Forging a fertile future for forestry

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to grow Australia’s forestry industry with a $204 million package in the Budget to boost innovation and train the timber industry workforce.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the forestry industry was vital to the national economy.

“This is a great Australian industry, providing jobs and supporting communities in rural and regional Australia, all while providing a crucial renewable resource,” Minister Watt said.

“It’s an industry with tremendous potential for growth and innovation.

“That’s why we are delivering on an election commitment to invest $108.6 million over five years for an Australia-wide National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) and for the extension of regional forestry hubs.

“Establishing the Australia-wide NIFPI will put Australia’s timber industry on the front foot, supporting transformative R&D and innovation.

“It will create opportunities to commercialise new knowledge in the forest industries while supporting the development of forest industries researchers for both today and the future.

“We want to support Australia’s long-term supply of timber and timber products, and benefit the downstream industries that use wood products like manufacturing and construction.

“The existing regional forestry hubs will support this as well, enabling local industries to take up new initiatives.

Minister Watt said $10 million has also been allocated to support workforce training in the forestry industry.

“If we truly want our forestry industry to grow, we need to have skilled workers on the ground to meet the needs of the industry,” he said.

“Given the industry is diverse and complex, we need to accommodate for a broad range of skills.

“That’s why we will start this program with a scoping study, so we can work with the industry to find where the gaps are.

“From there we can start improving training opportunities, whether they’re short courses or tertiary qualifications.”

Minister Watt said the Budget also included $86.2m for the establishment of new plantations to secure our future domestic wood supply to assist with building new homes for Australian families.

"The forestry industry is only set to grow as we look for sustainable, renewable materials in construction and manufacturing.

“Through this package we are supporting Australia’s forest industries to produce more sustainably sourced products, products that are made right here at home.”