Timber Queensland welcomes ‘QLD Future Timber Plan’

Timber Queensland, the peak body for the forest and timber industry, has welcomed the release of the landmark Queensland Future Timber Plan, describing it as a balanced and forward-looking strategy that provides long-overdue certainty for the sector and regional communities.

 “This plan is a major step forward for Queensland’s forest and timber industry,” said Timber Queensland Acting CEO, Clarissa Brandt. “For the first time in decades we have a long-term strategy that recognises the essential role our industry plays in housing, construction, regional jobs and environmental outcomes, setting a clear direction for growth and sustainability.”

The plan outlines a whole-of-supply-chain approach, developed in collaboration with industry, First Nations, forest science and building sector representatives and through extensive public consultation.

Mrs Brandt said the plan aligns with the broader Primary Industries Prosper 2050 blueprint which recognises the importance of Queensland’s food, fibre and timber industries in driving a sustainable and resilient economy.

“The Queensland Future Timber Plan is structured around five-year action plans that will evolve with emerging needs, driven by key challenges such as housing shortages, market access, and the demand for lower-carbon materials,” said Mrs Brandt.

“We are pleased to see the Plan’s five core focus areas of supply, supply chain and market, workforce, regulatory framework, and research, development and extension reflect many of the priorities we raised during consultation,” Mrs Brandt said.

Timber Queensland emphasised that delivery would depend on appropriate co-government and industry funding and implementation, particularly in the first five year action plan.

“We take pride in managing healthy forests that deliver lasting economic, social, and cultural value to Queensland communities. Looking ahead, we’re enthusiastic about a future shaped through strong collaboration and shared investment between government and industry,” Mrs Brandt said.

“Priority actions that we hope to see in the first five year plan include a targeted planting program to expand plantation resources and support downstream processing, long-term crown resource contracts for native hardwood beyond 2026, and a world-class, industry-led forestry extension service that partners with private landholders and First Nations communities.”

“We also call for investment to lift the international competitiveness of local supply chains through infrastructure, resource recovery and value-added technologies; measures to stabilise market cycles via long-term public procurement and major projects like the Brisbane Olympics; and reforms to reduce sovereign risk and remove policy and financial barriers to plantation and farm forestry investment, including those within the Land Restoration Fund,” Mrs Brandt said.

This Queensland Future Timber Plan is a strong foundation. With the right investment and collaboration, we can ensure Queensland’s most renewable resource continues to deliver for future generations.

View Queensland Future Timber Plan

Source: Timber Queensland