The Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union has welcomed the announcement of $150 million in new grants through the Albanese Labor Government’s Forestry Growth Fund.
The centrepiece is up to $85 million to transform timber processing and manufacturing, backed by funding for innovation, skills, plantations and stronger checks on timber imports.
The grants form part of the Government’s initial $300 million Forestry Growth Fund commitment, which also includes $150 million in concessional finance for wood-product processors through the National Reconstruction Fund.
TFTU National Secretary Michael O’Connor said the Fund gave the industry a fighting chance to grow.
“This is a vote of confidence in timber workers and Australian manufacturing,” Mr O’Connor said.
“This announcement shows the Government believes there is a strong future for our industry and the workers, families and communities who rely on it.
“The package is well designed and responds directly to the Timber Fibre Strategy-the long-term plan developed by industry and endorsed by the Government.
“In recent years, around 40 per cent of Australia’s harvested timber fibre has been exported as wood chips or unprocessed logs.
“We can create more jobs from the timber we already harvest by processing more of it here.
“This is not just about replacing old machinery-it is about doing things different with new investment, new technology, new processing, new skills, new products and new jobs.
“This is what Future Made in Australia should mean-Australian resources, value added and turned into Australian products by Australian workers.
“We welcome a policy approach that links industry growth and transformation with secure, well-paid jobs, workforce skills, safe and high-performing workplaces and a real voice for workers.
“Targeted plantation funding strengthens future timber supply, gives manufacturers confidence to invest in value-adding and supports local timber jobs.
“Minister Julie Collins has shown real leadership, with strong support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Environment Minister Murray Watt and Industry Minister Tim Ayres.
“Our message across politics is simple: back the industry, back the jobs and do not play politics with timber workers’ livelihoods.
“Give this industry a fighting chance and it will make a massive contribution to the national interest-building homes, growing Australian manufacturing, increasing Australia’s economic resilience and sovereign capability, and providing good, secure jobs in regional communities.”
