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Laws, tax and support for farm forestry
Tax and red tape
Many federal, state and local laws and
regulations, relate to farm forestry. In fact commercial tree
growing is one of the most regulated farming activities. It
is often the responsibility of each landowner, contractor
or investor to make themselves aware of the relevant regulations
and make the appropriate applications.
The federal government is responsible
for taxation law. A number of recent taxation rulings are
directly related to farm forestry including: rules related
to investments in revegetation for land protection, the sale
of standing forests, tax averaging, primary production status
for tree growers and afforestation schemes.
State governments are responsible for land management
issues and will have regulations and laws related to:
- the management and clearing of native vegetation;
- fire protection;
- flora and fauna management;
- land protection;
- water harvesting and allocation;
- plantation establishment;
- and timber harvesting.
Some state governments have also passed legislation
that separates the ownership of trees and land for the purpose
of facilitating commercial arrangements between landowners
and off-farm investors.
The role of local government authorities varies
widely across Australia. In most cases they are responsible
for land use planning and may require landowners to obtain
a permit prior to establishing or harvesting trees. Landowners
and investors are encouraged to contact their local government
authorities in order to find out if and what approvals may
be required.
Government policy, strategies and
support for farm forestry
Many international conventions, federal
government polices and state initiatives are relevant to farm
forestry. For example, the international conventions on biodiversity
and climate change have led to a number of federal and state
initiatives supporting revegetation. Many national and state
policies on forestry, sustainable development and plantation
development are also directly related to programs that seek
to influence revegetation and farm forestry.
Many federal, state and local government programs
provide support and assistance for landowners. Cost-share
grants are available in most states for projects considered
to have off-site environmental, social or economic value.
Other government programs provide assistance for education,
extension, regional planning and information of other initiatives
by state agencies, non-government organization or community
groups.
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