Timber industry under pressure as plantations suffer ongoing decline

Aussie logs for Aussie jobs is a catchcry that’s falling onto deaf ears as the local ,timber industry has nowhere to go but down further according to latest report.

The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture and Water Resources Committee has published its findings in a report titled Aussie logs for Aussie jobs and it has clearly revealed the extent of the downturn in the timber industry.

In particular it highlights timber supply chain constraints in the Australian plantation sector.

The Committee’s inquiry considered challenges preventing growth in Australia’s timber industry and investigated potential solutions to current issues.

The Committee Chair, Mr Rick Wilson MP, noted the ongoing decline in the extent of the domestic plantation estate, and stated that, “More needs to be done if the timber industry is to flourish into the future.”

“From greater investment in forestry research and development capabilities, farm forestry, and the exciting new possibilities presented by carbon storage initiatives, the industry is ripe for innovation and growth.

“With the appropriate policy settings, the plantation industry may once again have the potential to expand, and indeed thrive.’ Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson also highlighted the importance of encouraging greater transparency in softwood pricing.

The Committee recommended the Australian Government support stakeholders to develop a voluntary code of conduct for the timber industry to facilitate long-term supply contracts between producers and processors for the mutual benefit of both.

Mr Wilson added, “It is anticipated that such an arrangement would better support the growth of an efficient domestic processing sector, while reducing the risks associated with reliance on export markets for plantation owners.”

The Committee’s report can be found at the inquiry website.

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