A progress report released today on the National Forest Industries Plan shows the Australian Government is delivering on its commitments under the plan.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the plan was launched in 2018 following extensive nationwide consultation.
"The Australian Government listened to industry when they told us they needed support to grow, to innovate and to meet the challenges of the future," Assistant Minister Duniam said.
"We have delivered on our plan, which is establishing the foundations for the industry to grow.
"We set about reducing barriers to plantation expansion and unlocking investment to assist industry in achieving the one billion trees target.
"Ten new Regional Forestry Hubs have been launched, soon to grow to 11, each with at least $1 million in funding. These Hubs are delivering strategic planning in key forestry regions by driving local analysis and solutions.
"We have delivered carefully targeted initiatives to support smarter ways to use available and future wood supplies, including salvage operations after the 2019-20 bushfires burnt 130,000 hectares of commercial plantations.
"We have reduced barriers to investment by reviewing water requirements in the Emissions Reduction Fund farm forestry and plantation methodologies to enable greater participation.
"It is now time to look to the future and the next stage of the plan, including how we can further partner and collaborate with industry and state and territory governments.
"That is where our focus is turning to, and we will continue to respond to the industry's needs and explore areas where additional efforts can be made.
"The Australian Government remains committed to this industry and to growing its capacity to deliver the wood products we all rely on.
"There is no bigger backer of the forestry industry than the Morrison Government, and we will continue to support its vital contribution to regional economies and promote its environment friendly credentials."
The report card is available here: www.agriculture.gov.au/forestry/national-forest-industries-plan
