The Victoria government is investing in the future of timber, with a new plantation estate in Gippsland set to result in 16 million trees.
Once approved, the government will be spending $120 million on the site, which will see trees planted on 14,000 hectares, or the equivalent of approximately 7,000 MCGs. As well as maintaining the state’s timber supply, the investment will reduce emissions and create new jobs in regional Victoria.
The Victorian government is collaborating with Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP), who are expected to match the investment in the plan. It will be the largest investment in a plantation establishment in the state’s history.
Increasing Local Timber Industry
The government’s investment will boost the timber sector in Victoria, creating new jobs as well as supporting existing ones. It underpins the Victorian Forestry Plan, which is the government roadmap for the future of the state’s forestry industry.
“This is the biggest investment in Victorian history in new plantation establishment – making sure we have a strong, sustainable timber supply for decades to come,” Minister for Agriculture, Gayle Tierney, said.
The state is already home to Australia’s largest timber plantation estate. Victoria produces around one quarter of Australia’s total plantation grown wood. The industry generates an over $500 million per year on average. Currently, five out of six trees harvested in Victoria are from plantations.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, noted that the government is “determined to support Gippsland workers and projects now and into the future.”
Long Term Plan to Address Timber Shortages
The plan to invest in the new plantation and support the local timber industry will take some time to come to fruition, with around fourteen years before timber can be harvested from the new sites. “This is an eight-to-ten-year program,” said HVP chief executive Stephen Ryan, who noted that most of the timber will be utilised in twenty-five years’ time.
“I think everyone's familiar with shortages of building products and timber generally,” Mr Ryan said. “Now the Victorian government is doing something about it, and we're pleased to work with them to do that.”
Friends of the Earth campaigns coordinator Cam Walker commented that a source of timber is Gippsland was important, especially as native forest logging faces a shortfall after the 2019 bushfires. “This is an investment that really should have been happening 30 years ago. However, today is the next best time,” he said.
Master Builders Victoria Welcomes Government Investment
Master Builders Victoria (MBV) has approved of the government’s plan, noting that the investment will provide support and improve resilience in the construction sector. The new investment in timber plantation will have a positive impact on the local building and construction industry, allowing for more residential builds in the long term.
“Since early 2021, MBV has continually raised awareness of supply shortage impacts on the building and construction industry,” MBV’s CEO Rebecca Casson said. “Greater investment into local timber plantations, local manufacturing, and research and development into alternative building products will help relieve pressure on the building and construction industry in the medium to long term.”