The Australian Forest Products Association NSW (AFPA NSW) welcomes the NSW Government’s move to divert timber supplies from export to the domestic market. This will see the equivalent of up to 20,000 house frames of softwood log exports impacted by the China trade embargo stay in Australia.
“While it’s not a long-term solution for Australia’s timber shortage, this is a critical and welcome move from the NSW Government,” AFPA NSW CEO Sue Grau said.
“The industry is always supportive of increasing supply for domestic processors so more timber framing can be supplied to the housing market.
“This a great decision that will boost much needed timber supply for new homes while securing jobs in regional NSW. It also recognises the important role timber, wood, and fibre products play in storing carbon to help fight climate change. It was great to see Deputy Premier Barilaro acknowledge this in the announcement today.
“Our industry continues to work with the NSW Government to ensure the long-term sustainable future of plantations, which is also important to aid recovery from the impacts of the 2019-20 summer bushfires,” Ms Grau concluded.

The original media release is here.