The Coalition Government will invest more than $86 million over five years to support the establishment of new plantations in Maranoa to lock-in future wood supply.
The Government will look to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver this through a grants program, backing in a key component of the National Forest Industries Plan. The program will offer matched grants (50/50) to foresters to fund the establishment costs of new plantations, in participating states and territories.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said that the forestry sector was a huge employer in the region and growing the plantation estate would ensure that continues.
“This program is about getting more trees in the ground and ensuring forest industries in the Goondiwindi, Maranoa, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Down regions have a long-term future,” said Mr Littleproud.
“This is the largest direct investment of any Australian Government in plantation establishment for more than 30 years.
“We want to partner with Queensland to grow this renewable, sustainable industry so that it can continue to create jobs in Maranoa and deliver quality, Australian-made products to markets.
“This is about jobs not just in the planting phase, but in 25 or 30 years’ time when that wood is harvested and processed into a truss or a timber frame.
“This investment is a clear indication that only a Coalition Government can be trusted to back-in the future of the forestry sector in Maranoa.
“We have worked hand-in-hand with industry to address the immediate and long-term challenges facing this sector and will continue to back them in every step of the way.
“I would urge the Queensland Government to support our forestry sector and partner with our Government to deliver this program.”
For more information on the program visit: www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry
