A balanced and considered Commonwealth Government strategy with six key priorities to grow and strengthen Australia's forestry and forest products sector, is being welcomed by the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) as a plan to help us realise our industry potential into the future, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said today.
A partnership with Government, Industry and the Unions through the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership has developed a blueprint to deliver a world leading sector that provides critical materials to build sustainable houses for the future as well as the other essential timber, paper and packaging products that Australians need.
"The delivery of a Timber Fibre Strategy was a key commitment of the Labor Party at the 2022 Federal Election, so we're happy that it's come to fruition after three years of work from the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership that was created to inform its development," Diana Hallam said.
The Timber Fibre Strategy includes six priority areas and sets out 128 actions which cover and address key issues facing the sector:
- Building sovereign timber fibre manufacturing capability and capacity
- Meeting demand for timber fibre resources
- Healthy forests, actively managed
- Attracting and engaging people and other industry enablers
- Supporting and growing regional communities
- Innovating the timber fibre value chain
"We welcome Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins' recognition that the strategy points to a bigger role for the forestry sector in tackling national housing challenges and the Government's housing agenda. This is a major issue of the times and we stand ready to increase our contribution to the national effort," Diana Hallam said.
"Australia and other countries around the world are seeking to replace more emissions-intensive building materials with sustainable timber to achieve their climate targets. More recognition of the environmental benefits of timber will ensure the industry can grow and succeed, sustaining many local jobs and boosting regional economies.
"A strong future for both plantation and native forestry along with the rest of the supply chain in processing and manufacturing is key to the Timber Fibre Strategy. AFPA will work with all levels of government and industry stakeholders to progress the Strategy's actions going forward," Diana Hallam concluded.
