Albanese Labor government delivering green shoots for Aussie plantations

The Albanese Labor Government is today announcing over $10.4 million for 14 new plantation projects through round 3 of the Support Plantation Establishment program.

The 14 projects will establish hardwood and softwood plantations ranging in size from 21 to 1928 hectares, to a total of approximately 5,500 hectares, in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

The projects will bolster Australia’s future timber supply while contributing to meeting Australia’s carbon emission targets.

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

The Government is 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.

These new projects are in addition to 27 existing plantation projects, with the program now providing $26.2 million in grant funding to support the establishment of over 13,750 hectares of new hardwood and softwood plantations across Australia.

This program is playing an important role in encouraging growth and investment in Australia’s wood supply.

Encouraging the growth of Australia’s plantation industry will also support job opportunities in regional Australia and boost local timber supply to meet increased demand for forest products in construction and manufacturing.

This is the first batch of funding through round 3, further funding is still open for applications until 5 November 2025 for private industry, First Nations businesses, farm foresters and state and territory government forestry bodies to establish new plantations. New projects must be delivered by June 2027.

For more information, including a list of the successful projects and case studies on existing grantees, visit agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/industries/support-plantation-establishment-program.

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

“Australia doesn’t have enough domestically grown timber. That’s why this program has enabled new softwood and hardwood plantations across Australia, including in my home state of Tasmania.

“It’s part of a wider program of support for our forestry industry worth $300 million, which also includes the establishment of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations and funding to combat illegally logged timber products from entering Australia.

“The Albanese Labor Government is dedicated to supporting jobs and industries in regional Australia, and this is another demonstration of our commitment.”