Not-for-profit group runs aground amid controversy over timber deal.

 

Planet Ark Environmental Foundation, one of Australia's largest environmental non-for-profits, has entered voluntary administration following a board review of the organisation's "financial position and future viability".

 

The organisation's board attributed the current economic climate, the impact of COVID-19 on stakeholder support and on-going funding challenges as factors that had significantly impacted its operations in recent years. 

 

In a statement, the board said the decision "provides an opportunity for an independent assessment of the organisation’s affairs" and a chance to "explore potential options for restructuring that will allow the organisation to continue our important work". 

 

Established in 1991, Planet Ark was known across the country for its environmental campaigns and programs including National Tree Day and National Recycling Week.

 

Officeworks partnered with Planet Ark to support the retailer’s ‘Bring it Back’ recycling program.

 

Planet Ark co-founder Jon Dee, who left the organisation in 2007 after 16 years as managing director, said he was disappointed to hear the organisation had gone into administration. 

 

In a controversial move, the organisation allowed its logo to be used on advertisements for timber, paid for by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), which was part of a sponsorship deal in which Planet Ark received $700,000 from the timber industry.