 85% vote in favour of an industry-wide levy for research, development and marketing - possibly starting from January 1.
The proposal was mooted about 18 months ago, with the estimated more than 10,000 small-forest owners getting on board with the large companies in control of massive holdings. Forest Growers Levy Trust chair Geoff Thompson said the result was ''the green light'' required to progress, through further grower consultation, ministerial application and administration.
''Now we can get on with groundwork and consultation that is still needed before we can ask the Minister for Primary Industries to put a levy order in place,'' he said in a statement.
He expected the levy to be introduced on January 1.
Logs and wood products, excluding firewood, would initially be levied at 27c per tonne when presented to the sawmill or wharf for export. Based on last year's harvest, a levy would have raised $6.75 million.
At a glance
How they voted in the forestry referendum.-
By numbers: 502 growers, or 86.3%, voted yes and 80, or 13.7%, voted no.
By weighted area: 947,762ha, or 86.3%, in favour and 149,926ha, or 13.7%, opposed.
