The Australian Forest Products Association NSW (AFPA NSW) says the state’s construction industry will benefit from the NSW Government’s recent decision to divert timber supplies from export.
“Over the last few weeks, sawmills in Tumut and Tumbarumba have begun processing softwood logs from the north of the state that were originally designated for export,” AFPA NSW CEO Sue Grau said.
“Over the next three years, this NSW Government initiative means more timber will stay in the domestic market. It means the industry will be able to provide more timber for house frames and it will help make up for the loss of supply in the south of the state, following the Black Summer bushfires.
“A recent joint report with Master Builders Australia highlights that NSW will be 50,000 house frames short by 2035, another reason this initiative to boost timber supply is welcomed by the industry.”
The industry will continue to work with the NSW Government on growing the plantation estate which is a longer-term solution to both the current timber shortages and reducing carbon emissions.

The original media release is here.