The region’s forest and wood products industry stands to benefit from the support of the Federal Coalition Government’s new National Forest Industries Plan – Growing a better Australia.
Federal Member for Lyne David Gillespie said this plan will help Australia’s renewable timber and wood-fibre industry stay innovative, robust and agile. The $20 million has been allocated to help implement the plan throughout the region and across the country.
“Our Government is delivering a plan for our forestry industry based on genuine consultation,” Dr Gillespie said.
“A key theme which continually came up during consultation was Australia will need to plant a billion new trees over the next decade to meet demand in 2050, predominantly sawlogs for building and construction.
“The government has listened and delivered, helping put the forest industry in a strong position to continue to grow and prosper.”
Dr Gillespie said the plan will underpin growth in the renewable timber and wood-fibre industry, will provide the vision and certainty for Australia’s sustainable forestry industries, and support the industries as long-term growth engines for regional Australia.
“This plan will give the our region the opportunities it needs to help better prepare for future challenges and opportunities,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Only through investing in the future can the forestry industry continue to build on its achievements to secure the economic and social wellbeing of Australia.”
The National Forestry Industry Plan – Growing a better Australia is available at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/forestry
