The Morrison and Gutwein governments are working together to boost timber supply from farm forests and private native forests in Tasmania, thanks to $500,000 in federal funding for Tasmanian projects. Source: Timberbiz
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam said there was enormous potential to boost Australia’s timber supply from farm forests and private native forests, including farms and forests owned or managed by Indigenous Australians.
“The Morrison Government is providing a total of $3.5 million of funding to support farm forestry, private forestry and Indigenous forestry projects as nominated by the States and Territories under the National Forest Industries Plan,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“It’s time to start delivering on the potential of farm forests and private native forests to boost our timber supply.
“This is the latest in a number of initiatives building on the goals we established with industry in the plan to help expand Australia’s timber supply and, more broadly, to foster Australia’s forest industries.
“The government has also funded the establishment of 11 Regional Forestry Hubs, including one in Tasmania. These hubs deliver strategic planning in key forestry regions by driving local analysis and solutions, including around farm forestry.
“Our continuing investment in Australia’s forest industries delivers benefits across the community and the economy, and this can only increase given the importance of wood products in lowering our carbon footprint.
Tasmanian Minister for Resources Guy Barnett said the new funding would help to further develop the important farm forestry and private forestry sector.
“These projects will augment the work of Private Forests Tasmania to implement farm forestry and private native forestry communications and engagement plans to help landholders target the most suitable species for their areas,” Minister Barnett said.
“The funding will also support farm forestry demonstration sites to show farmers the potential of enhanced farm productivity and market access through integration of carbon positive farm forestry into farm operations.
“Supporting farm forestry will provide new wood resources for industry and create improved economic, employment and social opportunities for local communities in Tasmania.
“Growing trees is a long-term investment and farmers and landholders need information that will help them consider how to achieve their objectives by planting ‘the right tree in the right place at the right scale for the right market’.”
The Australian Government is working with state governments to support, farm foresters, private native forest owners and interested Indigenous communities to unlock potential timber supply, and to deliver economic returns to landowners.
Funding agreements will be finalised with other state and territory governments.
