Australia's timber framing sawmills have increased employment by up to 25 per cent to meet demand fuelled by the COVID-induced building boom, according to new analysis by the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA).
This stands in stark contrast to reported OECD global trends suggesting timber processing employment will fall by 18 per cent over 2019-2024.
AFPA Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton said forest product processing in Australia is booming with the insatiable demand for Aussie-made sustainable building products.
"We are seeing more and more everyday how Australians are increasingly valuing forest industry products," Mr Hampton said
"It's true that timber production is being constrained in some countries as global companies seek to ensure sustainable production lines, but in Australia our builders and homeowners understand our local industry is completely sustainable. They are also learning that we are part of the solution in mitigating climate change."
"In Australia, we are producing essential products to the highest environmental standards in the world and supporting tens of thousands of regional jobs across the country. We replant our plantations and completely regenerate harvested native forests, by law."
"Recent AFPA-commissioned opinion polling also confirmed that an overwhelming proportion of Australians want Australia to grow more trees to meet our housing needs."
"The future is bright for employment across Australia's forest industries, including timber processing, as we and the rest of the world looks to sustainable fibre products to replace plastics and house a growing population."
"If you want a sustainable career which brings a lifetime of positives for you and your family, the community and the environment, choose a job in Australian forest industries," Mr Hampton concluded.
The original media release is here: 260708 AFPA_Media_Release_-_Aussie_sawmills_lead_employment_surge_in_timber_industries
