Albanese Labor Government opens new round of grants to grow Australia’s plantation forest estate

The Albanese Labor Government is today opening applications for the third round of the $74 million Support Plantation Establishment program. 

Farm foresters, First Nations businesses and the forestry industry are among those who will benefit from funding to support more plantation forests in Australia. 

The Support Plantation Establishment program is providing grant funding to help establish up to 36,000 hectares of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests across Australia. 

The Government will provide up to $2,000 per hectare of new long-rotation plantation forest established.

To date, rounds one and two of the program have awarded over $15 million to 27 projects across Australia that will establish over 8,200 hectares of new plantations. 

Round three is open for applications from today 11 October 2024 to 5 November 2025. 

Changes to the program have been made for round 3 following widespread stakeholder consultation.

Grants will range from 1 to 3 years, and projects must be concluded no later than 30 June 2027. Further information about the program’s requirements can be found in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines. 

For more information or to apply, visit  Grant Connect. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP: 

“This program underscores the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to supporting the forestry industry and regional communities, while reducing our carbon footprint. 

"By stimulating new growth in Australia's plantation forest estate, we are helping meet our future demand for timber, creating regional employment opportunities, and building a sustainable and prosperous future while helping to meet our international emissions reduction commitments. 

“That’s why this grant opportunity continues to play an important role to increase Australia’s future timber supply and reduce our dependence on imported timber. Australia doesn’t have enough timber. 

“The Albanese Labor Government supports sustainable forestry, and is investing in forest industry innovation, manufacturing and skills. 

“We are delivering the most significant forest industry support package in Australia's history, including more than $300 million to help improve the capacity and capability of the sector.”