The first formal training of Australian foresters commenced in 1910 at the School of Forestry in Creswick, Victoria. The first Forest Training School in New South Wales opened at Narara near Gosford in 1920. The Australian Forestry School at Canberra opened in 1927. In 1965 the Department of Forestry at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra took over the training of foresters for a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) degree.

'General Division' foresters, who largely learnt their trade through experience, in some cases with limited formal training, also practiced in NSW for many years.

Forestry Education on the North Coast
Until the mid 1990s tertiary education in forest management was limited to degree courses at the ANU and Melbourne University and a diploma course at Creswick in southern Victoria.

Forestry education entered a new era in 1996 with the first intake of students to commence the Bachelor of Applied Science (Forestry) Degree through the School of Resource Science and Management at Southern Cross University (SCU) in Lismore. The first graduates completed their studies at the end of 1999.

SCU is ideally suited to the study of forestry. There is a wide diversity of native forests in the Northern Rivers (including both rainforest and eucalypt), as well as both native and exotic species plantations. Large areas of forest within both National Park and State Forest provide a focus around which students can experience the full breadth of forest management from conservation to timber production.

The Forestry Course
The SCU forestry course is a four year full time or equivalent part time course that focuses particularly on sub-tropical and tropical forestry. Given the radical changes that have occurred in forestry in the last 10 or so years, Southern Cross University recognises that those charged with the stewardship of our forests must be trained to meet the challenges of ecologically sustainable forest management. Those challenges not only include the complexities of natural resource management and commercial wood production, but also the emerging importance of political, social and community attitudes toward forestry

A total of thirty two units are required to complete the Forestry course, with the full time student required to take four units over eight semesters (4 years). The course is also offered on a part time basis (8 years). Compulsory core units are required to be taken as well as a group of elective units, which allows the student to attain a degree of specialisation within elected areas. Many of the units within the course structure are common to other areas of study within the School of Resource Science and Management.

Throughout the four years of the course students are encouraged to undertake work experience and the university assists through contacts with a wide range of employers across the north coast. This work experience provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to the work environment and also assists them in making contact with prospective employers of forestry graduates.

Eligibility to Undertake the Course
Eligibility for admission to the course is gained via an appropriate UAI score or the equivalent at a Year 12 examination. The following qualification are also deemed equivalent for admission to the course:

• A tertiary Diploma or Associate Diploma;
• at least one full-time year in a degree level course at an Australian tertiary institution;
• a Tertiary Preparation Certificate at TAFE;
• a year long Foundation Studies Course at an Australian University
• the equivalent of eight degree level units from an Australian University or the Open Learning Agency of Australia.

Career Opportunities in Forestry
Graduates may expect to be employed in either the private or public sector, with the opportunity to follow a range of career paths from timber conversion to conservation management. Other career opportunities include hands on forest management, Geographic Information System technology and planning, scientific research and support and advice to a diverse range of community groups involved in private land management.

Within New South Wales the major employer of Forestry graduates is State Forests of New South Wales. Other public sector positions are also available, including National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Land and Water Conservation. The Commonwealth Government also employs foresters in various departments such as the Department of Primary Industries and Energy, Environment Australia and the CSIRO. Outside of NSW there are also forestry and conservation agencies in all States and Territories.

Employment opportunities may also exist within community based organisations such as Greening Australia and Landcare. There is also scope for overseas employment with organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Food and Agriculture Organisation and within groups offering assistance to developing countries.

Within the private sector, the larger forest industry companies, some sawmills and forestry consultants also employ foresters.

Informal Forestry Education Opportunities in Northern NSW
There are a number of organisations and community groups on the north coast that receive funding to promote farm forestry and landcare. They include the Sub-tropical Farm Forestry Association, Coombell Farm Forestry Centre and the Upper Clarence Farm Forestry Network. Whilst they do not operate formal education programs they do provide information and run workshops on farm forestry, including plantation establishment and management.

The NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation also has a farm forestry coordinator who provides an extension service, including workshops.

Further Information
Further information about the Bachelor of Applied Science (Forestry) Degree at Southern Cross University can be obtained by telephoning
(02) 6620 3650.

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