The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) welcomes and thanks the Australian Government for its latest round of funding announced for the Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPEP) that will bolster our national stocks of local timber and wood-fibre for the decades ahead, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said today.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry the Hon Julie Collins MP has today announced $10.4 million for 14 new softwood and hardwood plantation projects through Round 3 of the SPEP. The projects range from 21 to 1,928 hectares - the total area around 5,500 hectares across NSW, Victoria, WA, SA and Tasmania.
"While we have a surplus of building construction timber right now, we are actually forecasting shortages in the plantation timber that we'll need in decades to come to build new homes and manufacture a range of essential everyday products. That's why it's important we get more timber production trees in the ground right now, to fend off those future shortages," Diana Hallam said.
"This announcement today is the latest in a reform program agenda carried out by the Federal Government over the past three years to help Australia's forestry sector and the supply chain. In addition to funding for plantation expansion, further funding has been delivered during this term of government to enhance timber and wood-fibre manufacturing as well as establish the new Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) - all of which was advocated for by AFPA ahead of the 2022 Federal Election.
"Getting more timber production trees in the ground is critical, which is why ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, AFPA is calling for a $200 million extension to the SPEP as part of our broader Australian Timber. Australia's Future Platform to help our sector realise its potential.
"AFPA again thanks the Albanese Government for today's announcement and will continue to work with the Government and Opposition ahead of the Federal Election to secure the best national outcomes for Australia's forestry and timber sector - that is important for local employment, products, forest management and fighting climate change," Diana Hallam concluded.
