Applications will open tomorrow for the Forestry Recovery Development Fund, which will provide $40 million in grant funding to help industry recover from the devastating summer bushfires.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said competitive grants of between $1 million and $5 million would strengthen industry and create jobs in our forestry communities.
“The summer bushfires impacted 130,000 hectares of plantation forests and about 2 million hectares of public native forest available for timber production,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“The Forestry Recovery Development Fund will support Australia’s forestry industries to build back better by investing in public–private partnerships that deliver innovation and industry diversification for long–term success.
“The Morrison Government is committed to supporting the forest industry in its recovery, which is why grants will be available for a number of projects, including upgrading existing facilities and technology, installing new facilities and diversification to make the business more resilient.
“I am committed to making sure the forestry industry is in a strong position to continue to grow and recover, and the Morrison Government will be there every step of the way.”
Grants will be delivered through a competitive grants process with applications to open tomorrow, for projects to be completed by 30 June 2023.
The guidelines and information on applying for the grants can be found on the Grant Connect and Community Grants Hub websites.