OBAC Releases Two More Strategies

Friday, November 28, 2008 04:23 PM

Prince George, B.C.- The Omineca Beetle Action Coalition has released two more of its strategies aimed at sustainable future for the region.

One strategy is on Future Forest Products and Fibre Use, the other focuses on “Integrated Regional Infrastructure".

Both documents outline actions that need to be taken to achieve specified goals.

While neither report outlines the costs that may be involved, they both present a number of recommendations.

In the case of the forestry /fibre use strategy, presents four recommendations and over twenty proposed actions.

The recommendations are:

1. Increase the benefits that communities can rely upon from forest resources and forestry.

2. Ensure that the forest sector remains a strong economic contributor to the region.

3. Recognize MPB impacted stands as a valuable asset, which should be used to its full potential before its commercial value is depleted.

4. Increase awareness and understanding of the long-term viability of the forest sector.

Point 4 has been said before. Earlier this year, the Steelworkers released a report on the concerns of displaced forestry workers, and they made it clear, there needs to be something done to indicate forestry is not dead. “This is something we need to do a better job of” says Minister of Forests and Range, Pat Bell, “All of the different parties are coming together now and saying maybe we need to collaboratively be sending this message so we are talking to all the different organizations and asking, how do we do this?” Bell says it isn’t just about advertising its about sending a more positive image about the industry, “This is not a sunset industry” says Bell, “It is a sun rise industry , the sun is coming up again, it’s just going to look a little different when it comes up.”

As for the infrastructure strategy, OBAC General Manager, Elizabeth Andersen says she is well aware of the economic challenges facing the country, however, there are federal and provincial budget commitments to infrastructure, and while OBAC isn’t asking for additional money, they are asking that current dollars be spent in a specific manner. The three recommendations from the infrastructure plan are:

1. Ensure that the region’s new and existing transportation infrastructure provides for the safe, cost effective and expeditious movement of people, goods and services.

2. Establish energy and communications infrastructure elements that will attract new businesses to the region and allow existing businesses to expand.

3. Establish collaborative planning approaches and innovative funding mechanisms to expedite the delivery of integrated infrastructure development solutions.

The next step will be to put some clear dollars and cents estimates on the recommendations as well as outline who is responsible for what action.

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Posted on Friday, November 28, 2008 04:23 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: gus on November 28 2008 6:14 PM

If this was not so sad, it would be funny. They seem to continue to get paid to state the obvious. When will the government realize that there are others who can better use the money to make a difference?

Posted by: kitkat on November 28 2008 7:32 PM

No doubt Gus, no doubt. Enough said.

Posted by: astro on November 28 2008 8:48 PM

Is there any part of the plan to reforest the trees that have been killed?

Posted by: giterdun on November 29 2008 8:04 AM

The trees will have fallen and rotted before these bureaucrates get their chain saw started. Typical government action, or no action.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 29 2008 1:41 PM

I agree with all of the above,and I can't help but wonder whether or not this is just a paycheque to these people?
There is very little in this "infrastructure plan" that will put people back to work anytime soon.
As giterdun has said,the trees will have fallen down before they arrive at any solid conclusions that we can actually see and spend!
I think they are dragging their feet to keep the money flowing, because maybe if they solved all the issues and actually DID something,they would all be out of a job!
I would think a room full of loggers and unemployed forestry workers could come up with a workable plan one hell of a lot faster than a group playing political head games with our tax dollars!
It always seems those directly involved in the industry are the last ones who are asked for solutions!

Posted by: gus on November 30 2008 12:40 AM

The Board is made up of Mayors and regional distrcit chairs of the communities in the region covered by OBAC.

I have not got the foggiest what they know about forestry. They might know what forest companies work in their region and know some of the businesses which service those companies. But how to make sure those companies stay in business or what other industries to court to come to their communities to open the doors, they likely have not got the faintest clue.

Is OBAC actually doing something to attract those alternate and associated industries? Three years later it really does not look like it.

What has OBAC done to prevent the closures of mills in Mackenzie and loss of some 1200 direct jobs? What are they doing to help open them up again? What are they doing to provide alternate opportunities in Mackenzie for those who are no longer working?

So they are going to increase the awareness and understanding of the long-term viability of the forest sector. At the same time, we are being told and we know that there is a fall down of some 40% of the stands in the OBAC region. The long term (50 year) viability is simply not there at the same level that it was. Sure, the forest sector will continue over the next 5 decades, but at a reduced level and even using different stock, different restocking methods, and different end products, many going to differnt markets.

Unless a considerable number of those new variations produce more jobs per cubic metre, there is some considerable downsizing and even relocation that will be happening no matter how good OBAC is going to spin its stories.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 30 2008 8:09 AM

Well said gus!
You hit it right on the head.
I can't help but wonder if boards such as the OBAC are not simply expensive smoke and mirrors, in place to give the impression that something is actually being done to keep the heat off the government.
Like I said,those directly involved (and unemployed) are the last ones usually asked to brainstorm for solutions.
That really makes me wonder about the process.