State Government agencies and local councils will be encouraged to purchase sustainably sourced timber for future construction and refurbishment projects under a South Australian Wood Encouragement Policy to be developed in consultation with industry. 

Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham made the announcement at a meeting with forestry industry representatives in Mount Gambier last week, responding to recommendations to grow and support the sector made by the Forest Industry Advisory Council of South Australia (FIACSA). 

FIACSA was established by the State Government in 2018 to bring industry and government together to identify opportunities to drive towards achieving the industry’s vision of doubling the economic value of South Australia’s timber production by 2050. 

Since FIACSA was established the industry in South Australia has committed well over $360m in capital upgrades and investments in local timber manufacturing. 

“South Australia’s $2.3b forest and wood products sector is an important economic driver for the state, particularly in the Green Triangle region which is one of Australia’s premier softwood timber producing regions,” Minister Basham said. 

“The Marshall Liberal Government has always recognised the industry’s importance which is why, in establishing FIACSA in December 2018, we delivered on an election commitment to strengthen our communication lines so that we could all work towards common objectives. 

“The FIACSA recommendations covering a range of topics and the government’s supportive responses to these recommendations will not only be to the advantage to the timber industry but also lead to flow on benefits for our regions and allied industries. 

“With the impact of COVID-19, trade complications and the 2019-20 bushfires, along with the shortage of available domestic construction timber, this is a key time to help the industry realise its vision for growth.  

“It is essential we support the sector to grow. Labor sold off and sold out the forestry industry in the South East, whereas the Marshall Liberal Government is investing back into this ultimate renewable industry and jobs and is encouraging growth. 

“We see a great future in building things with wood and fibre and the community should be proud of our plantation growers, skilled harvesters and sawmill operators.”