The Morrison Government will invest more than $86 million over five years to support the establishment of new plantations in Eden-Monaro to lock-in future wood supply.
The Government will look to partner with the New South Wales Government to deliver this through a grants program, backing in a key component of the National Forest Industries Plan.
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said that the forestry sector was a huge employer in the region and growing the plantation estate would ensure that continues into the future.
“This program is about getting more trees in the ground and ensuring forest industries in Eden-Monaro have a long-term future,” Senator Molan said.
“This is the largest direct investment of any Australian Government in plantation establishment for more than 30 years.
“We want to partner with New South Wales to grow this renewable, sustainable industry so that it can continue to create jobs in Eden-Monaro and deliver quality, Australian-made products to markets.
“This investment, made in partnership with states and territories and industry, will create jobs in Eden-Monaro, 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 Morrison Government can be trusted to back-in the future of the forestry sector in Eden-Monaro.
“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 New South Wales 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
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