PFT welcomes $500,000 funding from federal government to assist farm forestry

Posted 16 December 2021

Private Forests Tasmania has welcomed $500,000 funding from the federal government to assist and support farm forestry projects and communications.

“The Morrison Government is providing a total of $3.5 million of funding to support farm forestry, private forestry and Indigenous forestry projects as nominated by the states and territories under the National Forest Industries Plan,” Senator Duniam said.

“It’s time to start delivering on the potential of farm forests and private native forests to boost our timber supply.

“This is the latest in a number of initiatives building on the goals we established with industry in the plan to help expand Australia’s timber supply and, more broadly, to foster Australia’s forest industries.

“The government has also funded the establishment of 11 Regional Forestry Hubs, including one in Tasmania. These hubs deliver strategic planning in key forestry regions by driving local analysis and solutions, including around farm forestry.

“Our continuing investment in Australia’s forest industries delivers benefits across the community and the economy, and this can only increase given the importance of wood products in lowering our carbon footprint.”

Tasmanian Minister for Resources Guy Barnett said the new funding would help to further develop the important farm forestry and private forestry sector.

“These projects will augment the work of Private Forests Tasmania to implement farm forestry and private native forestry communications and engagement plans to help landholders target the most suitable species for their areas,” Mr Barnett said.

“The funding will also support farm forestry demonstration sites to show farmers the potential of enhanced farm productivity and market access through integration of carbon positive farm forestry into farm operations.

“Supporting farm forestry will provide new wood resources for industry and create improved economic, employment and social opportunities for local communities in Tasmania.

“Growing trees is a long-term investment and farmers and landholders need information that will help them consider how to achieve their objectives by planting ‘the right tree in the right place at the right scale for the right market.”