The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub has welcomed new chair Cameron MacDonald following the retirement of Ian McDonnell at this month’s board meeting.
Mr MacDonald, who was elevated from his previous position as deputy chair, said he was delighted to take on the role and to be supported by industry stalwart Laurie Hein, who was elected deputy chair at the quarterly meeting.
Mr MacDonald, who has more than 30 years of industry experience, is executive general manager of OneFortyOne’s Australian operations which includes more than 88,000 hectares of plantation forest and a sawmilling operation. Mr Hein is managing director of plantation company Green Triangle Forest Products, which manages 22,000 hectares of softwood plantation.
The sale of the NF McDonnell sawmill last month meant Mr McDonnell was ineligible to remain on the board with new owners AAM Investments to resume the sawmill’s board position at future meetings.
Mr MacDonald said Mr McDonnell had been instrumental in forming the hub and had worked tirelessly to advocate for the sector.
“Our members are extremely grateful for the generous contribution Ian made to see the Hub evolve into a trusted industry association, which now represents more than 95% of the sector,” Mr MacDonald.
“He has volunteered hundreds of hours passionately advocating to key parliamentarians and decision makers, educating the broader community about the invaluable economic, social and environmental contribution our industries make to the Green Triangle.
“Ian was also influential in building the hub’s research objectives which are building an important foundation to futureproof our sector. The board wishes Ian every success into the future as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement after more than four decades in the sector.”
Mr MacDonald’s appointment comes at an important time for the hub which is progressing on the next stage of its research into plantation water use to assist in the South Australian Government’s Water Allocation Plan review.
Work also includes building an industry carbon strategy, progressing research into new market opportunities and collaborating with local farmers to implement a Trees on Farm study.
“This is an extremely exciting time for our sector as we realise this collaborative plan to grow our plantation estate, optimise existing fibre use and create new jobs for future generations,” Mr MacDonald said.
