National Forestry Planting Day is a chance to celebrate the forestry industry and the benefits that trees bring to local communities and the environment.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said wood is the ultimate renewable resource that delivers serious carbon benefits.
“Today is all about recognising Australia’s sustainable and renewable forest industries,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“The forest industry plants more than 70 million plantation trees each year and we are committed to implementing the aspirational goal of planting a billion new trees over the next decade.
“Trees store carbon over their lifespan, and products made from wood typically replace far more carbon intensive products such as concrete or plastic from petrochemicals.
“All the indicators show that demand for wood is growing and will continue to grow.
“New plantation trees will secure renewable timber resources for the future, including providing timber for new homes in the coming years.
“In the 2021-22 budget, the government committed to provide $37.5 million in 2021-22 for plantation loans to be offered through the Regional Investment Corporation.
“The government also recognises the importance of research and development in adding value to our forest products and expanding the industry.
“We are supporting this innovation through our ongoing funding for forest industry R&D through Forest and Wood Products Australia and through contributions to the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation centres (NIFPI) in Mount Gambier, Launceston and Gippsland.
In the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government committed to provide $10.6 million over 4 years to support two new Regional Forestry Hubs and the nine existing Regional Forestry Hubs.