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Timber Queensland has backed the release of the Prosper 2050 blueprint at the Ekka in Brisbane this week. “What we like about the blueprint is that growing the primary industries sector for both food and fibre also creates direct downstream benefits for the built environment,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said. Source: Timberbiz “This is not only about producing the best clean, green food across the state, but also the best timber as a renewable and green building material for housing and infrastructure projects,” Mr Stephens said. Launching the blueprint at the Ekka, set to become the site of the Athletes’ Village and a major precinct upgrade for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, reinforced the case for Queensland timber as a cornerstone of iconic, sustainable infrastructure that delivers value well beyond 2032. “The launch of Prosper 2050 and the draft Queensland Future Timber Plan by the Primary Industries Minister during Ekka week is laying the groundwork for the timber industry to work collaboratively with the Government on long-term solutions to meet growing building demand,” Mr Stephens said. “The announcement on the transformation of the Brisbane showgrounds and development of the Athletes Village at the Bowen Hills site as part of the 2032 Olympics represents a significant opportunity for such collaboration. “Queensland has a long and rich heritage of using durable and sustainable local timber for its housing and public building needs. Incorporating this heritage into new iconic projects such as the Athletes Village and sporting venues can showcase both modern innovation with timber building systems and their biophilic health benefits for athletes and future occupants alike. “At the Paris Olympics for example, the Athletes Village and Aquatics Centre were both built using mass timber systems as part of a dedicated program for sustainability.” Mr Stephens said that procurement policies that preference sustainable construction materials such as timber could play an important role in delivering future infrastructure solutions in terms of sustainability, on-site workplace safety and total project cost-savings through prefabrication systems. “These opportunities will be fully explored as part of the proactive agenda with the Government for the forestry and timber construction industry,” he said. Industry trends and opportunities from farm forestry incorporating timber and beef production through to housing demand and modern methods of timber construction will be a focus of the Doing Timber Business in Queensland Conference to be held in Brisbane September 2-3, 2025. Watch the video here.

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The adversarial politics of the past can no longer exist. We need both sides to learn to reach across the aisle and look for the values they share, not the ones they disagree, writes Nick Steel. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Tasmania has once again elected a hung parliament. After the July election, with neither of the major parties reaching the 18 seats needed for a majority, who will lead the state, and how long this parliament will last is anyone’s guess. But that’s why this is a moment for genuine collaboration. In this parliament, governing will not be a solo sport. To make it work will require teamwork, negotiation, and a willingness to set aside political ego in favour of long-term outcomes. Both major parties need to step up, work with each other and the crossbench, and find the common ground that can drive our state forward. One place to start is with traditional industries – the backbone of regional Tasmania. Forestry, aquaculture, mining, energy and farming have long supported thousands of jobs and underpinned local economies. They are not relics of the past. When managed sustainably, these industries can generate the economic activity Tasmania desperately needs. The state’s finances are under strain. Net debt has tripled in three years and could reach $13 billion by 2027-28. In this environment, the choice is clear. We either build the industries that can carry their own weight and create jobs, or we resign ourselves to shrinking opportunity. Forestry can be both economically valuable and environmentally responsible. Collaboration could make it happen. The Liberals value economic growth. Labor recognises the importance of jobs in traditional sectors. Both parties have come out and supported traditional industries in this recent election. Together, they could agree on a sustainable forestry framework that protects jobs, supports regional communities, and encourages innovation in processing and value-adding. The alternative is political gridlock. The risk of policy inflexibility from both sides could stall decision-making and lead to yet another election. Tasmanians are tired of that cycle. We want stability, real action, and policies that deliver for all Tasmanians. The way forward is clear. The Liberals and Labor must put pragmatism ahead of posturing, work together, and build consensus on industries that matter. Supporting forestry and other traditional sectors is not just good politics, it is essential for Tasmania’s future. In this hung parliament, collaboration is not a luxury. It is the only way to get things done. Nick Steel is the Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association.

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