SUPPORTING NEW LOCAL FOREST PLANTATIONS

The Federal Coalition Government will invest more than $86 million over five years to support the establishment of new forest plantations to lock-in future wood supply.

The Government will look to partner with the NSW Government to deliver this through a grants program, backing in a key component of the National Forest Industries Plan.

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said that the forestry sector was a huge employer in the region and growing the plantation estate would ensure that continues into the future.  

“This program is about getting more trees in the ground and ensuring forest industries in our region have a long-term future,” Dr Gillespie said.

“This is the largest direct investment of any Australian Government in plantation establishment for more than 30 years. 

“We want to partner with NSW to grow this renewable, sustainable industry so that it can continue to create jobs here and deliver quality, Australian-made products to markets. 

“This investment, made in partnership with states and territories and industry, will create local jobs, not just in the planting phase, but in 25 or 30 years’ time when that wood is harvested and processed into a truss or a timber frame.  

“This investment is a clear indication that only The Nationals, together with our Liberal Party colleagues in Government, can be trusted to back-in the future of the forestry sector. 

“We have worked hand-in-hand with industry to address the immediate and long-term challenges facing this sector and will continue to back them in every step of the way,” Dr Gillespie said.

For more information on the program visit: www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry