Northern Territory will house Australia’s 11th Regional Forestry Hub

The Australian Government is helping to drive research and attract forestry investment to the Northern Territory through the establishment of a regional forestry hub. Source: Timberbiz

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud says the Territory’s forestry industry is primed to expand, export and create jobs.

“Territory forestry is ready for take-off. I am proud to be backing it with a hub that will help bring positive change to the Territory, and Northern Australia more broadly,” Minister Littleproud said.

“It will drive innovation and opportunities for new plantations, as well as the jobs, supply chains and infrastructure needed to support domestic consumption and export.

“The Australian Government is committed to supporting Australia’s forest industries — innovation is key to unlocking Australia’s forestry future.

“Australia’s forestry industry is well-placed to become a global leader in the development of smart, high-value products, business models and supply chains.”

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the Northern Territory was an area with high potential for forest industry growth.

“This hub will support innovation and growth in the forestry sector, which will provide the wood and forest products that Australians will use now and into the future,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“I have had discussions with industry representatives from the Northern Territory on the great potential for forestry in the region and look forward to hearing from the industry as the hub develops.

“The Australian Government is committed to working with the forest industry to help them achieve their goal of planting a billion new plantation trees over the next decade.”

Already nine hubs have been established under the national Forest Industries Plan and the Australian Government is providing more than $10 million over four years for existing Reigonal Forestry Hubs as well as the establishment of two new hubs in Eden, NSW and this one in the Northern Territory.

Another $1 million will be provided for a feasibility study into an Australia-wide National Institute for Forest Products Innovation.

Hubs so far have been funded for:

1. South West Western Australia,
2. Green Triangle – South Australia and Victoria,
3. North/North West – Tasmania,
4. North East New South Wales,
5. Gippsland, Victoria,
6. South West Slopes New South Wales,
7. Central West New South Wales,
8. South East Queensland,
9. North Queensland.