A Dutton-led Coalition government would establish permanent timber production zones in Australia if they win the next election, due to be held on May 3.
The move is designed to safeguard the industry and help keep the construction of new homes affordable.
Australia’s fishing and forestry industries are worth nearly $10 billion (US$6 billion) to the national economy.
The Coalition plans to work with state and territory governments to provide ongoing access to native and plantation timber via the creation of permanent timber production zones.
“While some reserves are appropriate, many were set aside for political purposes rather than genuine conservation. It is time to get the balance right.”
They claimed the “reckless” closure of native forestry operations in Victoria and Western Australia served as a warning that Tasmania and New South Wales could be next.
The Opposition is concerned these closures could cost thousands of jobs and increase the price of timber products, driving up house prices.
“It will force Australia to import wood from countries with far weaker environmental standards,” the Coalition said.
The Victorian and Western Australian Labor governments both ended commercial native logging in state forests in January 2024.
No Further Bans on Native Forestry
Dutton made clear that it would not support any further bans on native forestry.“Bans and other actions aimed at stopping or reducing forestry in Australia only shift this activity to areas of the world with lower environmental standards than ours,” the Coalition said.
“Supporting native forestry here will secure jobs, and better meet Australian consumers’ needs, especially at a time when there is growing demand for timber.”
Meanwhile, the Coalition also promised to deliver $40 million for grants to create a new “timber manufacturing expansion program.”
The grant program, aimed at boosting timber production, requires applicants to match funding and use locally sourced wood.
The Coalition said it would also team up with the private sector to increase timber production.
“This investment will create jobs in regional communities and provide more choice for Australian-made, environmentally sustainable options when it comes to timber products that all Australian households consume,” the Coalition said.
“Australia is currently seeing a sharp rise in imported timber, often from countries with lower environmental standards and worse forestry practices. This program will boost local production and reduce reliance on these imports.”
Responding to the news, Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said the Coalition’s support was essential in a political environment that has “seen the industry under attack.”
Hallam said Australians who rely on the native forestry industry deserve to know that the next federal government, whatever their political stripes, has their back.
“The commitment for permanent timber production zones boosts sovereign capability in timber and wood-fibre—especially by enhancing the standing of much needed new timber plantations,” she said.
Albanese Government ‘Sustainable’ Grants for Forestry Industry
Meanwhile, the Labor Party recently unveiled $2.3 million worth of grants for the forestry industry to help meet demand for local sustainable Australian timber.“The Albanese Labor Government supports sustainable forestry, and is investing in forest industry innovation, manufacturing, and skills,” the government said on March 27.
Under the Support Plantation Establishment program, the government is offering grant funding to deliver 36,000 hectares of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests in Australia.
This includes five new plantations in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
Forestry Minister Julie Collins said demand for timber was expected to grow in coming decades.
“Action now will increase Australia’s future timber supply and mitigate against our future dependence on imported timber,” she said.
