February 23rd, 2022Securing our wood supply

The federal government will invest more than $86 million over five years to support the establishment of new plantations to lock-in future wood supply.

The Government will look to partner with the Victorian Government to deliver this through a grants program, backing in a key component of the National Forest Industries Plan.

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said that the forestry sector was a huge employer in the region and growing the plantation estate would ensure that continues into the future.

“This program is about getting more trees in the ground and ensuring forest industries have a long-term future,” Senator Henderson said. 

“This is the largest direct investment of any Australian Government in plantation establishment for more than 30 years.

“We want to partner with Victoria to grow this renewable, sustainable industry so that it can continue to create jobs and deliver quality, Australian-made products to markets.

“This investment, made in partnership with states and territories and industry, will create jobs  not just in the planting phase, but in 25 or 30 years’ time when that wood is harvested and processed into a truss or a timber frame. 

“We have worked hand-in-hand with industry to address the immediate and long-term challenges facing this sector, and will continue to back them in every step of the way.

“I would urge the Victorian Government to support our forestry sector and partner with our Government to deliver this program.”

For more information on the program visit: www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry