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AFPA CEO Diana Hallam said the delivery of a Timber Fibre Strategy was a key commitment of the Labor Party at the 2022 Federal Election. Australian Forests and Wood Innovations’ Dr Joseph Lawrence says the strategy highlights the importance of science in addressing challenges. Dr Michelle Freeman, President of Forestry Australia, said the Strategy provides a clear signal that science-led forest management and a resilient forest sector are central. Source: Timberbiz “So, we’re happy that it’s come to fruition after three years of work from the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership that was created to inform its development,” Ms Hallam said. “We welcome (the) recognition that the strategy points to a bigger role for the forestry sector in tackling national housing challenges and the Government’s housing agenda. “This is a major issue of the times, and we stand ready to increase our contribution to the national effort. “Australia and other countries around the world are seeking to replace more emissions-intensive building materials with sustainable timber to achieve their climate targets. “More recognition of the environmental benefits of timber will ensure the industry can grow and succeed, sustaining many local jobs and boosting regional economies. “A strong future for both plantation and native forestry along with the rest of the supply chain in processing and manufacturing is key to the Timber Fibre Strategy. AFPA will work with all levels of government and industry stakeholders to progress the Strategy’s actions going forward.” AFWI Executive Director Dr Joseph Lawrence said the strategy highlights the importance of science-informed innovation in addressing challenges such as housing supply, fibre availability, and the transition to a low-emissions economy. “The Timber Fibre Strategy recognises the need for coordinated, research-backed solutions to support the future of Australia’s forest and wood products sector,” Dr Lawrence said. “AFWI is committed to delivering practical, transformative solutions that helps meet the evolving needs of industry and Australia more broadly. “Our role is to ensure that research investment supports innovation across the full value chain, from growing and processing, to product development and market end use.” The strategy identifies six national priorities for the sector: building sovereign manufacturing capability and capacity; meeting demand for timber fibre resources; healthy forests, actively managed; attracting and engaging people and other industry enablers; supporting and growing regional communities; and innovating the timber fibre value chain. These priorities closely align with AFWI’s focus – AFWI’s research is strongly informed by the needs of industry and shaped through ongoing collaboration with stakeholders. “We’re fuelled and ready to help turn the vision of the Timber Fibre Strategy into action,” Dr Lawrence said. Dr Michelle Freeman, President of Forestry Australia, said the strategy provides a clear signal that science-led forest management and a resilient forest sector are central to Australia’s future. “As the professional association representing forest scientists and professionals, we are particularly encouraged by the Strategy’s strong emphasis on science, good ecological practice and evidence-based decision-making,” Dr Freeman said. “It rightly recognises that active, well-informed forest management is vital for healthy, resilient forests and that these forests provide essential benefits not just for the wood products sector, but for biodiversity, communities and the climate.” Forestry Australia said the Strategy represents a roadmap to capitalise on the vast opportunities held within the forest sector to support healthy forests, solve the housing crisis and deliver a future made in Australia. It builds on the Australian government’s recent welcome investments in research, development and future workforce capacity — including $10 million for the Forestry Workforce Training Program, and support through the Support Plantation Establishment Program. “Forestry Australia is proud to be delivering the Women in Forestry and Forest Industries Mentoring Program as part of the Forestry Workforce Training Program investment — a practical initiative supporting diversity, professional development and the next generation of forest sector leaders,” Dr Freeman said. “We commend the Government for backing innovation, skills and long-term capacity.” The Strategy acknowledges the vital role that healthy forests and carbon-storing wood products play in meeting Australia’s emissions reduction targets and addressing climate change — a recognition warmly welcomed by Forestry Australia. “Forests and forest science are key to a climate-positive future. We look forward to continuing to work with government and stakeholders to deliver the best possible outcomes for forests, people and the planet,” Dr Freeman said. Australian Forest Contractors Association CEO Tim Lester said the Strategy recognised that future success would draw together products, production and people. “The Strategy highlights that there are opportunities and challenges facing the sector. It also shows how governments and all parts of the industry can work together to deliver healthy forests, thriving regional communities and successful businesses. “Pleasingly the document acknowledges the importance of forest services businesses as critical participants in the supply chain, and that their success is key for a sustainable and growing timber fibre sector. “We also note the acknowledgement of the role played by forestry certification, such as AFCA’s world-leading ForestFit standard and certification scheme, to support responsible and ethical supply chains while also providing assurance of environmental, social and economic sustainability. “Our congratulations to Minister Collins and the members of the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership for this significant piece of work. “AFCA looks forward to continuing to work with government and industry colleagues to achieve the aims of this Strategy and keep delivering the sustainable products that Australians want and need.” “Our forest products sector has a unique opportunity to provide sustainable, high-quality, carbon-sequestering products that Australians need,” the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said. She said the $300 million investment was already delivering on some of the objectives outlined in the Strategy. But she said the Government understands there is more that can be done. “I’m excited to use the Timber Fibre Strategy to work with the industry, and with states and territories, to maximise the benefits of this investment, and to leverage other opportunities across government to lift the productivity of the forestry sector. “I have already provided a copy of the Timber Fibre […]

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The Federal Government will invest $300 million in the future of the forestry industry as part of a Timber Fibre Strategy which sets out a pathway for the future growth of the industry. Source: Timberbiz The Timber Fibre Strategy sets out 128 ambitious actions for industry and governments to help build a sustainable, world leading sector with products that are in demand domestically and internationally. The Strategy’s development was led by the Government’s Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership and guided by close consultation across the forestry sector. The Timber Fibre Strategy charts a course for the forestry industry to embrace the future and help solve challenges facing the forestry industry, and the nation. A key opportunity identified in the Strategy is for the forestry sector to play a bigger role in tackling Australia’s housing challenges and delivering on the Government’s ambitious housing agenda. The $300 million investment includes: More than $100 million for transformative research, development and innovation for the timber industry through Australian Forest and Wood Innovations, More than $100 million to support the medium and long-term sustainability of our wood processing sector through the Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation program, More than $73 million to expand Australia’s future wood supply through the Support Plantation Establishment program, and $10 million in the industry’s training needs through the Forestry Workforce Training Program. The Strategy also includes six priority areas and sets out 128 actions which cover and address key issues facing the sector: Building sovereign timber fibre manufacturing capability and capacity Meeting demand for timber fibre resources Healthy forests, actively managed Attracting and engaging people and other industry enablers Supporting and growing regional communities Innovating the timber fibre value chain The Government will work closely with the industry, and with states and territories, to respond to the Strategy. The Timber Fibre Strategy is available at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/industries/strategic-forest-and-renewable-materials-partnership/timber-fibre-strategy

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