Australia's sustainable forest and forest products industries are being celebrated today as part of National Forestry Day to highlight the sector's vital contribution to the nation's economy and increasing housing supply.
National Forestry Day is an exciting, once-a-year opportunity to embrace and showcase an industry generating more than $24 billion in economic value and supporting 180,000 jobs.
"From regional areas to capital cities, National Forestry Day is all about raising awareness among policymakers, elected representatives and the wider community about the many essential benefits of Australia's innovative forest industries," AFPA acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Hyett said. "Our sector is truly a growing success story!"
This year's theme, 'Grown for Australian homes', highlights the fundamental role of sustainably produced local timber and wood in meeting Australia's housing and construction needs. From timber house frames, flooring and furniture to paper, tissues and packaging, forest products are an essential part of Australian life.
"Unlike other everyday items, timber and wood-fibre products are renewable and can help tackle climate change by storing carbon and providing alternatives to more emissions-intensive materials," Mr Hyett said.
"As Australia's sixth-largest manufacturing sector, the forest products industry also proudly supports around 80,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs mainly in regional areas, while the national plantation estate stores an estimated 258 million tonnes of CO₂-e.
"We encourage everyone to celebrate this important day through workplace events, tree planting, community activities, visits from elected representatives or by sharing National Forestry Day content online and using #NatForestryDay26.
"Australian-made forestry products are critical to our daily lives - and today is about celebrating what our industry provides every day, including flooring, decking, furniture, pallets, packaging, and power poles."
National Forestry Day was first launched in 2022, and continues to provide a positive opportunity to recognise the people, innovation and sustainable products that keep Australia growing.
