L to R: Patrick Warrand (Wespine), Shane Vicary (AKD), Ian Tyson (Timberlink), Jon Kleindschmidt (Hyne), Cameron McDonald (OneFortyOne), and Stephen Dadd (Boral).
New research data backs the positive impact of buying local first and Aussie timber workers are saying thank you to all who played a part in keeping their jobs secure and their communities healthy during uncertain times. Source: Timberbiz
It has been a tough year, but the Australian softwood sawmilling industry and its supply chain has truly risen to the challenge.
First, the sector has continued to operate safely, with some major processing facilities located in fire impacted and COVID-19 lockdown regions.
Second, during the pandemic the sector demonstrated that it is a significant local manufacturing industry producing essential services and products, and with our valued customers ensured the ongoing supply of structural timber products to build Aussie homes.
Residential building is a key factor in Australia’s economic recovery, so the domestic softwood processing sector’s successful advocacy to all levels of government for new house building stimulus has been another achievement this year.
The local sector has ramped up to meet the unexpected strong demand this year for structural timber used in new Australian homes and renovations projects whilst keeping its workforces across Australia safe.
September monthly sales this year were at a record level compared with the last two years and were up 8% on the same month last year highlighting the strong demand.
Research conducted in 2020 by Pollinate also shows some interesting trends of growing awareness and support by the domestic building specifiers and designers for Aussie made timber.
Being Australian made and made for Australian conditions were important criteria in survey respondents’ selection of timber products and also compared to alternative building materials – 84% of building specifiers and designers in the survey stated that local timber made for Australian conditions was important in their decision.
The collage of Australian faces supporting the Buy Aussie Timber First initiative continues to grow and it’s very rewarding for the timber mill workers to see this show of support across Australia, especially support from tradies on building sites across Australia using structural pine products.
Local industry leaders have also thanked their supply chains for Buying Aussie Timber First in 2020.
Coupled with the positive impact of the various government stimulus packages, this has given the industry confidence to be agile and increase local supply to support increased housing demand which is key to Australia’s economic recovery and future wellbeing.
