The Federal Government will invest more than $86m over five years to support the establishment of new plantations in the Green Triangle to lock-in future wood supply.

The government will look to partner with the South Australian Government to deliver this through a grants program, backing in a key component of the National Forest Industries Plan.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the forestry sector was a huge employer in the region and growing the plantation estate would ensure that continued into the future.

“This program is about getting more trees in the ground and ensuring forest industries in the Green Triangle have a long-term future,” Mr Pasin said.

“This is the largest direct investment of any Australian government in plantation establishment for more than 30 years.

“We want to partner with South Australia to grow this renewable, sustainable industry so that it can continue to create jobs in the Green Triangle and deliver quality, Australian-made products to markets.

“This investment, made in partnership with State Government and industry, will create jobs in the Green Triangle, 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.

“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 South Australian Government to support our forestry sector and partner with our government to deliver this program.”