The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to support the growth of Australia's domestic timber supply with nearly $11 million in funding announced today for new plantation projects.
As part of the Support Plantation Establishment Program, 7 projects will share in this funding, which will help establish around 5,500 hectares of new hardwood and softwood plantations across New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
The funding will help Australia's forestry industry respond to increasing demand for domestically sourced timber, including for the construction of new homes.
These projects will support private industry, First Nations businesses, farm foresters and state and territory forestry bodies to reduce their carbon footprint.
They will also support the retention and creation of regional jobs in regional communities.
Today's announcement brings total funding awarded by the Albanese Labor Government under the Support Plantation Establishment Program to more than $57 million.
The Government is committed to helping secure Australia's future timber supply and will bring together Forestry Ministers from across the country today to progress this critical task.
This will include discussing the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership's Timber Fibre Strategy, and how all levels of government can play their part in building a sustainable, world leading sector.
A list of grant recipients announced today is available here: agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/industries/support-plantation-establishment-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"The Albanese Labor Government is delivering for our forestry sector, with $300 million to help improve the sector's capacity and capability.
"By investing in Australian timber plantations, our Government is supporting key actions from the Timber Fibre Strategy to shore up the industry and our nation's future.
"The action we are taking now will support a Future Made in Australia, increasing our domestic timber supply and reducing our future dependence on import timber markets.
"This 5,500 hectares of new plantations will assist in growing the timber that is needed for our future, including for more housing.
"This latest announcement brings the total new plantations established to more than 30,000 hectares across Australia.
"These projects will create new opportunities for our forestry sector, unlocking more jobs in our regions and helping to strengthen regional economies."
