Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said he looked forward to working with the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) to progress the National Forest Industries Plan.
“The Morrison Government’s target to reach one billion new trees by 2030 is an ambitious one,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“We are committed to supporting State and Territory Governments around Australia, as well as industry, to help them put trees in the ground to reach this goal.
“Since the introduction of the plan, we have taken important steps to lay the foundations for growth to occur, including establishing a National Institute for Forest Products Innovation centre in Gippsland and nine regional Forestry Hubs across the county.
“On top of that, our Government has committed $10.6 million to establish two new Regional Forestry Hubs in important growth areas for the industry.
“Our Government has responded to the Black Summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic with unprecedented levels of support for the forestry industry.
“The $40 million Forestry Recovery Development Fund, $10 million Salvage Log Storage Fund and $15 million Salvage Log Transport Assistance have given a lifeline to the forestry industry, as well as the HomeBuilder package.
“The forestry industry is in a strong position to continue to grow and recover, and the Australian Government will be there every step of the way.”