Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 25/Feb 23:42

Federal funding for 14 new plantation projects

The Federal Government has announced $10.4 million in funding for 14 new plantation projects through Round 3 of the Support Plantation Establishment program. Source: Timberbiz The 14 projects will establish hardwood and softwood plantations ranging in size from 21 to 1928 hectares to a total of approximately 5500 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. “Australia doesn’t have enough domestically grown timber,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said. “That’s why this program has enabled new softwood and hardwood plantations across Australia. “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,” she said. “The Albanese Labor Government is dedicated to supporting jobs and industries in regional Australia, and this is another demonstration of our commitment.” The 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 is the first batch of funding through Round 3, with 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. “While we have a surplus of building construction timber right now, we are actually forecasting shortages in the plantation timber that we’ll need in decades to come to build new homes and manufacture a range of essential everyday products,” Australian Forest Products Association CEO Diana Hallam said. “That’s why it’s important we get more timber production trees in the ground right now, to fend off those future shortages. “This announcement is the latest in a reform program agenda carried out by the Federal Government over the past three years to help Australia’s forestry sector and the supply chain. “In addition to funding for plantation expansion, further funding has been delivered during this term of government to enhance timber and wood-fibre manufacturing as well as establish the new Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) – all of which was advocated for by AFPA ahead of the 2022 Federal Election,” Ms Hallam said. “Getting more timber production trees in the ground is critical, which is why ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, AFPA is calling for a $200 million extension to the SPEP as part of our broader Australian Timber. Australia’s Future Platform to help our sector realise its potential. “AFPA again thanks the Albanese Government for today’s announcement and will continue to work with the Government and Opposition ahead of the Federal Election to secure the best national outcomes for Australia’s forestry and timber sector – that is important for local employment, products, forest management and fighting climate change,” she said. For more information, including a list of the successful projects and case studies on existing grantees, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/industries/support-plantation-establishment-program