The Allan Labor Government is supporting new ways to use Victorian timber, with a study launched on two new timber products designed to take low value timber and turn it into sustainable construction materials which could support new jobs for Southwest Victoria.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today announced a feasibility study to explore the potential to take the new innovative timber products to the Australian market, which could bring up to 150 jobs to the region.
The Future Fibre – Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study was made possible by a $500,000 Victorian Government investment through the Portland Diversification Fund.
It will allow the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub Association to investigate whether glue laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber could meet Australia’s growing demand for construction grade timber products.
The new products are made from low-value pulp log material, which is typically exported as wood chip, and were developed as a possible solution to diversifying Southwest Victoria’s hardwood timber industry.
The study, which is co-funded by the Victorian Forest Products Association, will investigate whether it is viable to establish a manufacturing hub in the Glenelg Shire.
Running until October 2025, the study will examine a potential hub location, logistics, facilities, infrastructure, regulatory approvals and implementation timelines.
The initiative is part of the Portland Economic Diversification Plan which is supporting long-term economic growth in the Glenelg Shire through community-led projects and planning. This includes $7.3 million in funding to upgrade freight roads and provide road infrastructure to industrial land in Portland.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes MP:
“We’re committed to supporting and exploring options to promote and diversify Victoria’s industries and support local jobs and businesses in Portland to thrive.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora:
“This investment builds on the work already completed by industry to identify potential gaps in the market for timber products and use a locally grown resource to meet that demand.”
Quote from Green Triangle Forestry Industries Hub Chair, Cameron MacDonald:
“With global demand for wood fibre forecast to increase and Australia remaining a net importer, this study is critical to identifying opportunities for increased value capture within the Green Triangle Hardwood Plantations and, in particular, Portland and the Glenelg Shire.”
Quote from Victorian Forest Products Association CEO, Andrew White:
“Victoria is a leading state for plantation wood fibre production, with substantial opportunities to manufacture innovative engineered hardwood products, like structural timbers, that will address future demand for multi-story residential developments, as our population grows and the market seeks more climate-friendly building materials.”