‘Timber in July’ draws bipartisan backing in VictoriaFriday 8 Aug 2025
Hosted by the Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA), the annual event highlighted the industry’s critical role in sustainable construction, regional jobs, and advanced manufacturing, with strong bipartisan engagement across the political spectrum. Speaking at the event were both the Minister for Agriculture, The Hon. Ros Spence, and the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, signalling shared political support for the future of timber and wood fibre in Victoria. The Minister for Agriculture, The Hon Ros Spence, said, “Victoria’s plantation estate is not only the largest in Australia, but it also contributes more than a quarter of the nation’s total plantation wood supply. This makes Victoria the premier plantation forestry industry in the country.” The Allan Labor Government recognises the sector for the powerhouse that it is — for its contribution to regional employment, its reputation for sustainability, its role in supporting climate action, and the long-term resource security it provides that is essential for housing. That’s why the government is continuing to invest strategically to support its growth. “Victorians need a sustainable timber industry. It is essential to regional jobs, supporting the natural environment and lowering the cost of building homes,” said Emma Kealy, Dep. Leader of The Nationals & Shadow Minister for Agriculture. Andrew White, CEO of VFPA said, “Today’s bipartisan support demonstrates the growing momentum behind the industry’s efforts to address some of the state’s biggest challenges—including housing shortages, climate change and regional economic development.” “It’s encouraging to see genuine cross-party support for the plantation and wood fibre industry,” Mr White said. "This is an industry that’s ready to help deliver more homes, cut carbon emissions, and support advanced manufacturing jobs in Victoria—particularly in our regional communities,” he said. New funding for the Trees on Farms is also a welcome step forward. It shows a growing recognition of the role that farmers and agroforestry can play in supporting sustainable timber supply, improving farm productivity and delivering environmental outcomes. With the right policy settings and incentives, integrating trees into farming systems can provide a win-win for agriculture, regional communities and the environment. At the event, guests had the opportunity to hear directly from the CEOs of Victoria’s leading plantation managers and timber manufacturers, explore engineered wood products and wood samples, and experience the latest in construction technology through VR headsets demonstrating timber-built housing. “Whether it’s new housing, bioproducts like low-carbon fuels, carbon markets or sustainable packaging, the opportunities for growth in the wood fibre sector are enormous—and today showed that Victoria’s political leaders recognise this,” Mr White said. More >> Source & image credit: Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA)  | ||
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