February 12th, 2022Support for low-emissions timber in construction

The Federal Government is increasing support for construction businesses to use low‑carbon timber and deliver jobs in our forest industries.

The Government, through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), is investing $300 million in the Timber Building Program.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Program will finance the use of low-carbon engineered wood materials in apartments and office buildings to reduce construction emissions.

“Increased use of low-carbon construction materials like wood products will help achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2050,” Minister Taylor said.

“The production and delivery of building materials account for 28 per cent of emissions in the construction industry globally.

“Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan sets out the approach the Government is taking to help industries reduce their emissions, through research and enabling technologies.”

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said this was another example of the Morrison Government backing in our forest industries and supporting jobs.

“Forest industries make an enormous contribution to rural and regional communities across Australia and employ over 65,000 people,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“Our National Forest Industries Plan is reducing barriers to investment in our plantation estate, improving Australia’s value-adding capability and delivering opportunities for better returns on investment for our foresters.

“Through these investments, the Morrison Government is backing in and securing the future of our forest industries and the jobs they deliver in rural areas.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Hendersonsaid the new investment would support jobs across regional Victorian and lead to lower emissions from the construction industry.

“This investment will help our industries to make more innovative forest and wood products right here in Australia and create more jobs,” Senator Henderson said.

“The Program will also help to develop local skills and experience that will lead to more low‑carbon timber-based building activity in the future.”

The Timber Building Program will finance eligible projects Australia wide on a case‑by‑case basis, which includes construction projects in office, retail, industrial, healthcare, education, residential, seniors living, hotels, and student accommodation.
More information about the CEFC’s Timber Building Program, including the application requirements for interested builders, is available on the CEFC website.