Tasmanian forestry industry gears up production

The Tasmanian forestry industry says it has geared up production to assist the government meet its commitment to build 10,000 new homes by 2032.

In last year’s State of the State report, the then-Premier announced the Government would commit to building 10,000 new homes within a decade to help solve the state’s low cost and social housing crisis. At the time, concerns were raised about the ability to meet the commitment, with a shortage of labour and materials plaguing the construction industry across the state. But Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA), Nick Steel, said forestry businesses saw the announcement as an opportunity to invest in the industry to meet the future demand.

Nick Steel, Chief Executive, Tasmanian Forest Products Association

“One of the biggest challenges for the forestry industry is having the confidence to invest in long-term projects to grow our businesses,” Mr Steel said. “The industry saw the Government’s commitment to housing construction as a signal that demand for high-quality Tasmanian timber would continue for the next decade. “And while there’s more we can do with Government to ensure the long-term prosperity of the Tasmanian forestry industry, this commitment is a welcomed step.”

Mr Steel said the Tasmanian industry was ready to provide a wide range of timber products essential for the construction of new homes. “As well as the 140,000 cubic metres of softwood that will be needed to build 10,000 new homes, the government needs to find 48,000 cubic metres of hardwood for floors, kitchens, doors and windows. Plywood, MDF and chipboard will also be needed cabinets and substrates, and treated pine will be needed for fencing, decks and landscaping.”

But beyond the creation of the homes, Mr Steel said the commitment will help all Tasmanians. “By guaranteeing the timber needed will come from Tasmanian businesses, the government can ensure the money is kept in Tasmanian pockets, as opposed to being shipped offshore or overseas,” he said.

Photos supplied by Tasmanian Forest Products Association