Demand for sustainably sourced forest and wood products is increasing both nationally and internationally, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to providing industry with the tools they need to take advantage of this growth.
The Government has launched a suite of online forestry guidance materials for private landowners and managers, including Indigenous forest owners and managers.
The comprehensive database introduces the business of commercial forestry and gives those considering farm forestry a great launch pad prior to seeking on-ground information and advice specific to their land management system.
The online database is user-friendly and enables people to search materials from a regional level.
The initiative contributes to increasing the supply of domestically grown timber products and reducing Australia's carbon emissions.
The materials were developed by Forest and Wood Products Australia in collaboration with Greenwood Strategy Solutions.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $300 million in the future of the forestry industry, which includes:
- Over $100 million for transformative research, development and innovation for the timber industry through Australian Forest and Wood Innovations
- Over $100 million to support the medium and long-term sustainability of our wood processing sector through the Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation program
- Over $73 million to expand Australia's future wood supply through the Support Plantation Establishment program, and
- $10 million in the industry's training needs through the Forestry Workforce Training Program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"Increasing Australia's wood supply is our Government's key policy objective for the forestry sector.
"That's why the Albanese Labor Government is delivering a suite of initiatives totalling over $300 million to support Australia's forest industries to innovate and improve capacity and capability.
"The area of farm forestry in Australia was reported as 73,000 hectares in 2022 and these online tools will help to continue the growth of this area."
