Forestry businesses join together to plot a course for next 10 years
Nine major South East forestry businesses have joined forces and aim to grow an extra 200 million trees in the region by 2030.
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The South East forestry sector is aiming to plant an extra 200 million trees by 2030.
In Mount Gambier today, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub — a group of nine forestry companies including OneFortyOne — launched a $1 billion sustainable growth plan.
The hub aims to increase economic output by more than 65 per cent, making forestry a $2.5 billion sector for the Green Triangle region, which covers the South East and Western Victoria.
As well as boosting industry, an extra 200 million trees would sequester 3.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
Hub chairwoman Linda Sewell said while an extra 200 million trees was an ambitious plan, a key component would be ensuring the right trees were grown at the right scale, with no waste. One of the main drivers behind this growth will be research and development, allowing for improved species selection.
“Demand for the product is growing, so we need supply to grow at the same rate,” she said.
Hub deputy chairman Ian McDonnell said the forestry industry offered great job opportunities in the regions, particularly for school leavers.
“There’s a commitment by industry to provide training programs, to attract the right people into the industry,” he said.
Mr McDonnell said the hub would work collaboratively with governments, communities and landholders on implementing the plan and members will invest up to $300 million in local processing and manufacturing equipment upgrades to boost efficiency.
“The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub is planning for growth. Without action, we will not be able to meet future demand for timber products and there will be an overall reduction in Australia’s national plantation estate, which will negatively impact the industry and communities that rely on it,” he said.
A supply constraint in the forestry sector has been identified by the federal government, which is calling for one billion trees to be planted across Australia to meet demand and support jobs.
“We’re excited that our 200 million tree goal is a significant 20 per cent of the national target,” Mr McDonnell said.
The Green Triangle’s forestry sector directly employs 3000 local workers and indirectly supports the jobs of another 4000 across the region.
Barker MP Tony Pasin said the federal government was providing $1.1 million to support the work of the Green Triangle Regional Forestry Hub.
“With 329,000 hectares in total plantation area, the Green Triangle’s contribution to Australian forestry is significant,” Mr Pasin said.
“Local communities, growers, processors, transport and training providers—and the Forest Industry Advisory Council of South Australia—will be working together on the issues and opportunities for forestry in our region.
“The result will be better returns to business, more investment, and greater economic security to major timber processing communities in the Green Triangle.”