MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 15 May 2023

Forestry Australia continues to grow from strength to strength

Forestry Australia has reported another year of strong growth with membership rising to over 1,120, representing an increase of 20 per cent in three years.

Forestry Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jacquie Martin, said she was particularly delighted that Student and Young Professional membership had doubled over the same period, now making up 16 per cent of the membership.

“These members are the next generation of leaders in our sector and bring an amazing energy to Forestry Australia. The growth in their membership highlights increasing recognition of the importance of our professional association in fostering a bright future for Australian forestry.

“In addition to this, representation of women in Forestry Australia continues to grow with over a quarter of our members identifying as female,” Ms Martin said.
Coupled with this growth in membership, 85% of members who participated in the 2023 member survey reported that they are either satisfied or highly satisfied with their membership. In 2019, just 59% reported being satisfied or highly satisfied.

“The increase in member numbers and growing satisfaction within the membership is a result of the hard work and passion of over 120 volunteers, the strategic focus of the Board and the high levels of service and commitment to members provided by the national office.

“It is clear that forestry professionals and forest growers are responding to Forestry Australia’s momentum and the expansion of services and benefits that are offered, including our webinar and mentoring programs, launch of our Agroforestry Special Interest Group, and the highly successful 2022 Albury Symposium.

“In addition to this, investing in advocacy, through the appointment of Science Policy Officers, as well as prioritising the review of the Registered Forestry Professional scheme, demonstrates that Forestry Australia is positioning itself as the go-to organisation for forest management expertise,” Ms Martin said.

ENDS

Media contact:
Becher Townshend
Font PR
0418 370 661