WA Forestry Minister Dave Kelly has opened up grants to farmers and other landowners who are interested in establishing pine plantations on their properties to increase Western Australia’s softwood resource. Source: Timberbiz
The Minister launched the second round of the grants program at the opening of a new continuous drying kiln at the Wespine facility in Dardanup.
The Forest Products Commission (FPC) Farm Forestry Assist grant offers free high-quality radiata pine seedlings to landowners who are interested in establishing 20 to 50 hectare plantations to support Western Australia’s softwood industry.
“Our softwood industry is rich and diverse, supporting the employment of more than 1,900 people many in regional areas, and generating more than $600 million for the economy,” said Minister Kelly.
“The McGowan Government is focused on growing opportunities in the softwood plantation sector to ensure a vibrant forestry industry for all Western Australians into the future.
“The FPC Farm Forestry Assist grant program is in addition to the ongoing Government commitment to increase the softwood estate for future generations.
“The McGowan Government has invested more than $12 million in new softwood plantations since being elected in 2017.”
Criteria addressing the location, scale, soil, access and management of the plantations are in place to ensure that any resulting plantings have the capacity to contribute to the WA softwood industry.
The grant program was launched last year and has already enabled five farmers from Scott River, Chowerup, Bridgetown, Yornup and Myalup to contribute to the State’s softwood estate.
Applications are open until 5pm on March 29, 2019. For more information, visit http://www.fpc.wa.gov.au/farm-forestry/farm-forestry-assist
