The forestry sector’s critical role preparing for bushfires

Australia’s forestry sector is responsible for more than $100 million of direct annual investment into bushfire prevention, mitigation and response nationally, so it’s important to remember this critical industry contribution as the bushfire season in the southern states commences, Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said.

“Australia’s forest industry managers make an enormous contribution to bush firefighting, prevention and mitigation efforts alongside government agencies, volunteer groups and other landholders. As the weather warms up and our forests and landscapes dry out, forest industries are well prepared to fight potential threats to forestry assets, farms, reserves and regional communities,” Diana Hallam said.

“While the bushfire season is underway, fire management is a year-round process, and our forestry companies invest a significant amount of effort and resources into prevention and preparedness activities to ensure our staff are educated and prepared to the best of their ability to protect Australia’s forest estates.”

A new survey of AFPA members shows the contribution the sector makes towards reducing and managing bushfire risk and fighting fires when they start. AFPA members are responsible for:

• Maintaining 137 fire towers, their staff, detection cameras and other costs, totalling around $8 million.
• Creating firebreaks, roads, undertaking prescribed burning and other maintenance like slashing and pruning, worth almost $65 million.
• More than 1,200 response appliances like tankers, bulk water carrier and command units and more than 1,500 firefighting personnel, worth almost $30 million.
• Insurance and other levies paid worth around $15 million.

“We thank our forestry sector for the contribution and work it does in this critical space, and we remind state governments how important the industry is in managing risks and fighting bushfires when they happen,” Diana Hallam said.

This year’s outlook suggests an increased risk of bushfire during spring in parts of Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. The official summer 2025-26 bushfire outlook will be issued in November.

Source: Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA)